Here is everything you should probably get started on your adventure as a bard.
Every groupneeds a face that can talk the party into and out of situationsand adjust to ever-changing circumstances.
That someone could be you.
Artwork by Mike Pape, Evyn Fong, and Hocheol Ryu via Wizards of the Coast
They are alsoa spellcasting class, as opposed to the more martial options such as barbarians or fighters.
However, some ofthe differences are subtle, and feats have been given out at different levels than before.
Your whole party might notice this difference if they’reused to using their hit point dicebetween bouts of combat.
Bard by Evyn Fong
The above table doesn’t include Spellcasting, which will be covered in detail later in this guide.
Subclass Highlights
There arefour bardic subclassesin the 2024 Player’s Handbook.
These are the colleges ofdance, glamour, lore, and valor.
Bard by Evyn Fong
Only two of these were featured in the 2014 Player’s Handbook, both lore and valor.
This includes giving bonuses not just toyourinitiative rollsbut also to the rolls of the group, too.
If you start out together,be sure to put some space between youall quickly.
Ellywick Tumblestrum by Anna Steinbauer
And that’s just a fact.
Want to craft some goods during your downtime?
Whether you are a DM or a player unsure about crafting, this is the guide for you.
Bargaining with a Hag, by Linda Lithén
you could build them for any class you decide to play.
No matter what sources you want to pull from,always check with your DMwhen creating a character.
Subclass
Stat Priorities
Why?
Artwork by Katerina Ladon via Wizards of the Coast
College of Valor
Constitution will help withyour hit point maximum.
Healing Word
Invisibility
Dimension Door
Mislead
Five
A ranking of all the official Bard subclasses from worst to best.
Best Starting Equipment
The 2024 Player’s Handbook only hastwo options for starting equipment.
Artwork by Hocheol Ryu
There’s nothing wrong with pickingthe standard starting equipment.
It gives you somearmor, some weapons, a musical instrumentof your choice, and thenan Entertainer’s Pack.
Plus, you’ll getsome gold to start off with, too.
Artwork by Mike Pape via Wizards of the Coast
When it comes to weapons, you’ll most likely want weaponswith the Finesse property.
This usesDexterity or Strength.
Consider also gettinga Disguise Kit and a Gaming Set.
Artwork by Ignatius Budi and Kamila Szutenberg
Having a Disguise Kit can help whenspells can’t be used,or you needallies to join you.
Being good with a Gaming Set can help youstrike up conversationsor havesomeone in your debt.
These are some of themost solid feats you’re free to choosefor your bard character.
Keep in mind: your bard, their backstory, and your playstyle will all influence your choices.
Actor
Come on now, you’re a bard.
Of course this feat is on the list.
Aasimar species image by Aldo Dominguez.
Actor is going tocompliment everything you’re already doing.
If you find yourself needingextra help with Persuasion, this could change the game.
Inspiring Leader
Lets yougive temporary hit points to your partybefore combat.
Artwork by Zuzanna Wuzyk
Pair this withsomething like Musician to stack buffsbefore big fights.
Lucky
As the bard, you will find yourself in situations whereyou simply can’t fail.
Having this feat will let you attempt to change fate andgive you a higher rollin crucial moments.
Artwork by Igor Grechanyi
Skilled
it’s possible for you to never go wrongwith more skill proficiencies.
As for backgrounds, naturally, you could choose anything.
But some choicespair better with bards.
Background Name
Why This Background?
Charlatan
Giving youDeception and Sleight Of Handfrees you up to makedifferent skill proficiency choices.
Entertainer
Thisgives you Musicianwithout taking up a Feat choice later.
Art from Wizards of the Coast.
Plus, free proficiency inAcrobatics and Performance, two things that tend to be important for bards.
Guard
A great choice forthe college of valor bard.
It also gives youAlert, which will work well with a college of dancebard.
Tieflings playing cards by Clint Cearley
Which class wouldn’t want the benefits of barbarian’s Rage?
Or access to the massive library of wizards spells?
Butsome options will just go better with a bard, like white wine paired with fish.
Art by Marcela Medeiros.
Multiclass Options
Who Should Pick These?
Barbarian
College of valor bards.
Rogue
Bards who are the face of the party.
Cleric or Paladin
Bards who want to support the party.
Why wouldn’t you want to play a rogue?
This guide covers everything it’s crucial that you know about the angstiest class in D&D.
