Unleash Tactical Prowess in Your Adventures! Explore the best classes for Giffs, renowned for their militaristic background and strategic acumen.
These classes synergize with a Giff’s characteristics, offering a range of tactics from heavy weaponry to strategic maneuvers. Embark on tactical triumphs with these top selections!
Best Classes for Giffs
5. 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?
Giff Bards should put +2 in Dexterity and +1 in Charisma.
Gifs make ranged Bards a viable option with Firearm Mastery. This isn’t as bad as traditional melee Bards, as it still positions them a way away from enemies looking to take advantage of you.
Hippo Build with Expertise makes Athletics checks more viable, even with low Strength, so if you are caught in a pickle, you can at least rely on something other than ranged weapons.
Recommended Bard Colleges
- Swords
- Valor
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?
Giff Rangers should put +2 in Dexterity or Strength and +1 in Wisdom.
Ranged Rangers will enjoy Firearm Mastery, as it lets them tap into the bigger damage die that muskets have compared to crossbows and longbows.
On the other hand, Strength-orientated Rangers will benefit from Hippo Build since it makes grappling/shoving viable.
Note: You might think of using two-handed weapons, which completely nullifies grappling/shoving.
Recommended Ranger Archetypes
- Gloom Stalker
- Monster Slayer
- Swarmkeeper
3. Paladin
Primary Ability Scores – Charisma and Strength
Secondary Ability Score – Constitution
Spellcasting Ability – Charisma
Armor Proficiencies – Light, Medium, Heavy, Shields
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Martial
Why the Paladin?
Giff Paladins should put +2 in Strength and +1 in Charisma.
Hippo Build works well for a Paladin, as it also allows them to use grappling/shoving (even if you don’t have high Strength) other than their normal abilities.
After taking enemies to the ground, you can try to get critical smites and deal large chunks of damage.
Recommended Paladin Sacred Oaths
- Conquest
- Vengeance
- Oathbreaker
2. Monk
Primary Ability Score – Dexterity
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Wisdom
Armor Proficiencies – None
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Shortswords
Why the Monk?
Giff Monks should put +2 in Strength and +1 in Dexterity.
The additional advantage that Hippo Build gives you, combined with just a little bit of added Strength and proficiency in Athletics, will allow the Monk to easily shove enemies prone.
After shoving an enemy prone, you can go in with a Flurry of Blows, which will deal quite a bit of damage, and the enemy will be unable to fight back.
Recommended Monastic Traditions
- Way of the Astral Self
- Way of the Long Death
1. Fighter
Primary Ability Score – Strength (STR-based), Dexterity (DEX-based)
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution
Spellcasting Ability – Intelligence (For Eldritch Knight)
Armor Proficiencies – Light, Medium, Heavy, Shields
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Martial
Why the Fighter?
Giff Fighters should put +2 in Strength (Melee) or Dexterity (Ranged) and +1 in Constitution.
Fighters are Giff’s best choice, as they offer the most versatility, fit their build, and can produce good damage.
Ranged Fighters should focus on Firearm Mastery, picking a firearm at level 1 and taking Fighting Style (Archery) with Sharpshooter for the best results.
Note: Ranged Fighters can also benefit from shoving enemies away from them when they get too close, so don’t hesitate to put a few points in Strength.
Melee Fighters will focus on Hippo Build’s Strength advantage, using it to grapple/shove enemies. If you want a guaranteed grapple/shove, make sure to get Expertise.
Recommended Fighter Martial Archetypes
- Battle Master
- Rune Knight
- Samurai
Final Thoughts
Whether you favor the martial prowess of a Fighter, the mystical arts of a Bard, or the divine powers of a Paladin, each class offers unique abilities that can complement the strength and militaristic background of Giffs.