As one of the most iconic and versatile classes in both Dungeons & Dragons 5e and Pathfinder 2e, the fighter is an excellent choice for players looking to focus on physical combat and tactical prowess.

However, like any class, the fighter has its own unique set of pros and cons that make it an attractive choice for some players and a less appealing one for others. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of playing a fighter in both D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e, as well as the nuances of the fighter class in each game.

Pros of Playing a Fighter

1. Versatility in Combat – The fighter is one of the most versatile classes when it comes to combat. They can specialize in any weapon or fighting style, from archery to sword and board to two-handed weapons, and they can adapt their tactics to any situation. Additionally, they have access to a wide range of feats and abilities that can enhance their combat prowess, such as the Great Weapon Master feat in D&D 5e, which allows them to deal massive damage with heavy weapons.
2. High Hit Points – Fighters are one of the toughest classes in both D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e. They have high hit points and access to a range of defensive abilities that allow them to soak up damage and protect their allies. Additionally, they can wear heavy armor and use shields, making them even more resilient in combat.
3. Excellent at Crowd Control – In Pathfinder 2e, the fighter has access to a range of feats and abilities that allow them to control the battlefield. For example, the Knockdown feat allows them to trip enemies, while the Disruptive Stance ability forces spellcasters to make concentration checks or risk losing their spells. In D&D 5e, the Sentinel feat allows fighters to lock down enemies and prevent them from moving, while the Trip Attack maneuver can knock enemies prone.

Cons of Playing a Fighter

1. Limited Spellcasting – Unlike other classes like the wizard or cleric, fighters have limited spellcasting abilities. While they do have access to a handful of spells, they are not as powerful or versatile as those of a full spellcasting class. This can limit their utility outside of combat and make them less effective in certain situations.
2. Lack of Versatility Outside of Combat – While fighters excel in combat, they may struggle in social situations or when faced with challenges that can’t be solved with brute force. They don’t have access to many skills or abilities outside of combat, and may not be as well-suited to tasks like sneaking, climbing, or persuading as other classes like the rogue or bard.
3. Limited Customization Options – While fighters have access to a range of feats and abilities, their customization options are more limited than other classes. They don’t have the same level of spellcasting flexibility as a wizard or sorcerer, for example, and their abilities are more focused on combat than other areas.

Nuances of the Fighter Class in D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e

While the fighter class is similar in both D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e, there are some key differences in how it functions in each game.

D&D 5e – In D&D 5e, fighters are incredibly versatile in combat. They have access to a range of fighting styles and can specialize in any weapon, making them a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. Additionally, they have access to a range of maneuvers and abilities that allow them to control the battlefield and protect their allies. However, they are more limited outside of combat and don’t have access to many skills or abilities that aren’t related to combat.

Pathfinder 2e – In Pathfinder 2e, the fighter class has access to a wider range of abilities and feats, including more options for crowd control and defensive abilities. They also have more options for customization, with the ability to choose from different class feats that allow them to specialize in specific areas of combat. Additionally, they have more flexibility in terms of skill choices, with the ability to choose from a range of skills outside of combat.

However, in Pathfinder 2e, fighters are not as dominant in combat as they are in D&D 5e. They are still powerful fighters, but other classes like the barbarian or champion may outperform them in certain situations. Additionally, their limited spellcasting abilities can be a disadvantage in certain situations, as they may not have access to spells that can help them outside of combat.

Examples of Fighter Builds in D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e

D&D 5e – One example of a powerful fighter build in D&D 5e is a sword and board fighter. This build focuses on using a shield to boost their AC and protect themselves and their allies, while using a longsword or other one-handed weapon to deal damage. The Shield Master feat can also be used to knock enemies prone and provide additional protection. Another example is a two-handed fighter, which focuses on dealing massive damage with weapons like greatswords or halberds, using feats like Great Weapon Master to boost their damage output.

Pathfinder 2e – In Pathfinder 2e, one example of a powerful fighter build is a reach fighter. This build focuses on using weapons with reach, like spears or glaives, to control the battlefield and keep enemies at a distance. Feats like Attack of Opportunity and Combat Reflexes can be used to make multiple attacks of opportunity per round, punishing enemies who try to get close. Another example is a shield fighter, which focuses on using a shield to protect themselves and their allies while using a one-handed weapon like a longsword or axe to deal damage. Feats like Shield Warden and Shielded Stride can be used to boost their defensive capabilities and protect their allies.

In conclusion, the fighter class is an excellent choice for players who enjoy physical combat and tactical thinking. While it has its own set of pros and cons, it remains one of the most versatile and powerful classes in both D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e. By understanding the nuances of the fighter class in each game and building the right character, players can create a powerful and effective fighter that will dominate the battlefield.