In Dungeons and Dragons, there are many different fighting styles available to characters.
Can you have multiple fighting styles in DND?
Characters in DND can have multiple fighting styles. Characters get multiple fighting styles by multiclassing, stacking, and achieving feats. Characters can stack fighting styles as they level up in DND. Characters can not possess the same fighting style twice.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about multiple fighting styles in DND.
Can You Have Multiple Fighting Styles in DND? (Detailed Answer)
You will be happy to learn that it is in fact possible for you to take on multiple fighting styles in D&D.
The Players Handbook states:
Multiclassing allows you to gain levels in multiple classes. Doing so lets you mix the abilities of those classes to realize a character concept that might not be reflected in one of the standard class options.
You can get multiple fighting styles by:
- Multiclassing
- Stacking fighting styles
- Feats
However, this will depend upon your character class, how quickly you advance in the game, and how the fighting styles synergize well.
Also, Champion fighters will be able to pick up a second fighting style upon attaining Level 10 or completing a Fighting Initiate Feat.
What are Fighting Styles in Dungeons and Dragons?
Fighting styles are special skills and abilities that your character can apply in combat.
Your character will have one focused area of combat which is a part of their identity and will reflect their personalities, past training, and character goals.
For example, a ranger might start with an Archery fighting specialty.
A paladin, on the other hand, might begin with the Blessed Warrior fighting style.
There is a variety of fighting styles available to choose from, although there are some restrictions based on character class.
Fighter class characters, probably the most diverse of classes, have access to a whopping 11 different styles.
Whereas, if you are a ranger or paladin, you will have access to 7 different fighting styles.
Types of Fighting Styles in Dungeons and Dragons
Here are the major fighting styles available in DND:
- Archery
- Blessed Warrior (This is Paladin Exclusive.)
- Blind Fighting
- Defense
- Druidic Warrior
- Dueling
- Great Weapon Fighting
- Interception
- Protection
- Superior Technique (Fighter Exclusive Style.)
- Thrown Weapon Fighting
- Two-Weapon Fighting
- Unarmed Fighting
Later in this article, we will look at each character class individually and which multiclass combinations work best for them.
But first, how do you actually get multiple fighting styles?
Let’s talk about it.
How To Have Multiple Fighting Styles in D&D?
To gain access to multiple Fighting Styles there are three main approaches you can take:
- Multiclassing
- Choose a Martial Archetype and Attain Level 10
- Complete the Fighting Initiate Feat
Multiclassing for Multiple Fighting Styles
In Dungeons and Dragons, multiclassing is a way to get multiple fighting styles by taking levels in different classes.
For example, you can multiclass a Fighter and Ranger.
You would then have access to both the Fighter’s and the Ranger’s fighting style options. A cool combo might be Archery and Blind Fighting.
If you multiclass as a Fighter and Paladin, combining the Superior Technique fighting style with Blessed Warrior.
Choose a Martial Archetype and Attain Level 10
Another way to get multiple fighting styles is to play a Fighter, choose a Martial Archetype at Level 3, and then Attain 10th Level.
Here is how it works:
- Choose a Martial Archetype at Level 3 – When you reach the third level, you will be able to select a Martial Archetype to guide your combat techniques and styles. For example, you can choose between Battle Master, Eldritch Knight, or Champion. Your choice of archetype will directly affect the features which become available to you at the 7th, 10th, 15th, and 18th levels.
- Attain Level 10 – As you progress through the game, go on adventures, and overcome challenges, you will gain experience points. If you gain enough points to reach level 10, you will be able to access another fighting style.
Complete the Fighting Initiate Feat
A feat in dungeons dragons represents an achievement in an area of expertise or talent that your character has attained.
The Fighting Initiate Feat gives you access to fighting styles in a separate character class.
You achieve the Fighting Initiate Feat when you:
- Already possess proficiency in a martial weapon
- Achieve a level where you can upgrade your ability scores (Level 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, and 19)
Instead of increasing your ability score, you choose to get this feat and choose another fighting style.
Here is a good video about combing Fighting Styles with Feats:
Can You Switch Fighting Styles in DND?
In the past, when playing Dungeons and Dragons, you would find yourself locked into one fighting style for the whole campaign.
But that’s no longer the case.
Now you have the option to be a bit more inventive and fluid with your character’s fighting style as their journey progresses.
The Martial Versatility feature will allow you to switch from one fighting style to another.
This allows for more varied, interesting, and fluid gameplay.
Here’s what you need to know:
- You can activate the Martial Versatility feature when your character reaches a level where you could increase your ability scores (again, that’s usually Levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19).
- You can only choose another fighting style from your character class
While the Martial Versatility feature opens lots of interesting melee combat opportunities for your characters, it is good to keep in mind that the fighting style choice you make will affect your character’s actions and choices.
Only replace fighting styles with the future of your gameplay in mind.
Can You Take the Same Fighting Style Twice?
What should you do if you have changed your fighting style and find yourself longing for the fighting style you swapped out?
Well, the bad news is, according to the rules, you will not be allowed to choose the same fighting style more than once, even if you get the opportunity to change your style again later in the game.
To me, this means:
- You can’s switch back to a fighting style you selected previously
- You can’t double-dip (or stack) the exact same fighting style
If you find that changing your fighting style has left you unexpectantly vulnerable, or you just miss your past capabilities, then you should look to choose another style that has complementary abilities or covers a similar type of attack mode.
As another option, you can also ask your Dungeon Master (DM) to make an exception for you.
How Should You Pair Multiple Fighting Styles?
If you already have an archery fighting style, a dueling style clearly might not be the best option for a second fighting style.
However, combing an offensive style with a defensive style might turn your character into a tank.
When pairing fighting styles, consider:
- How the fighting styles complement each other
- Combining two melee combat styles
- Combining a melee and ranged fighting style
You might choose to go for a dueling and interception combination, or perhaps combine archery with two-weapon fighting using thrown weapons.
Some styles synergize with each other well and create opportunities for a more diverse build.
The archery and dueling fighting styles probably won’t be used at the same time, but you could be very good at both depending on the situation.
If you find that the combination you have chosen is not working well for you, or you just feel like a change, you can choose to change your fighting style when you reach an ability score improvement (ASI) level and try out a different combination.
Multiple Fighting Styles By Character Class
Now, let’s look at the various character classes and assess the suitability of pairing fighting styles with other classes.
Because each class has various individual attributes and features, some pairings may give you more benefits and some may restrict the abilities you already possess.
Note, these are just my opinions informed by my experience with DND.
Some of the combos change positions depending on the main character class.
How To Multiclass Fighting Styles as a Fighter
Good combinations for your Fighter multiclass include:
- Paladin
- Ranger
- Rogue
- Druid
- Monk
- Barbarian
Decent combinations for your Fighter multiclass include:
- Cleric
- Bard
Other combination options for your Fighter multiclass:
- Artificer
- Sorcerer
- Wizard
How To Multiclass Fighting Styles as Rogue
Good combinations for your Rouge multiclass include:
- Bard
- Fighter
- Barbarian
- Paladin
- Ranger
Decent combinations for your Rouge multiclass include:
- Monk
- Cleric
- Druid
Other combinations for your Rouge multiclass include:
- Artificer
- Wizard
- Sorceror
How To Multiclass Fighting Styles as a Wizard
Good combinations for your Wizard multiclass include:
- Cleric
- Fighter
- Paladin
- Barbarian
- Ranger
- Monk
- Druid
Decent combinations for your Wizard multiclass include:
- Bard
- Rogue
Other combinations for your Wizard multiclass include:
- Warlock
- Artificer
How To Multiclass Fighting Styles as a Druid
Good combinations for your Druid multiclassing:
- Barbarian
- Clerics
- Ranger
- Monk
- Paladin
- Fighter
Decent combinations for your Druid multiclassing:
- Bard
- Rogue
Other combinations for your Druid multiclassing:
- Artificer
- Warlock
- Sorcerer
- Wizard
How To Multiclass Fighting Styles as a Sorcerer
Good combinations for your Sorcerer multiclassing:
- Bard
- Cleric
- Fighter
- Monk
- Paladin
- Ranger
Decent combinations for your Sorcerer multiclassing:
- Druid
- Barbarian
- Rogue
Other combinations for your Sorcerer multiclassing:
- Artificer
- Wizard
How To Multiclass Fighting Styles as a Paladin
Good combinations for your Paladin multiclassing:
- Bard
- Monk
- Fighter
- Barbarian
- Ranger
Decent combinations for your Paladin multiclassing:
- Cleric
- Druid
- Rouge
Other combinations for your Paladin multiclassing:
- Artificer
- Sorceror
- Wizard
How To Multiclass Fighting Styles as a Cleric
Good combinations for your Cleric multiclassing:
- Paladin
- Barbarian
- Fighter
- Ranger
- Paladin
Decent combinations for your Cleric multiclassing:
- Bard
- Druid
Other combinations for your Cleric multiclassing:
- Rogue
- Sorceror
- Warlock
- Sorcerer
How To Multiclass Fighting Styles as an Artificer
Good combinations for your Artificer multiclassing:
- Fighter
- Barbarian
- Paladin
- Monk
Decent combinations for your Artificer multiclassing:
- Bard
- Cleric
- Druid
Other combinations for your Artificer multiclassing:
- Wizard
- Sorceror
How To Multiclass Fighting Styles as a Ranger
Good combinations for your Ranger multiclassing:
- Cleric
- Fighter
- Barbarian
- Paladin
Decent combinations for your Ranger multiclassing:
- Bard
- Druid
- Rogue
Other combinations for your Ranger multiclassing:
- Wizard
- Sorceror
How To Multiclass Fighting Styles as a Bard
Good combinations for your Bard multiclassing:
- Cleric
- Druid
- Fighter
- Paladin
- Barbarian
Decent combinations for your Bard multiclassing:
- Monk
- Rouge
- Ranger
Other combinations for your Bard multiclassing:
- Wizard
- Sorceror
How To Multiclass Fighting Styles as a Warlock
Good combinations for your Warlock multiclassing:
- Cleric
- Fighter
- Paladin
- Ranger
- Barbarian
Decent combinations for your Warlock multiclassing:
- Rouge
- Druid
- Monk
Other combinations for your Warlock multiclassing:
- Wizard
- Sorceror
How To Multiclass Fighting Styles as a Barbarian
Good combinations for your Barbarian multiclassing:
- Fighter
- Paladin
- Monk
- Ranger
Decent combinations for your Barbarian multiclassing:
- Rogue
- Druid
- Cleric
Other combinations for your Barbarian multiclassing:
- Artificer
- Wizard
Final Thoughts: Can You Have Multiple Fighting Styles in DND?
We hope that you have found this article helpful and now have a better understanding of the process of gaining multiple fighting styles in Dungeons and Dragons.
We have tons more articles about DND on this site.
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