Game Theory — Tuesday: Multiclassing vs. Single-Class — The Ultimate D&D Build Debate

The ultimate D&D debate: Should you multiclass for versatility and synergy, or stay single-class for maximum power? Deep dive into the pros, cons, and when each approach works best.

Show Notes

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This is Game Theory — Multiclassing vs. Single-Class

The Basics
• Single-class: Take all 20 levels in one class (pure Fighter, Wizard, Cleric, etc.)
• Get every feature your class offers, including capstone ability at level 20
• Multiclassing: Split levels between two or more classes (Fighter 5 / Rogue 3, Warlock 2 / Sorcerer 18)
• Sacrifice high-level features for flexibility and synergy

The Single-Class Argument: Specialization Is Powerful
• Fighters: Four attacks per turn at level 20
• Wizards: Ninth-level spells like Wish and Meteor Swarm
• Paladins: Aura of Protection maxed out
• Barbarians: Nearly unkillable with Primal Champion
• Capstone abilities are game-changing—but only if you go all the way

Single-Class Advantages
• Smooth scaling: Never behind the power curve
• Predictable progression: You know what's coming at every level
• Plan your build from level 1 to 20 without surprises
• Clarity, consistency, and raw power

The Problem with Single-Class
• Most campaigns don't reach level 20
• Average D&D campaign ends around level 10
• Some go to 15; very few make it to 20
• If you're building for a capstone you'll never see, you're optimizing for a fantasy, not reality

Where Multiclassing Shines: Front-Loading Power
• Warlock 2 / Sorcerer X: Eldritch Blast + Agonizing Blast, then full Sorcerer for spell slots and Metamagic
• Ranged damage dealer with incredible versatility
• Paladin 5 / Warlock X: Extra Attack + Divine Smite, then Warlock for spell slots that recharge on short rest
• Melee powerhouse who never runs out of smites

Unique Builds Only Possible Through Multiclassing
• Hexblade Warlock / Paladin combo
• Coffeelock that never sleeps
• Gloom Stalker Ranger / Assassin Rogue that deletes enemies in the first round
• Break the game in creative, fun ways

Multiclassing Costs

Delayed Core Features
• Wizard who dips 2 levels into Fighter gets third-level spells two levels later than pure Wizard
• That's Fireball, Counterspell, and Haste delayed
• In a campaign that ends at level 10, that delay matters—you're weaker when it counts

Missing High-Level Features
• Fighter 11 / Rogue 9 never gets Fighter's third Extra Attack or Rogue's Reliable Talent
• Stuck in the middle: good at two things but great at nothing
• If campaign reaches level 20, pure Wizard casts Wish while you're stuck with seventh-level spells

Stat Requirements
• Need 13 in primary stat of both classes
• Strength-based Fighter dipping Wizard needs 13 Intelligence
• That's a stat point you could have put into Strength or Constitution
• Multiclassing forces you to spread stats thin, weakening core abilities

When Should You Multiclass?

When You Have Specific Synergy in Mind
• Warlock 2 / Sorcerer X: Eldritch Blast scales with character level, not class level—you're not losing damage
• Paladin 6 / Sorcerer X: Aura of Protection is so strong it's worth stopping Paladin progression
• Rogue 1 / Ranger X: One level of Rogue gives Expertise and Sneak Attack without delaying Ranger features much

When NOT to Multiclass
• Multiclassing just because it sounds cool is probably a mistake
• Barbarian / Wizard: Rage prevents spellcasting—you've built a character that can't use half their abilities at the same time
• Monk / Fighter: Monk abilities require unarmored defense; Fighter wants heavy armor—you're fighting against your own build

The Best Multiclass Builds Have a Plan
• Know exactly when you're dipping, what you're getting, and when you're going back to your main class
• Not winging it—optimizing for levels 1-10, not 1-20

Single-Class: Simplicity and Power
• Pick a class, level it, dominate
• Never confused about what to do
• Never second-guessing your choices
• Wizard casts spells, Fighter hits things, Cleric heals and buffs
• Clean, effective, and it works

Multiclass: Creativity and Customization
• Building something unique that fits your character concept perfectly
• Willing to sacrifice raw power for versatility
• Okay with being weaker at some levels if it means being stronger at others

The Truth: Both Are Valid
• Single-class is not boring
• Multiclassing is not always better
• Depends on your campaign, your party, and your playstyle
• DM runs level 1-20 campaign? Single-class is king
• Campaign ends at level 10? Multiclassing can give you more power in the levels that matter

The Real Question
What do you want your character to do?
• If you have a clear answer, the choice becomes obvious
• If you don't, stick with single-class—you can't go wrong with pure Wizard, Paladin, or Rogue
• But if you know exactly what you want and multiclassing gets you there faster, do it
• Just make sure you have a plan

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