Embrace Your Serpentine Nature! Delve into the best classes for Yuan-Ti, known for their snake-like features and cunning intellect.
These classes enhance a Yuan-Ti’s traits, providing diverse playstyles from stealthy scouts to fearsome warriors. Embark on intriguing adventures with these top classes!
Best Classes for Yuan-Ti
5. Monk
Primary Ability Score – Dexterity
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Wisdom
Armor Proficiencies – None
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Shortswords
Why the Monk?
Yuan-Ti Monks should put +2 in Dexterity and +1 in Constitution or Wisdom (Your choice).
Since Monks will get proficiency in nearly every saving throw at a point, combining it with Magic Resistance allows you to avoid most magic damage.
Poison Resilience makes you even more durable, and the fact that Poison damage is quite common as a front-line character makes it even better.
The only other good addition is Darkvision, which is useful, especially if you act as the party’s Scout.
Recommended Monastic Traditions
- Way of Mercy
- Way of the Long Death
4. Cleric
Primary Ability Score – Wisdom
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution
Spellcasting Ability – Wisdom
Armor Proficiencies – Light, Medium, Shields
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple
Why the Cleric?
Yuan-Ti Clerics should put +2 in Wisdom and +1 in Constitution.
Unlike the Paladin counterparts, Clerics are much less durable, so Yuan-Ti makes a good defense-orientated race for a spellcasting Cleric.
Magic Resistance is probably the best feature for the Cleric, as no matter where they position themselves, they’ll always be at risk of being targeted by spells.
Poison Resilience is another great feature, as Poison is quite common among spells, certain enemies, and even environments.
Recommended Cleric Divine Domains
- Grave
- Life
- Peace
3. 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?
Yuan-Ti Rangers should put +2 in Dexterity and +1 in Constitution (Extra HP) or Wisdom (Spellcasting).
Rangers might be primarily ranged, but they often find themselves in the heat of combat quicker than anticipated.
Therefore, Magic Resistance and Poison Resilience are excellent options for keeping them alive in the worst situations.
Darkvision should also be mentioned, as it helps a Scout like the Ranger see when many other characters cannot.
Note: Rangers will also enjoy having Animal Friendship without learning it!
Recommended Ranger Archetypes
- Beast Master
- Drakewarden
- Gloom Stalker
- Swarmkeeper
2. 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?
Yuan-Ti Paladins should put +2 in Charisma or Strength and +1, whichever you didn’t choose for the +2.
Yuan-Ti Paladins are exceptionally durable, and this is due to several factors: Poison Resilience, Magic Resistance, Aura of Protection, and Divine Health.
That means Yuan-Ti Paladins should focus entirely on offense, leaving you with ample room to think about how you’ll deal the most damage possible.
Recommended Paladin Sacred Oaths
- Vengeance
- Oathbreaker
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?
Yuan-Ti Artificers should put +2 in Intelligence and +1 in Constitution or Dexterity.
You might not think it, but Yuan-Ti Artificers are so insanely durable that it’s silly.
With an Artificer’s Infusions, you can stack your AC extremely high, and when accompanied by Magic Resistance and Poison Resilience, you become immune to damage.
The only issue with this build is that enemies will ignore you, so you need to deal enough damage so they don’t.
Recommended Artificer Specialists
- Armorer
- Artillerist
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose a class that enhances your Yuan-Ti’s natural charm and deceitfulness, like the Cleric or Artificer, or one that emphasizes their physical prowess, like the Paladin or Monk, each option offers distinct advantages and role-playing opportunities.