Unleash Your Aerial Prowess! Discover the top picks for Aarakocra adventurers, renowned for their agility and flight.
Whether soaring through the skies or striking from above, these classes amplify the natural strengths of this avian race for thrilling gameplay. Fly high with these optimal choices!
Best Classes for Aarakocra
5. Cleric
Primary Ability Score – Wisdom
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution
Spellcasting Ability – Wisdom
Armor Proficiencies – Light, Medium, Shields
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple
Why the Cleric?
An Aarakocra Cleric can take +2 in Wisdom and +1 in Constitution, which is the baseline for any Cleric character.
You’ll want to stick to a caster Cleric domain as an Aarakocra since your job will be to cast powerful Cleric spells while out of range from enemies.
You might think it’s a waste not to wear Heavy armor as a Cleric, but having flight and ruthlessly casting spells is just as good, if not better, as donning Heavy armor and constantly being in the fray.
Recommended Cleric Divine Domains
- Arcana Domain
- Death Domain (To a lesser extent)
- Knowledge Domain
- Light Domain
4. Ranger
Primary Ability Score – Dexterity
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Wisdom
Spellcasting Ability – Wisdom
Armor Proficiencies – Light, Medium, Shields
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Martial
Why the Ranger?
Aarakocra Rangers can take +2 Dexterity and +1 Constitution, which nicely complements all aspects of a Ranger.
Simply put, as an Aarakocra Ranger, you can play like you always play a Ranger, but this time, you’ll be able to avoid melee enemies and rain down arrows from above.
There’s not much to this simple combination, but it’s one of the most effective.
Recommended Ranger Archetype
- Drakewarden
- Gloom Stalker
- Swarm Keeper
3. Rogue
Primary Ability Score – Dexterity
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Intelligence (For Arcane Tricksters)
Armor Proficiencies – Light
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Shortswords, Rapiers, Longswords, Hand Crossbows
Why the Rogue?
Similar to the Ranger, Aarakocra Rogues can get +2 in Dexterity and +1 in whatever ability score you need to play your character, like Charisma for a stealthy character or Constitution if you want to be more tanky.
Aarakocra Rogues can choose to fight at range or get close and personal. Both are very effective, but their melee counterpart is more interactive and exciting overall.
In melee, you’ll want to use Cunning Action to Disengage as a Bonus Action, using hit-and-run tactics from the air.
Recommended Rogue Archetypes
- Arcane Trickster (Spellcasting experience)
- Soulknife
- Swashbuckler
2. Bard
Primary Ability Score – Charisma
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Dexterity
Spellcasting Ability – Charisma
Armor Proficiencies – Light
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Shortswords, Rapiers, Longswords, Hand Crossbow
Why the Bard?
Aarakocra Bards can choose +2 Charisma and +1 Constitution or Dexterity, depending on how they want to play.
Bards are simple and extremely powerful, so all you have to do is play a Bard like normal, but now you’ll be able to fly and stay out of situations that Bards struggle with.
Recommended Bard Colleges
- College of Eloquence
- College of Lore (The most powerful choice)
1. Wizard
Primary Ability Score – Intelligence
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Dexterity
Spellcasting Ability – Intelligence
Armor Proficiencies – None
Weapons Proficiencies – Light crossbows, Quarterstaffs, Slings, Darts, Daggers
Why the Wizard?
An Aarakocra Wizard can take +2 in Intelligence and +1 in Constitution, which is an ideal start for a Wizard.
The most crucial information is that an Aarakocra has flight, saving you a spell slot.
Note: While you won’t be able to wear Medium or Heavy armor, that doesn’t matter to a Wizard. You have a lot of powerful defensive spells, and if you have a Barbarian, Cleric, or Paladin on your team, they’ll protect you. But, most importantly, you have flight, which is already OP.
Flight not only takes you out of range from melee battles but also allows you to rain down spells while in the air.
Recommended Wizard Arcane Traditions
- Order of the Scribes
- School of Abjuration
- School of Conjuration
- School of Evocation
Final Thoughts
Selecting the ideal class for your Aarakocra character in D&D 5e can significantly enhance your gameplay experience.
Whether you prefer the stealthy maneuvers of a Rogue, the magical utility of a Bard, the divine powers of a Cleric, or the arcane mastery of a Wizard, each class offers unique opportunities for role-playing and combat.