Gnomes may seem uncivilized, but they are some of the greatest minds in D&D, striving to become tinkering Artificers, knowledgeable Wizards, agile Rogues, and powerful Sorcerers.
Gnomes might be short, but they make up with their abnormally large brains and innovative minds.
Best Classes for Gnomes
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?
Normal Gnomes don’t offer much to a Bard, but the Mark of Scribing Gnome fits a Bard perfectly, having a Charisma (2) increase, as well as nine spells that become available as you level up.
These spells aren’t great since you’ll still need to learn them, but the innate spellcasting and free Cantrip boost your spellcasting potential and let you become a more proficient spellcaster.
Recommended Subclasses
- College of Eloquence focuses on the Bard’s core abilities and fits well with the Mark of Scribing Gnome.
- College of Lore is a jack-of-all-trades build, being able to fill in for almost any class in D&D, especially if they take a dip into multiclassing.
4. 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?
Gnomes aren’t known for being on the frontlines, but those who want to be will benefit the most from becoming a Fighter.
Normal Gnomes don’t fair well as ordinary Fighters, leaving you with the choice of becoming an Eldritch Knight, which isn’t weak by any means. That said, Deep (Constitution 1) and Forest (Dexterity 1) Gnomes fair quite well as subraces for Fighters because of their ability scores.
Fighters will also have increased durability because of Gnome Cunning, as it gives them advantage against Charisma, Intelligence, and Wisdom saves against magic. This solves the age-old problem that front-line martial characters have with their mental saves.
Recommended Subclasses
- Eldritch Knight is a go-to subclass for the Gnome, making good use of its ability scores and having good damage and utility.
- Echo Knight essentially allows a small Gnome to fight in more than one place and can deal quite a lot of damage.
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?
Gnomes already make quite good Rogues because of their stature, and most players will be drawn to the Forest or Rock Gnomes subraces.
While this isn’t bad, you should understand that the Gnome also has a free Intelligence (2) increase, making the Arcane Trickster subclass one of the best options.
You’ll also do nicely with the Minor Illusion Cantrip gained from being a Forest Gnome, and your Gnome Cunning will help against Charisma, Intelligence, and Wisdom saves against magic.
Recommended Subclasses
- Arcane Trickster is for a stealthy spellcaster.
- Soulknife is for a psionic blade-wielding Gnome that pumps out damage.
2. 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?
Wizards need one thing…Intelligence is exactly what the Gnome gives them.
Other than that, any of the subraces that are available work for the Gnome, so don’t worry too much about that since becoming a Forest Gnome will increase your durability, and the same goes for choosing a Rock Gnome.
Recommended Subclasses
- Chronurgy Magic for a time manipulation build.
- School of Divination is about forewarning and acts as a good support or utility build.
1. Artificer
Primary Ability Score – Intelligence
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Dexterity
Spellcasting Ability – Intelligence
Armor Proficiencies – Light, Medium, Shields
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple
Why the Artificer?
Gnomes were made to be Artificers, coming with the Intelligence (2) increase Artificers need and three useful subraces to choose from.
If you’re going for an Artificer theme, the Rock Gnome would fit best, but the Forest Gnome’s Minor Illusion Cantrip is also very nice to have.
Even the Mark of Scribing Gnome can give you access to spells you previously wouldn’t have been able to learn.
Recommended Subclasses
- Artillerist is perfect for dealing heaps of AoE damage.
- Armorer is if you want to do anything else besides deal heaps of damage, like cast utility, have more durability, or support your party.
Final Thoughts
The classes above will give your Gnome the resources to answer any call that sounds like his name in D&D.
It’s well known that Gnomes aren’t as popular as other races, but for those of you who want to play a Gnome, give one of these classes a try when you do!