In the real world, clerics are priests or religious leaders, especially in Christianity or Islam. Minus those religions, clerics in the popular game “Dungeons & Dragons” generally are the same, except for a few modifications.
The cleric class has been an option for “Dungeons & Dragons” players since the earliest days of the game. Primary, the Cleric is a support class that makes players’ lives much easier with their presence. Also, the Cleric in the game is also the most versatile, perhaps.
A Cleric’s central role is to heal. This sets them apart from the other classes (except the Druid class). The choice of the Domain determines the kind of Cleric a player will ultimately possess, but this can be merged with other capabilities to create different other character builds.
Wondering about some of the best cleric builds in “Dungeons & Dragons”? Here’s a list.
1. Bard
On top of the list is the Bard. When a Bard is welcomed to the party, they act as the spokesperson for the group. They gain several abilities that enable their class to succeed in that role. For one, a Bard knows more languages than normal.
Also, Bards are loremasters of the game, and their Knowledge domain uplifts this skill via abilities such as spell identification and object reading. Examples of those spells are command and suggestion.
2. The Castigator
To define, the Castigator is a battle priest who channels arcane magic so they can punish the infidels. Tough, right?
A devout follower of the goddess of magic, this cleric build finds salvation in the teachings of the scriptures, as well as growth in the art of magic. Divine judgment descends upon them when entities tarnish the magic they’ve sworn to safeguard.
This mighty cleric build plays focus upon the Arcana Domain, which is from the Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide. This domain gives players the ability to cast some powerful spells from the wizard class.
3. Peace Domain
Another compelling cleric build in “Dungeons & Dragons” is the Peace Domain. They are perfect for gamers who want to be absolute monsters. Dream on.
The power of this subclass originates from its Emboldening Bond capability, which can be fused with other potent buff effects such as a Bard’s Bardic Inspiration and the Bless spell.
4. Grave Domain
Sounds creepy? They may be, but this build is so robust. Choosing to have this cleric build will give your character both healing and offensive spells. Furthermore, this build combines some of the attributes of both the Life and Death Domains, giving you the best of both worlds.
In fact, one of your very first special powers with this build is the Circle of Mortality, which lets the Cleric manipulate the barrier that separates life and death. Powerful, isn’t it? Also, another ability this build has is Eyes of the Grave, which can sense the undead’s presence.
5. The Storm Bringer
The Storm Bringer will remind you of Thor or Zeus, as it is devout to the god of lightning himself.
This cleric build was once a sea raider until lightning struck their longship. Since then, they have devoted day and night to worship the magnificent Lord of the Storm.
Skills include high mobility and boisterous thunder damage. You may also enable this build to don heavy armor and improve its thunder damage by combining the Tempest Domain with Storm Sorcery taken from Xanathar’s Guide to Everything.
6. Tempest Domain
Tempest? William Shakespeare? Well, you get the picture. While some Clerics thrive as the frontline’s defenders, those who have the Tempest Domain excel as attackers. One of its best abilities is Destructive Wrath, which enhances this Cleric’s thunder and lightning spells to inflict high damage levels.
When choosing attributes for this build, it is recommended that you pick Elemental Adept. This ensures you inflict as great damage from your spell. A Tempest cleric may focus on melee attacks, which can further improve their martial prowess.
7. Ranger
Those who love the outdoors will find the Ranger their best buddy. This class makes the Cleric better in melee as it allows the Ranger access to heavier and bulkier armor. Both the Cleric and Ranger classes utilize wisdom in casting spells.
This combo also gives the character a more comprehensive array of available spell-slots. The wood elf may be the most obvious choice of race for this cleric build, but choosing a hill dwarf is also fantastic for this cleric character close to nature. You may also use animal companions with this build.
8. The Farmer
It is crude, it is basic, it is simple. The Farmer in this game is a gentle soul who cares for everybody around them. Bearing a joyous smile and a burst of hearty laughter, this Cleric traipses through the town, delivering solace to those who are starving one crop at a time.
Generous as they can be, their joy is feeding everybody as much as they can. Doing good to others is their passion. Since this is a build playing focus on keeping others alive, they depend heavily on the Life Domain from the Player’s Handbook.
9. Order Domain
Drawn to leadership? Then the Order Domain is for you. This subclass has capabilities that work well in both combat and serving the party, making this an excellent choice for characters bearing decent Charisma.
Attributes such as the Martial Adept, Commander’s Strike, and Commanding Presence synergize perfectly with the Voice of Authority feats. Moreover, this cleric build can function in several roles within a party in the game, making them extremely valuable.
10. Monk
Lastly, Monks. Monks can handle themselves well in melee almost as well as fighters, though you may find yourself in a disadvantaged arena regarding ranged attacks.
The Monk, otherwise referred to as the Light Domain, gives several bonus spells categorized as ranged damage spells. Some of the biggest are Flame, Fireball, and Scorching Ray.
Also, the Monk’s mobility will pave the way for your character to move more quickly across a battlefield as they heal wounded members of the party. The way they can land touch attacks is unrivaled, making them among the most supreme cleric builds in “Dungeons & Dragons.”
Other amazing cleric builds in the game are The Dawnbreak, the Twilight Domain, the Trickery Domain, the War Domain, and the Arcana Domain.
The list above is just among the things that make clerics a favorite among “Dungeons & Dragons” players.
