Last Updated: May 19, 2022
Character optimization, at its simplest, is the act of looking at two choices when building a character and choosing the option which will make your character more mechanically effective. The practice is a bit more nuanced, if only because the abundance of options makes weighing those choices challenging. The collection of articles below includes detailed guidance on building your ideal character from top to bottom.
Intro to Character Optimization
Are you new to character optimization? Does reading a wall of text with a bunch of colors and stars and funny name seem daunting? Start here. Once you’ve got the basics, everything below will make more sense.
State of the Character Optimization Meta
A discussion of the current state of the character optimization meta, including changes introduced in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything.
This article will be periodically updated as new source books are released and rules changes are introduced.
Classes
General guides to building and playing your class.
Races
Sometimes you want to play a specific race. Knowing which options are available for that race can make playing that race more viable.
Feats
Guides to getting the most out of individual feats.
Spells
Detailed guides on how specific spells work and how to get the most out of them.
Other Support Articles
- Dunamancy Spell List Breakdown
- Epic Boons Breakdown
- The Fundamental Math of Character Optimization
- The Healbot Olympics
- Melee Cantrips vs. Extra Attack
- Practical Guide to Grapple
- Practical Guide to Mounted Combat
- Practical Guide to Multiclassing
- Spellcasting Feats Breakdown
- Ravnica Background Breakdown
- Strixhaven Backgrounds Breakdown
Beyond the Pale
I typically don’t cover content beyond the official sourcebooks. However, I occasionally make exceptions when numerous people make requests that I cover the same content. This may include Unearthed Arcana content or non-official content published during official events (like One Grung Above), and 3rd-party content.