What is the best subclass for Arcane Trickster?

What is the Best Subclass for Arcane Trickster?

The Arcane Trickster is an exciting and versatile subclass within the Rogue class in Dungeons & Dragons. As the name suggests, this subclass combines the cunning and deception of a Rogue with the magical prowess of a Wizard. In this article, we’ll delve into the benefits and limitations of each option and explore the best subclasses for the Arcane Trickster.

The Short Answer:

The Arcane Trickster and Soulknife are tied as the strongest subclasses.

But, What Do We Mean by "Best"?

When considering the best subclass for Arcane Trickster, we’ll focus on factors such as:

• Combat Efficacy: How much damage can the subclass inflict, and how effective they are in combat?
• Mobility and Action Economy: How many movements and actions can the subclass perform per turn, and how much can they rely on others for support?
• Utility and versatility: How many situations and scenarios can the subclass excel in, and how adaptably can they change between them?

Let’s Explore the Options:

1. Soulknife: The Soulknife subclass is an excellent choice for Arcane Tricksters who want to deal massive amounts of damage. They gain a +2 to Intelligence and can choose to become a psionic warrior or a cunning sneak. The Soulknife has access to telekinesis and other psionic abilities, making them highly effective in melee combat.
   • Pros: High damage output, psionic powers, increased Intelligence
   • Cons: No bonus to Dexterity or Charisma, limited charm and illusion options
2. Arcane Trickster: The Arcane Trickster subclass is self-explanatory, relying on magic and deception to outmaneuver and outsmart foes. They gain access to charm and illusion spells, and can use their cunning and stealth abilities to manipulate targets.
   • Pros: Charm and illusion magic, access to rogue and wizard abilities, increased ability to manipulate targets
   • Cons: Less damage output compared to the Soulknife, limited movement options
3. Assassin: The Assassin subclass focuses on dealing quick and deadly blows from behind enemy lines. They gain increased sneak attack damage and can use poisons and traps to aid their combat.
   • Pros: Increased sneak attack damage, access to poisons and traps, increased movement speed
   • Cons: Limited charm and illusion options, less utility than the Soulknife
4. Phantom: The Phantom subclass focuses on vanishing and reappearing at will. They gain increased stealth** abilities and can use their disappearance to escape danger or sneak up on foes.
   • Pros: Increased stealth abilities, ability to vanish and reappear
   • Cons: Limited charm and illusion options, less damage output
5. Swashbuckler: The Swashbuckler subclass is an exciting combination of a Rogue and a Fighter. They gain increased attack speed and access to parry and riposte abilities. They are also versed in performance and art of war.
   • Pros: Increased attack speed, access to parry and riposte abilities, versatile performance and war skills
   • Cons: Limited charm and illusion options, less combat utility than the Soulknife

The Verdict:

Based on our analysis, the Arcane Trickster and Soulknife are tied as the strongest subclasses. Both subclasses offer excellent combat options and utility. However, the Arcane Trickster’s access to charm and illusion spells makes them particularly versatile and adaptable. If you want to maximize your combat damage output and psionic powers, choose the Soulknife. But if you want to experiment with magic and deception, the Arcane Trickster is an excellent choice.

Comparison Table:

Conclusion:

When choosing the best subclass for Arcane Trickster, consider your preferred playstyle and the types of situations you’ll encounter most often. Whether you choose the combat-focused Soulknife or the magic-heavy Arcane Trickster, be prepared to adapt and manipulate your surroundings to succeed in the world of Dungeons & Dragons.