D&D 5E Why do you like single or multi classing

[Dannyalcatraz]

I’ve played single, dual, and multiclassed characters over the editions, with single classed PCs being the rarest. It all boils down to what path feels right for the PC.

 

[cbwjm]

I'm keen on both depending on the character I've envisioned. I'll often just stick to single-classed, as most of the time that works with what I want, however, sometimes a multiclass works well.

A swashbuckler could just be a rogue, however combining it with a swords bard or with a fighter makes for a nice boost to the rogue class. Sometimes I'll get to the level needed for extra attack and then continue levelling in rogue.

I currently have an eldritch knight in a game which I'm intending to multiclass into wizard as a way to show a deeper understanding of arcane magic. It's actually going to be a little disappointing since that first level of wizard won't actually get me any more spell slots.

 

[Corinnguard]

I have played mostly single class characters in D&D, but I have mused on and off about multiclassing. On the one hand, multiclassing makes your character feel more versatile than a character who has chosen to stick with the same single class you started out with. Your Fighter character knows things not known to other Fighters. Etc. On the other hand, multiclassing slows you down a bit in acquiring class and subclass features of either class.

So it's a bit of a toss-up, and not for everyone.

This drawback, however, might explain why Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition created their multiclass synergy feats. As an enticement to multiclass and gain features that neither of your two classes will ever get on their own.

 

[Shiroiken]

Because I dislike the 3E style mutliclassing, I strongly prefer single class characters. The system is designed to encourage single level dips, which is not true multiclassing to me.

 

[Stormonu]

Single class, to the point of multiclassing is banned at my table. I hate level dipping and putting up with overpowered/ineffective multiclass builds and the headaches (especially anything Warlock/other spellcaster).

 

[Warpiglet-7]

Single class, to the point of multiclassing is banned at my table. I hate level dipping and putting up with overpowered/ineffective multiclass builds and the headaches (especially anything Warlock/other spellcaster).

Hey whatever works!

I have all single classed currently and only plans for the same but really enjoyed my cleric/celestial warlock.

In practice, it gave me some extra low level spells and rituals for cleric only which was nice. He was a herald for an Angel so it helped with utility stuff.

But I hear you. I think our group is about 50/50 on preference so don’t think it will get banned. But we trust eachother so it has not caused issues…yet.

My friend that powergames shares the benefits with the party vs glory hog so the DM just adds a little and it works ok.

 

[Frozen_Heart]

I prefer multiclassing as a single class usually doesn't fit how I picture my character mechanically or thematically.

So my previous character was a cleric-fighter. This was because forge cleric had this entire 'fire' theme going on which suited my fire genasi perfectly. But I took 5 levels in fighter as I wanted him to be a close combat tank.

My current character has three levels in fighter, and the rest as sorcerer. This is because I pictured her an an ocean themed sorcerer, but with a trident as her main weapon close up.

 

[beancounter]

I don't allow multi classing unless it makes sense in a PCs background.

Dipping into warlock and then moving on is (should be) probl matic..

 

[Retreater]

I single class because I want to adequately fulfill the expectations of my role in the party. Imagine playing an adventure where everyone is getting diseases you can't cure because your cleric multiclassed into fighter to get a better chance to hit - or a wizard who can't dispel because he wanted a couple extra HP.
IME, multiclassing usually doesn't benefit the party.

 

[MoonSong]

I don't allow multi classing unless it makes sense in a PCs background.

Dipping into warlock and then moving on is (should be) probl matic..

So only background? No provision for changes that happen organically during play?

 

[demonsquidgod]

I actively dislike multiclass in 5e. I was initially going to ban it in my current campaign but one of my players wanted it so bad.

It's often used by people who focus more on character build than character concept. People who view building a character aa akin to building a deck in magic the gathering lookingfor optimized synergies.

I prefer when characters are defined more by their personality and choices than by the efficiency of their mechanics.

If you have a neat concept that isn't well represented by an existing class/subclass I would prefer to just homebrew something than use a multiclass kludge.

 

[CreamCloud0]

Dipping into warlock and then moving on is (should be) probl matic..

Then your PCs are all surprised when suddenly their patrons are calling them making ‘requests (or else)’ of them or asking why they haven’t been holding up their end of the contract.

 

[James Gasik]

Multiclassing is a useful tool for creating the exact kind of character you want, both mechanically, and conceptually. On a long enough timeline, however, options will appear that will obviate the need for multiclassing to build characters that do exactly what you want them to do.

For example, you might want to play a fantasy Ninja, with supernatural abilities and stealth skills. When the PHB came out, you might decide to do this by playing a multiclassed Monk/Rogue. Later, you may find the itch is best scratched by a Shadow Monk. And at some future point, there might be a Ninja subclass for the Rogue that does everything you would want a Ninja to do!

 

[payn]

Multiclassing is a useful tool for creating the exact kind of character you want, both mechanically, and conceptually. On a long enough timeline, however, options will appear that will obviate the need for multiclassing to build characters that do exactly what you want them to do.

For example, you might want to play a fantasy Ninja, with supernatural abilities and stealth skills. When the PHB came out, you might decide to do this by playing a multiclassed Monk/Rogue. Later, you may find the itch is best scratched by a Shadow Monk. And at some future point, there might be a Ninja subclass for the Rogue that does everything you would want a Ninja to do!

Yeap, this has been happening since 3E. PF1 went through a ton of iterations so you had so many options to choose from. For some thats too "build" centric, but I cant personally get enough!

 

[Bolares]

I like the freedom of being able to multiclass. Sometimes I want a mechanic benefit that will make the character interesting to play in combat, sometimes i want to emulate a concept that I think will be better represented with a multiclass, sometimes there is an in story event that makes the character want to pivot to another class, and sometimes I don't want to do it at all.

 

[James Gasik]

I like the freedom of being able to multiclass. Sometimes I want a mechanic benefit that will make the character interesting to play in combat, sometimes i want to emulate a concept that I think will be better represented with a multiclass, sometimes there is an in story event that makes the character want to pivot to another class, and sometimes I don't want to do it at all.

I do wish that multiclassing rules were kinder to characters who want to multiclass organically based on the story unfolding. 5e is better about this than previous editions, since having your Wizard take a level of, say, Druid, isn't the end of the world, but if you're playing a Monk and at around level 3, you decide to embrace your religious side to take a level of Cleric, you're in for a bit of pain.

 

[Bolares]

I do wish that multiclassing rules were kinder to characters who want to multiclass organically based on the story unfolding. 5e is better about this than previous editions, since having your Wizard take a level of, say, Druid, isn't the end of the world, but if you're playing a Monk and at around level 3, you decide to embrace your religious side to take a level of Cleric, you're in for a bit of pain.

Yeah, I think there should be a way to "respec" your character to fit your organic multiclass better. It only happened in a table I DMed once, and my solution was to talk to the player and adjust their stats to better fit the direction their character was going.

 

[James Gasik]

Making ASI's dependent on character level, not class level, would be a good start. The bonus ASI's of the Fighter and Rogue wouldn't have to change, they'd just be class abilities at those levels.

 

[Bolares]

Another thing that is a problem to this kind of multiclas is the ability pre-requisites....

 

[James Gasik]

Another thing that is a problem to this kind of multiclas is the ability pre-requisites....

I always forget those are a thing, since most people multiclass in a synergistic fashion. I don't think I've ever heard someone say "man, I wish I had the Int to multiclass Wizard", since you wouldn't want to be a Wizard unless you had high Intelligence to begin with!