Character class

Fighter

A flexible martial class with broad armor and weapon access, frequent Ability Score Improvements, and the strongest repeated Attack action A stylized combat action icon representing the Attack action. D&D Portal - Attack Action Action rule Attack Action is an action economy rule used to describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/attack-action/ progression.

Mechanically, the Fighter is built around Strength A stylized clenched fist emblem representing physical power,
athletic ability, and force. D&D Portal - Strength Physical power and athletic ability Strength measures physical power, athletic ability, and a character's capacity to exert force. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/strength/ or Dexterity A stylized winged boot emblem representing agility, balance,
reflexes, and precise movement. D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance, and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/, uses a d10 Hit Die, and follows the progression table below for proficiency bonus, class features, and class-specific resources.

This page collects the Fighter core traits, starting equipment, level progression, class feature summaries, and published subclasses in one place. Use the linked rules terms for quick hover context without leaving the class page.

Implementation Identity

Implementation identity
Property	Value
Primary ability	Strength D&D Portal - Strength Physical power and athletic ability Strength measures physical power, athletic ability, and a character's capacity to exert force. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/strength/ or Dexterity D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance, and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/
Multiclass prerequisite	Strength D&D Portal - Strength Physical power and athletic ability Strength measures physical power, athletic ability, and a character's capacity to exert force. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/strength/ 13 or Dexterity D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance, and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/ 13
Spellcasting	None by default; Eldritch Knight adds Intelligence D&D Portal - Intelligence Reasoning, memory, and knowledge Intelligence measures reasoning, memory, education, and the ability to recall and analyse information. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/intelligence/-based spellcasting.
Suggested tags	melee, ranged, tank, sustained-damage, tactical

Core Class Traits

Core class traits
Property	Value
Hit Die	d10
Armor	All armor, shields D&D Portal - Shields Equipment reference Shields is an equipment reference used by character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/shields/
Weapons	Simple weapons D&D Portal - Simple Weapons Equipment reference Simple Weapons is an equipment reference used by character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/simple-weapons/, martial weapons D&D Portal - Martial Weapons Equipment reference Martial Weapons is an equipment reference used by character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/martial-weapons/
Tools	None
Saving Throws	Strength D&D Portal - Strength Physical power and athletic ability Strength measures physical power, athletic ability, and a character's capacity to exert force. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/strength/, Constitution D&D Portal - Constitution Health, stamina, and endurance Constitution measures health, stamina, endurance, and a character's resistance to physical hardship. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/constitution/
Skills	Choose two: Acrobatics D&D Portal - Acrobatics Skill reference Acrobatics is a skill used for ability checks in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/acrobatics/, Animal Handling D&D Portal - Animal Handling Skill reference Animal Handling is a skill used for ability checks in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/animal-handling/, Athletics D&D Portal - Athletics Skill reference Athletics is a skill used for ability checks in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/athletics/, History D&D Portal - History Skill reference History is a skill used for ability checks in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/history/, Insight D&D Portal - Insight Skill reference Insight is a skill used for ability checks in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/insight/, Intimidation D&D Portal - Intimidation Skill reference Intimidation is a skill used for ability checks in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/intimidation/, Perception D&D Portal - Perception Skill reference Perception is a skill used for ability checks in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/perception/, Survival D&D Portal - Survival Skill reference Survival is a skill used for ability checks in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/survival/

Starting Equipment

Choose one

Option 1

Chain mail orleather armor with longbow and arrows .

Choose one

Option 2

Martial weapon and shield A stylized armor class icon representing shields. D&D Portal - Shields Equipment reference Shields is an equipment reference used by character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/shields/ ortwo martial weapons A stylized sword icon representing martial weapon
proficiency. D&D Portal - Martial Weapons Equipment reference Martial Weapons is an equipment reference used by character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/martial-weapons/ .

Choose one

Option 3

Light crossbow and bolts ortwo handaxes A stylized handaxe icon representing handaxes. D&D Portal - Handaxes Equipment reference Handaxes are an equipment reference used by character options, equipment choices, and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/equipment/simple-melee-weapon/handaxes/ .

Choose one

Option 4

Dungeoneer’s pack orexplorer’s pack .

Fighter progression
Level	Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/	Features
	+2	Fighting Style Second Wind
	+2	Action Surge (1)
	+2	Martial Archetype
	+2	Ability Score Improvement Martial Versatility Optional
	+3	Extra Attack (2 attacks)
	+3	Ability Score Improvement Martial Versatility Optional
	+3	Archetype feature
	+3	Ability Score Improvement Martial Versatility Optional
	+4	Indomitable (1)
	+4	Archetype feature
	+4	Extra Attack (3 attacks)
	+4	Ability Score Improvement Martial Versatility Optional
	+5	Indomitable (2)
	+5	Ability Score Improvement Martial Versatility Optional
	+5	Archetype feature
	+5	Ability Score Improvement Martial Versatility Optional
	+6	Action Surge (2) Indomitable (3)
	+6	Archetype feature
	+6	Ability Score Improvement Martial Versatility Optional
	+6	Extra Attack (4 attacks)

Level 1 2 features gained Fighting Style | Second Wind +2

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +2
Features: Fighting Style
Second Wind

Level 2 1 feature gained Action Surge (1) +2

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +2
Features: Action Surge (1)

Level 3 1 feature gained Martial Archetype +2

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +2
Features: Martial Archetype

Level 4 2 features gained Ability Score Improvement | Martial Versatility +2

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +2
Features: Ability Score Improvement
Martial Versatility Optional

Level 5 1 feature gained Extra Attack (2 attacks) +3

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +3
Features: Extra Attack (2 attacks)

Level 6 2 features gained Ability Score Improvement | Martial Versatility +3

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +3
Features: Ability Score Improvement
Martial Versatility Optional

Level 7 1 feature gained Archetype feature +3

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +3
Features: Archetype feature

Level 8 2 features gained Ability Score Improvement | Martial Versatility +3

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +3
Features: Ability Score Improvement
Martial Versatility Optional

Level 9 1 feature gained Indomitable (1) +4

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +4
Features: Indomitable (1)

Level 10 1 feature gained Archetype feature +4

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +4
Features: Archetype feature

Level 11 1 feature gained Extra Attack (3 attacks) +4

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +4
Features: Extra Attack (3 attacks)

Level 12 2 features gained Ability Score Improvement | Martial Versatility +4

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +4
Features: Ability Score Improvement
Martial Versatility Optional

Level 13 1 feature gained Indomitable (2) +5

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +5
Features: Indomitable (2)

Level 14 2 features gained Ability Score Improvement | Martial Versatility +5

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +5
Features: Ability Score Improvement
Martial Versatility Optional

Level 15 1 feature gained Archetype feature +5

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +5
Features: Archetype feature

Level 16 2 features gained Ability Score Improvement | Martial Versatility +5

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +5
Features: Ability Score Improvement
Martial Versatility Optional

Level 17 2 features gained Action Surge (2) | Indomitable (3) +6

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +6
Features: Action Surge (2)
Indomitable (3)

Level 18 1 feature gained Archetype feature +6

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +6
Features: Archetype feature

Level 19 2 features gained Ability Score Improvement | Martial Versatility +6

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +6
Features: Ability Score Improvement
Martial Versatility Optional

Level 20 1 feature gained Extra Attack (4 attacks) +6

Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/: +6
Features: Extra Attack (4 attacks)

Class Features

As a fighter, you gain the following class features.

Fighting Style

Level 1

Choose a persistent combat specialization such as Archery, Defense, Dueling, Great Weapon Fighting, Protection, Two-Weapon Fighting, or a Tasha’s option.

Second Wind

Level 1

Use a bonus action A stylized combat action icon representing a bonus action. D&D Portal - Bonus Action Action rule Bonus Action is an action economy rule used to describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/bonus-action/ once per short or long rest A stylized rest icon representing a long rest. D&D Portal - Long Rest Rest rule Long Rest is a rest rule used to recover resources, hit points, and class features. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/rests/long-rest/ to recover 1d10 + fighter level hit points A stylized blood drop icon representing hit points. D&D Portal - Hit Points Combat rule Hit Points is a combat rule used by attacks, damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/hit-points/.

Action Surge

Levels 2, second use at 17

Take one additional action on the current turn; recover uses on a short or long rest A stylized rest icon representing a long rest. D&D Portal - Long Rest Rest rule Long Rest is a rest rule used to recover resources, hit points, and class features. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/rests/long-rest/.

Martial Archetype

Levels 3, 7, 10, 15, 18

Choose a subclass that defines tactical, magical, or weapon specialization.

Ability Score Improvement

Levels 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, 19

Gain more ASIs A stylized speech bubble icon representing the ASI abbreviation. D&D Portal - ASI Shortened rule term ASI means Ability Score Improvement. Use an ASI when a class feature grants Ability Score Improvement. You normally increase one ability score by 2, or two ability scores by 1 each, within the normal maximum. If feats are allowed, the ASI can often be exchanged for a feat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/asi/ than any other base class.

Martial Versatility (Optional)

Level ASI A stylized speech bubble icon representing the ASI abbreviation. D&D Portal - ASI Shortened rule term ASI means Ability Score Improvement. Use an ASI when a class feature grants Ability Score Improvement. You normally increase one ability score by 2, or two ability scores by 1 each, within the normal maximum. If feats are allowed, the ASI can often be exchanged for a feat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/asi/ levels

Optional

Replace a fighting style or a known Battle Master maneuver at ASI A stylized speech bubble icon representing the ASI abbreviation. D&D Portal - ASI Shortened rule term ASI means Ability Score Improvement. Use an ASI when a class feature grants Ability Score Improvement. You normally increase one ability score by 2, or two ability scores by 1 each, within the normal maximum. If feats are allowed, the ASI can often be exchanged for a feat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/asi/ levels.

Extra Attack

Levels 5, 11, 20

Attack two, then three, then four times with the Attack action A stylized combat action icon representing the Attack action. D&D Portal - Attack Action Action rule Attack Action is an action economy rule used to describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/attack-action/.

Indomitable

Levels 9, 13, 17

Reroll a failed saving throw A stylized die roll icon representing a saving throw. D&D Portal - Saving Throw D20 test rule Saving Throw is a d20 test rule used to resolve uncertain outcomes during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/d20-tests/saving-throw/; uses increase at higher levels.

Published Subclasses

Xanathar’s Guide to Everything

Arcane Archer

Imbue bow shots with specialized arcane effects.

fighter
subclass
arcane-archer

Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

Banneret

Share fighter recovery and inspire allies through leadership.

fighter
subclass
banneret

Player’s Handbook

Battle Master

Spend superiority dice on tactical maneuvers.

fighter
subclass
battle-master

Xanathar’s Guide to Everything

Cavalier

Mounted and defensive control focused on marking and holding enemies.

fighter
subclass
cavalier

Player’s Handbook

Champion

Improved critical range, physical excellence, and simple reliability.

fighter
subclass
champion

Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount

Echo Knight

Project an echo to extend movement, attacks, and battlefield presence.

fighter
subclass
echo-knight

Player’s Handbook

Eldritch Knight

Blend weapon combat with limited wizard spellcasting.

fighter
subclass
eldritch-knight

Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

Psi Warrior

Psionic dice fuel defense, movement, and telekinetic strikes.

fighter
subclass
psi-warrior

Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

Rune Knight

Inscribe runes and grow to giant size for control and power.

fighter
subclass
rune-knight

Xanathar’s Guide to Everything

Samurai

Gain temporary advantage, resilience, and disciplined social presence.

fighter
subclass
samurai

FAQ

What is a Fighter in D&D?

A Fighter is a weapon-focused martial class built around broad armor and weapon proficiency, a Fighting Style, Second Wind, Action Surge, Extra Attack, frequent Ability Score Improvements, and Indomitable. Fighters use a d10 Hit Die and can specialise in Strength or Dexterity, melee or ranged combat, defense, tactics, or subclass-specific magic.

Read more: Fighter D&D Portal - What is a Fighter in D&D? Fighter FAQ A Fighter is a weapon-focused martial class built around broad armor and weapon proficiency, a Fighting Style, Second Wind, Action Surge, Extra Attack, frequent Ability Score Improvements, and Indomitable. Fighters use a d10 Hit Die and can specialise in Strength or Dexterity, melee or ranged combat, defense, tactics, or subclass-specific magic. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/fighter/what-is-a-fighter-in-dnd/

How do you play a Fighter?

Play a Fighter by choosing a coherent weapon and armor plan, matching it with a Fighting Style, and using Action Surge when an extra action can change the encounter rather than spending it automatically. Strength or Dexterity should match the chosen weapons, Constitution supports durability, and the Martial Archetype determines whether the Fighter stays straightforward or adds manoeuvres, magic, runes, psionics, or another specialist system.

Read more: Fighter D&D Portal - How do you play a Fighter? Fighter FAQ Play a Fighter by choosing a coherent weapon and armor plan, matching it with a Fighting Style, and using Action Surge when an extra action can change the encounter rather than spending it automatically. Strength or Dexterity should match the chosen weapons, Constitution supports durability, and the Martial Archetype determines whether the Fighter stays straightforward or adds manoeuvres, magic, runes, psionics, or another specialist system. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/fighter/how-do-you-play-a-fighter/

What ability scores are best for a Fighter?

A Fighter normally makes either Strength or Dexterity the highest ability score, depending on the weapons and armor being used. Constitution is usually the second major priority because it increases hit points. Strength is best for heavy melee weapons and many heavy-armor builds; Dexterity is best for ranged and finesse weapons and also improves initiative. In the 2014 multiclassing rules, Fighter requires Strength 13 or Dexterity 13.

Read more: Fighter D&D Portal - What ability scores are best for a Fighter? Fighter FAQ A Fighter normally makes either Strength or Dexterity the highest ability score, depending on the weapons and armor being used. Constitution is usually the second major priority because it increases hit points. Strength is best for heavy melee weapons and many heavy-armor builds; Dexterity is best for ranged and finesse weapons and also improves initiative. In the 2014 multiclassing rules, Fighter requires Strength 13 or Dexterity 13. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/fighter/what-ability-scores-are-best-for-a-fighter/

What are the main Fighter class features?

The 2014 Fighter's main features are Fighting Style, Second Wind, Action Surge, a Martial Archetype, Extra Attack, extra Ability Score Improvements, and Indomitable. Fighters gain more attacks and more ASI opportunities than most classes, while Action Surge provides short-rest burst action economy and the Martial Archetype supplies the class's specialist mechanics.

Read more: Fighter D&D Portal - What are the main Fighter class features? Fighter FAQ The 2014 Fighter's main features are Fighting Style, Second Wind, Action Surge, a Martial Archetype, Extra Attack, extra Ability Score Improvements, and Indomitable. Fighters gain more attacks and more ASI opportunities than most classes, while Action Surge provides short-rest burst action economy and the Martial Archetype supplies the class's specialist mechanics. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/fighter/what-are-the-main-fighter-class-features/

What subclasses can a Fighter choose?

A Fighter's subclass is called a Martial Archetype and is chosen at 3rd level in the 2014 rules. Major official pre-2024 Fifth Edition options include Champion, Battle Master, Eldritch Knight, Purple Dragon Knight/Banneret, Arcane Archer, Cavalier, Samurai, Echo Knight, Psi Warrior, and Rune Knight. Each keeps the Fighter's core Action Surge and Extra Attack chassis while adding a different tactical system.

Read more: Fighter D&D Portal - What subclasses can a Fighter choose? Fighter FAQ A Fighter's subclass is called a Martial Archetype and is chosen at 3rd level in the 2014 rules. Major official pre-2024 Fifth Edition options include Champion, Battle Master, Eldritch Knight, Purple Dragon Knight/Banneret, Arcane Archer, Cavalier, Samurai, Echo Knight, Psi Warrior, and Rune Knight. Each keeps the Fighter's core Action Surge and Extra Attack chassis while adding a different tactical system. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/fighter/what-subclasses-can-a-fighter-choose/