Dungeons & Dragons, the venerable tabletop RPG, is best known for its freeform nature and emphasis on freedom. The rules that govern it are remarkably bendable, and the number of possibilities is hindered only by one's creativity. Dungeon Masters and players alike can create to their heart's content, resulting in innumerable opportunities. This independence fuels the process of character creation, the ultimate expression of freedom and creativity among players. With access to various classes, subclasses, races, etc., players can create various characters.

Such freedom of choice allows for vastly different characters with unique mechanics and playstyles. Although the character creation system of Dungeons & Dragons chiefly inspires creativity, some have taken advantage of its near-limitless capabilities. Through various exploits, players have devised numerous game-breaking builds capable of doing the impossible. While many dissuade such an exploitive practice, there is much to be learned from Dungeons & Dragon's most broken character builds.

Updated May 21, 2023, by Christopher Anaya: Dungeons & Dragons is an everchanging tabletop roleplaying game, and with constant new material and updates to how the game plays — most notably with the developing One D&D — there is always going to be fresh ideas for characters and builds. While many approach the new stuff Wizards of the Coast produces with a what is neat or fun mindset, others question, "How can I bend the game to make my character absolutely, irrefutably broken?" Such a question leads many players down a path of broken character builds that allow them to do things far beyond that of any simple character, even if they use a race, class, background, etc., that is particularly strong. Broken character builds can create adventurers who do not need sleep, who excel at everything, and who can clear the stretch of two football fields in six seconds.

There are many with reservations against broken character builds, especially from Dungeon Masters, and rightfully so, as particular combinations can make an otherwise low-standing adventurer a force to be reckoned with. However, with a good group, a bit of responsibility, and a creative way of breathing life from the mechanics on paper into an intriguing story, players can use these impossibly good character builds at the table. But be wary, with great power comes great responsibility ... and also an incredible amount of planning and careful crafting, so be prepared to take a deep dive into the game's mechanics and create the most broken characters.

10 The Coffeelock

• Race Requirements: None
• Class Requirements: Sorcerer, Warlock
• Subclass Requirements: Divine Soul (Sorcerer)
• Stat Requirements: None
• Feat Requirements: None

RECOMMENDED LEVEL DISTRIBUTION

The most infamous broken build by far is the Coffeelock. A ridiculously delightful combination of the naturally gifted Sorcerer and otherworldly blessed Warlock, the Coffeelock grants players unlimited spells. In addition, this build also eliminates the need for long rests, hence the name Coffeelock. Despite repeated arguments concerning its legality, the Coffeelock continues to be a good and capable character build.

The Coffeelock requires a character to have at least two levels in Sorcerer and three in Warlock. Thus, providing them access to the Font of Magic and Pact of the Tome features. The former allows a character to convert Sorcery Points into Spell Slots and vice versa — the key mechanic of the Coffeelock. The latter allows a character to acquire the Eldritch Invocation, Aspect of the Moon, eliminating the need for a long rest. This set of somewhat disjointed abilities lets a character rely solely on short rests to recuperate.

Thus, a Coffeelock can take a short rest, recover spell slots, convert them into Sorcery Points or vice versa, and repeat — essentially granting infinite Spell Slots. The only downside of this build is the consequence of not finishing long rests. Prolonged periods without long rests will result in Exhaustion, an effect that incrementally worsens and can even cause death. The only way to avoid this detriment is through the Greater Restoration spell, obtainable through the Divine Soul Sorcerer Subclass. Such a spell requires diamond dust worth 100 gold pieces. Although expensive at first, eventually, a Coffeelock can discover a way to mitigate the cost.

9 The Goodberry Master

• Race Requirements: None
• Class Requirements: Cleric, Druid
• Subclass Requirements: Life Domain (Cleric)
• Stat Requirements: None
• Feat Requirements: Magic Initiate (Druid)

RECOMMENDED LEVEL DISTRIBUTION

The Goodberry Master is a lesser-known but undeniably broken build. Utilizing the Cleric class and Magic Initiate Feat, the Goodberry Master offers substantial, cost-effective healing all in a single Goodberry. As a bonus, these Goodberries grant nourishment for an entire day, removing the need for rations. Although somewhat lackluster by comparison, the Goodberry Master is the only build capable of healing forty hit points with a 1st Level Spell.

RELATED: Dungeons & Dragons 5e: Best Cleric Builds

The Goodberry Master requires a character to take at least one level in Cleric, choosing the Life Domain. Doing so grants them the Disciple of Life feature, which increases the number of hit points regained from healing spells to two plus the spell's level. In addition to this ability, players need the Magic Initiate Feat for the Druid spell list. Alternatively, one can dip into Druid, which is recommended as it makes a character a flexible healer that can do more in and out of combat. The Magic Initiate Feat will grant a character access to the Goodberry spell — the main focus of the Goodberry Master.

With these features, a character can produce Goodberries capable of healing at a minimum of 4 hit points each. While seemingly unimpressive at first, one must consider that the Goodberry spell conjures up to ten Goodberries, meaning forty hit points in total. Such incredible healing capabilities are remarkable for a 1st level spell, and it becomes far more beneficial when cast at higher levels. The only downside, albeit trivial, is the need for a druidic focus, which is not much considering that they can use something as cheap as a sprig of mistletoe. Both of these necessities are easily obtainable and well worth the effort.

8 The Jack Of All Trades

• Race Requirements: Half-Elf or Variant Human
• Class Requirements: Bard, Cleric, Rogue
• Subclass Requirements: College of Lore (Bard), Knowledge Domain (Cleric)
• Stat Requirements: Dexterity 13, Charisma 13, Wisdom 13,
• Feat Requirements: Skilled

RECOMMENDED LEVEL DISTRIBUTION

The Jack of All Trades is a strange, broken build that puts all its stock on a nifty perk of being a Bard — that is, being somewhat good at everything. With aid from a race, several classes, and the Skilled Feat, the Jack of All Trades becomes proficient in every skill imaginable. Rather than being a master of none, this build makes a character versatile while providing expertise in some areas. Although not as traditionally powerful comparatively, the Jack of All Trades is essentially a multifunctional character fit for any situation.

The Jack of All Trades requires a character to be a Half-Elf or Variant Human, as each grants many starting skills. In addition, they must take, at minimum, three levels in Bard, one in Cleric, and one in Rogue. With a level in Rogue, a character gains proficiency in four skills and expertise in two — or one skill and Thieves' Tools, should they prefer. By taking a level in Cleric and choosing the Knowledge Domain, a character gains proficiency in two languages and two skills — ability checks made using these skills act as if they have expertise.

By taking three levels in Bard and choosing the College of Lore, a character gains proficiency with instruments and six skills with expertise in two. Finally, a character must take the Skilled Feat, which makes them proficient in three skills of their choice. Once they reach their 5th level, a character can become proficient in nearly every skill. Thus, the Jack of All Trades is a living pocket knife perfect for most situations, especially those that seem unlikely. This build not only makes for outstanding utility but decent support as well.

7 The Pallock

• Race Requirements: None
• Class Requirements: Paladin, Warlock
• Subclass Requirements: Hexblade (Warlock)
• Stat Requirements: Strength 13, Charisma 13
• Feat Requirements: None

RECOMMENDED LEVEL DISTRIBUTION

The Pallock is an exceedingly powerful yet somewhat contradictory broken build known by many fans. Using the divinity of Paladins and the taboo magic of Warlocks, the Pallock can unleash devastating blows capable of decimating nearly anything with only a few hits. Such a unique combination allows for many potent variations of this build, which prove effective regardless. Thus, making the Pallock among the most customizable and deadliest builds possible.

RELATED: Dungeons & Dragons 5e Best Paladin Builds

The Pallock requires a character to have at least two levels in Paladin and three in Warlock, although they will likely take more. With three levels in Paladin, a character gains access to the Divine Smite feature. Divine Smite will contribute to the immense damage-dealing potential of this build. Three levels in Warlock will grant a character access to the Pact Boon and the Hexblade subclass.

Upon gaining the Pact Boon feature, a character should choose the Pact of the Blade as it offers the most benefits for what this build is to achieve. The Hexblade subclass grants a character additional damage-dealing potential in the Hexblade's Curse feature. Together, these classes provide a character with the means to defeat even the strongest and bulkiest enemies with a single blow. The destructive capabilities of the Pallock become increasingly powerful when a character takes more levels in either class. However, six levels in Paladin and fourteen levels in Warlock are preferable to attain a ridiculously effective build.

6 The Hexblade Sniper

• Race Requirements: None
• Class Requirements: Fighter, Warlock
• Subclass Requirements: Hexblade (Warlock)
• Stat Requirements: Strength or Dexterity 13, Charisma 13
• Feat Requirements: Crossbow Expert, Sharpshooter

RECOMMENDED LEVEL DISTRIBUTION

The Hexblade Sniper is a seemingly counterintuitive build considering that Warlocks often depend on Eldritch Blast, but it is arguably the best ranged-attacker build. With a trusty crossbow, the eldritch magic of a Warlock, and the martial prowess of a Fighter, this build can effortlessly dispatch foes from any distance. Unlike other ranged-attacker builds, the Hexblade Sniper can not only inflict devastating damage per hit but also weaken enemies beforehand. This build's unique combo grants players an intriguing concept to work with and deadly ranged proficiency that is as, if not better, than eldritch blast in many respects.

The Hexblade Sniper requires a character to take at least three levels in Warlock and two in Fighter. The three levels in Warlock will grant a character access to two Eldritch Invocations, a Pact Boon, and the Hexblade subclass. These features provide a character with many benefits that work to improve a character's damage-dealing potential. The two levels in Fighter will grant a character a Fighting Style, Second Wind, and Action Surge. A character should also select the Sharpshooter and Crossbow Expert Feats as they make crossbows more versatile and efficient. A character can utilize their crossbow more effectively with these benefits, making them a masterful and formidable sniper that will give Rangers a run for their coins.

The Hexblade subclass gives a character the Hexblade's Curse feature, which benefits them at the expense of their enemy, and the Hex Warrior feature, which grants them access to martial weapons and allows them to utilize Charisma rather than Strength or Dexterity for weapon attacks. A character should take the Pact of the Blade to improve their crossbow and meet the prerequisites for Eldritch Invocations, such as Eldritch Smite. These features, in conjunction with those provided by the two levels in Fighter, allow the Hexblade Sniper to unleash several devastating attacks that become even more deadly through the use of spells or hexes.

5 The Speedster

• Race Requirements: Tabaxi
• Class Requirements: Barbarian, Fighter, Monk, Wizard
• Subclass Requirements: Path of the Totem Warrior (Barbarian), Bladesinging (Wizard)
• Stat Requirements: Strength 13, Dexterity 13, Intelligence 13, Wisdom 13
• Feat Requirements: Mobile

RECOMMENDED LEVEL DISTRIBUTION

The Speedster is a build that grants freedom of movement unlike any other, allowing a character to travel ridiculous distances easily. Utilizing the natural swiftness of Tabaxis, the speed-enhancing features of various classes, and astounding Feat, a character can clear hundreds of feet within a single round, which is miraculous considering that period is about six seconds. This rapidness is something that only the Speedster build is capable of, and although it seems ridiculous, being able to move this quickly is immensely advantageous.

The Speedster requires a character to take at least five levels in Barbarian, two in Fighter, ten in Monk, and two in Wizard. A character must also choose the Path of the Totem Warrior of the Elk and the Bladesinging subclass. These class and subclass options will grant a bonus upon a character's base speed. The most vital requirement of this build is for a character to be a Tabaxi as they possess the Feline Ability feature, which allows them to double their speed for one turn. Another necessary aspect of this build is the Mobile Feat which grants additional speed and eliminates the penalty of disadvantageous terrain.

Altogether this conglomeration of classes, subclasses, etc., will elevate a character's base speed of thirty to an unprecedented 95 feet when movement-improving features are activated. Moreover, players can use Dash for their action and bonus action alongside the Feline Agility feature and spells like Longstrider or Haste to move further, bringing up the distance a character can move in a single turn to 840 feet. This impossible speed is achievable from the efforts of a single character, but with aid from others, it can reach ridiculous highs such as 37,520 feet a round. The Speedster is truly a build distinct from any other.

4 The Battlefield Manipulator

• Race Requirements: None
• Class Requirements: Fighter, Rogue
• Subclass Requirements: Battlemaster (Fighter), Swashbuckler (Rogue)
• Stat Requirements: Dexterity 13
• Feat Requirements: Martial Adept

RECOMMENDED LEVEL DISTRIBUTION

The Battlefield Manipulator is a build that asserts control over any battle, all without the use of fancy spells and inventive machines. Instead, a character using this build will dominate any confrontation using the tactical wit of the Battlemaster Fighter and the Swashbuckler Rogue's fleetness, whether by supporting allies or dancing around enemies in an almost mocking manner. The Battlefield Manipulator is best suited for those who want control over any fight — and even some social situations —​​​​​​ acting almost as a general overseeing a war.

The Battlefield Manipulator requires a minimum of three levels in Fighter and three in Rogue to get the tactician-like feel of this build. Doing so gives a character the three features necessary for battlefield manipulating antics: Combat Superiority, Fancy Footwork, and Rakish Audacity. The maneuvers and superiority dice granted by Combat Superiority are the meat of this, as they allow a character a wide variety of actions, bonus actions, and reactions to take on their turn or those of others. The Swashbuckler's ability to engage and disengage enemies —​​​​​​ striking quickly and lethally with sneak attacks —​​​​​​ allows them to get into the thick of battle and retreat without consequence. When used together, these features make for a character that can observe a fight and influence it from the outskirts or up close, aiding allies, hindering enemies, and ensuring their survivability.

While this build seems to conflict — after all, Battlemaster and Swashbuckler do not scream complementary — it works extraordinarily well. There are countless ways each subclass benefits the other, the most notable instance being the Ambush maneuver, which allows a character to expend a superiority die and add the number rolled to any Dexterity (Stealth) check or an initiative roll, giving the edge necessary for a swift and decisive sneak attack. Other avenues the Battlefield Manipulator can take to alter the course of a fight include using a Disarming Attack, Distracting Strike, or Goading Attack maneuver, which are monumental means of shifting a battle in one's favor. Regardless of how this build approaches a conflict, it will always ensure that a character has a say in its direction while ensuring their safety.

3 The Roadburner

• Race Requirements: Tabaxi
• Class Requirements: Druid, Rogue
• Subclass Requirements: Circle of the Moon (Druid)
• Stat Requirements: Dexterity 13, Wisdom 13
• Feat Requirements: Mobile

RECOMMENDED LEVEL DISTRIBUTION

The Roadburner is an unconventional but fun build that does as the name suggests, whittling away enemies' hit points by dragging them across the floor, except with a twist: a character using this build will be doing the dragging as an air elemental, and the floor will be of spiky growths. Although not roadburn exactly, this means of attacking deals much damage, and few things can negate it, making it an almost guaranteed way of taking enemies from full health to nothing. The Roadburner takes some build-up, but the idea of one-hit KO'ing most enemies is worth it.

The Roadburner needs a minimum of ten levels in Druid and two levels in Rogue, alongside selecting the Tabaxi race and picking up the Mobile Feat. Reaching level ten in Druid and choosing the Circle of the Moon subclass allows a character to Wild Shape into any of the four elements, but for this build, we will focus on the air elemental because of its incredible ninety-foot movement speed. Two levels in Rogue grant Cunning Action, allowing a character to use a bonus action for various actions, such as the Dash action, which will double the ninety-foot movement speed to 180. The Tabaxi race allows a character to double their speed until the end of the turn, bringing the 180 feet of movement to 360. Further improving this speed demands the Mobile feet, granting an additional ten feet, which, when doubled, brings up the total distance a character can cover to 380.

Now, grappling a creature halves speed, bringing this massive 380 feet down to 190, which is more than enough. To roadburn an enemy, a character must cast the spell Spike Growth, creating a twenty-foot radius of difficult terrain that is oh-so dangerous. Then, the Roadburner needs only to grapple an enemy, maximize their movement, and drag them through the Spike Growth radius, dealing 2d4 piercing damage for every five feet traveled. Should an enemy be dragged the entire 190 feet, they will be dealt 76d4 piercing damage, which averages to 190 piercing damage. For a bit of build-up and odd character creation choices, the Roadburner is an outstanding one-trick pony that can bring even the most hearty enemies down in one turn.

2 The Ambusher

• Race Requirements: Bugbear
• Class Requirements: Fighter, Ranger, Rogue
• Subclass Requirements: Echo Knight (Fighter), Gloom Stalker (Ranger), Assassin (Rogue)
• Stat Requirements: Dexterity 13, Wisdom 13
• Feat Requirements: Alert

RECOMMENDED LEVEL DISTRIBUTION

The Ambusher is a build perfect for executing flawless surprise attacks, taking down dangerous foes before they even get a turn. The surprising stealthiness of the Bugbear lends itself well to all manner of ambush-favoring options that, when used together, guarantee a deadly first strike. The Ambusher demands a lot of dipping into several classes, none of which seem a good fit, but the results of this mix-mashed build are more than worth it.

The Ambusher build requires a minimum of three levels in Fighter, three in Ranger, and four in Rogue, with the selection of the Bugbear race and the Alert feat. Reaching these levels grants several subclasses — Echo Knight, Gloom Stalker, and Assassin — necessary to make the most of an ambush. The first subclass grants the Manifest Echo feature, allowing a character to create an echo of themselves that can move and attack alongside them. The second gives Dread Ambusher, a feature that gives a bonus to initiative rolls equal to a character's Wisdom modifier and increases their walking speed by ten feet, all while granting them an additional weapon attack that deals an extra 1d8 damage. The third feature is Assassinate, which gives advantage against enemies that have not taken a turn and guarantees a critical hit against surprised foes. This assortment of features makes surprise attacks much more effective, leaving much to be desired from pure Rogue characters. The Bugbear race has a feature, Surprise Attack, that further improves the effectiveness of ambushes by adding 2d6 damage against any enemy that has not taken a turn. Alert is the cherry on top that gives a +5 bonus to initiative rolls, improving the chances that a character will go first.

With all these traits working together, the Ambusher becomes a dangerous attacker that can end a fight even before it begins. Just one attack with a dagger at the minimum level requirements can deal an average of 35 piercing damage. Moreover, there is little chance the Ambusher will not go first, meaning they can take out key targets before they have an opportunity to rebut. If being the ultimate sneak attacker or assassin is one's aim, there is no better choice than the Ambusher.

1 The Superior Seer

• Race Requirements: None
• Class Requirements: Barbarian, Rogue, Warlock
• Subclass Requirements: Path of the Totem Warrior (Barbarian), Inquisitive (Rogue)
• Stat Requirements: Strength 13, Dexterity 13, Charisma 13
• Feat Requirements: Observant

RECOMMENDED LEVEL DISTRIBUTION

The Superior Seer is a build that ensures nothing gets past a character's eye, making even the most elusive things seeable. A character can achieve impossible vision through various character creation options that allow them to see from miles away through magical obstructions and means of concealment, leaving few means for others to avoid their detection. The Superior Seer needs much to achieve this incredible sight that will prove helpful in any situation.

The Superior Seer build demands a minimum of six levels in Barbarian, three in Rogue, and two in Warlock, alongside the Observant feat. The levels in Barbarian, with the Way of the Totem Warrior subclass, grant the Aspect of the Beast feature — for this build, choose the Eagle as it allows a character to see up to a mile away, 100 feet of which is in fine detail. Three levels in Rogue allow the selection of the Inquisitive subclass, granting the Eye for Detail feature that gives a character the unique ability to perceive a hidden creature or object. The few levels in Warlock are for the Eldritch Invocations feature, specifically the Devil's Sight and Eyes of the Runekeeper invocations. The first provides a character with 120 feet of vision in darkness, whether normal or magical and the second grants the ability to read all writing. These features are supported by Observant, a feat that grants a +5 bonus to passive Wisdom (Perception) and passive Intelligence (Investigation) while allowing a character to read the lips of a creature speaking a language they know.

Although the Superior Seer seems niche and not as powerful as other broken, it proves outstanding when considering what is possible. With the various vision-enhancing choices made, a character can read a text in the most obscure language from over a mile away, interpret vital information from the lips of someone the same distance away, or cast the spell Darkness on themselves, obscuring them from enemies while still being able to see them. The possibilities are endless with the Superior Seer, and there are few situations they do not prove helpful.

MORE: Dungeons and Dragons 5e: How To Make Weird But Effective Characters