Dungeons & Dragons is a game that lends itself to many different play styles. From Wizard to Warrior, there's a class for every player. Many players get overwhelmed when first starting because there are just so many options to consider. Undoubtedly one of the most versatile classes is the Fighter. Skilled with many weapons and armor types, this class has a lot of different routes to consider when diving into it.
With so many options at their disposal, it is no surprise that there are some especially effective and diverse sub-classes for the Fighter.
10 Champion
The Champion sub-class is for the Fighter who is afraid of commitment. Players can do a little of everything, and that makes Fighters shine with this class. The most notable aspect of Champions is that being one can triple a player's chances of rolling a critical by level 15. At level 3, 19-20 crits, and then at level 15, 18-20 is a crit. Because Fighters generally dole out multiple hits per turn, the chances of rolling a critical are high.
This sub-class is a good beginner route for those new to the game. There is a learning curve with all sub-classes, but this one is far less steep than some of the more specialized sub-classes.
9 Arcane Archer
Legendary among the elves, the Arcane Archer is a magic-infused archery based fighter. With several arcane shots to choose from, the arcane archer can come through in the stickiest situations, provided they keep their distance.
Whether it be charming, ensnaring, or even banishing effects, debilitating opponents comes easy to them. Especially with the ability Curved Shot, which lets the archer re-roll a missed magic arrow shot and direct it towards another target within 60 feet. Opt for a high dexterity and take Sharpshooter here.
8 Echo Knight
The Shadow Clone Jutsu is familiar to fans of Naruto, but interestingly enough, players can employ a similar ability in D&D-- In fact, there's a whole class based around it. The Echo Knight can use their bonus action to clone themselves, giving them increased mobility and combat options. While only able to create one at a time, and having a limited range, the ability comes with some great perks regardless.
The player can teleport to their clone's position and attack from their clone (including attacks of opportunity). In later levels, the class can regain health when it is destroyed, and it can even sacrifice itself to stop an attack on a player. Show the enemies that two is always better than one!
7 Rune Knight
Two sub-classes may interest fans of The Witcher, both of which are in Unearthed Arcana. The first is Monster Hunter which focuses on taking down creatures, and the second is the Rune Knight. The latter class may be more effective consistently.
The idea behind this sub-class is that the Fighter can their augment armor and weapons with Runes, much like Geralt can do in the games. However, unlike Geralt, this class is steeped in Giant abilities. Not only can the class talk to Giants, but they can grow in size to the large classification and increase damage output. They can eventually even share this ability with a nearby party member at high levels!
6 Cavalier
Mounted combat is the name of the game for a Cavalier. They can mark enemies, giving them disadvantage on attacks against comrades, but one of the best abilities they hold is one they get at level 10 called Hold the Line.
This ability grants an opportunity attack whenever a creature moves within 5 feet of the player, but also if that attack lands, they cannot move for the rest of the turn. With the help of their steed (on top of a good animal handling score), the Cavalier is a mobile force that can help control the flow of combat.
5 Psychic Warrior
Sometimes it's not brute strength or even magic, but the strength of mind. That's where the Psychic Warrior comes in, using telepathic powers to enhance both their fighting and defensive abilities, this subclass sets its self apart with a superpower.
This class has some very useful abilities, but like a lot of classes, the craziest ones are at high levels. Agonizing Strikes allows the player to add 2d10 to their attack, and can even prone the enemy if they fail a Constitution save. Another ability called Psychic Dreadnought regains 10 health every turn for 1 min of in-game time. If attacking on both the physical and mental planes sounds fun, give this sub-class a try.
4 Battle Master
Battle Master's are tacticians, proud of their knowledge of battle on and off the battlefield. Since the Fighter can be considered one of the most versatile classes, the Battle Master is a subclass that truly drives that idea home. There are numerous ways to play this class, but regardless of how anyone plays, the Battlemaster succeeds through their use of Maneuvers.
If players want to be a commanding presence, some maneuvers directly provide buffs to teammates, like Rally. They are also combat-focused attack options, like Disarming Attack, but there are so many more to utilize. There is a lot to dig into with this class, and that's what makes it a fantastic option for Fighters.
3 Gunslinger
Be sure to bring a holster and spurs, because one of the more unique paths a Fighter can follow is that of the Gunslinger. Many players are accustomed to swords and staffs, but what about guns? The Gunslinger sub-class gives the player a mind for the mechanical, with the ability to craft deadly ranged weaponry like a blunderbuss or pistol.
This class specializes in trick shots, meant to shake, rattle, and blast enemies by expending grit points, a system unique to the sub-class. A Gunslinger is a great option for adventurers that want to try a ranged class that isn't the traditional bow-and-arrow character.
2 Samurai
In Xanathar's Guide To Everything, adventurers learn the days of the Samurai are not over for D&D. The Samurai is essentially the warrior version of a Paladin, at least in roleplaying terms, and rather than abiding by a god or religion, the Samurai puts his duty above all else. In combat, one of the best perks given to the class is Fighting Spirit.
Acting as a sort of mini-rage, Fighting Spirit gives its user advantage on attack rolls and temporary hit points that scale as players level. At higher levels, this sub-class can attack up to 4 times in a single turn, dealing massive damage. This is not a sub-class to sleep on.
1 Eldritch Knight
Fighters are already so well versed in weaponry, and the Eldritch Knight class considers that by adding magic to their repertoire. The magic the Eldritch Knight uses falls into the Evocation and Abjuration schools, causing damage to multiple enemies and increasing their defense, respectively.
If spec'd correctly, the Eldritch Knight can be a dangerous presence on the battlefield. Focus on STR and CON, prioritizing a high AC, and combine that with spells like Shield and Misty Step to maximize the effectiveness of this class.