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Critical Role has created its own Tabletop RPG,Daggerheart, and though the available classes to play seem similar to Dungeons & Dragons, there are some unique class options and even innovative ways to use classes you may be familiar with from other TTRPGs. From the tried and true Bard to the Seraph that combines fighting with healing, each class has a unique gameplay style with subclasses that help diversify your gameplay.
Of course, some classes are bound to be better than others, as with most TTRPG modules, no matter how much you try to make a balanced character, there’s bound to be a class that just outperforms the others.
Daggerheart Class Tierlist
Most classes in Daggerheart will feel familiar to you if you’ve played other roleplaying games; however, with Daggerheart, the subclasses are where your options truly shine. What differentiates one Bard from another is how distinct the Troubadour is from the Wordsmith. When it comes to ranking these classes, seeing how distinct each subclass is, how well it allows you to play the way you want, and how difficult it is all help to determine which class is the best.
S Tier
These classes are thebest all-around optionsfor every type of player. They’rediverse enough to play as is, and not too complicated. They are alsoin-depth enough to create some unique play options. To be S Tier, a class needs to have distinct subclass options that differentiate gameplay, and allow fortons of player varietyand opportunity.
Description
Druid
The absolute versatility of the Druid class lands it in the top slot. Druids are truly aplay-your-way option, with the class as a whole being able totransform into a creatureat the cost of either a Hope or Stress, depending on how you use the feature. When you’re not transforming, both options for subclasses are distinct in that you may really go all in one way or another.Warden of the Elements goes all in on damage, while also granting options to protect yourself.Warden of Renewal dives deep into healing, allowing you to be the party healer, removing Stress, and having several resources at your disposal to save party members.
Seraph
The Prayer Dice class feature here is great. Decreasing damage, adding to a roll, or gaining Hope are all great options, and you can do this four times per session if you roll high enough. The features for theDivine Wielder subclass are versatile and brilliant. Allowing you totarget more than one adversary, while also being able toclear 2 Hit Points or 2 Stress. You can eventhrow out your lowest rollwith the Devout feature. Winged Sentinel allows you to remove Fear from the GM’s pool, fly, gain advantage, and deal extra damage. There isn’t a single bad option here.
Ranger
This class really hones in on the opportunities you have in battle. The Hope ability to hit multiple targets at once, marking targets to benefit you in various ways with Focus, and evenrerolling your Duality Die. You either get ananimal companionwith the Beastbound subclass that can eventually take damage for you, or you candeal additional Stress with the Wayfinder subclass, eventually removing a Fear die from the GM’s Fear pool. It’s a strong and versatile class with a unique identity.
A Tier
These classes are good, solid options. This isfor players who know what they want to play and are okay with not having too much variety. If you want a class you can capitalize on without having to worry about having too many options, this tier is perfect for you. While there are some options that may be too difficult or too reliant, for the most part, everyone can have fun with these classes.
Sorcerer
More options are always better, and with the Sorcerer, you have several options. The only reason is that the class isn’t higher is because the subclasses are a bit disparate, anddon’t feel as cohesive as the class suggests. Your best features are the Sorcerer class features, though they tend to veer more toward roleplay than gameplay. The classrequires a lot from the player as well, so be prepared for lots of descriptions of what you want to do.
Guardian
A solid choice. Guardians are great fordealing with damage and protecting themselves and others. However, that’s pretty much all they are good for. You canreduce the severity of damageagainst you, and with the Stalwart subclass, you cando the same for alliesclose to you. Vengeance turns the class on its head, dishing damage to enemies and granting you boons against attacking them. It’s a decent setup, but nothing worthwhile enough to place higher.
Warrior
You really can’t go wrong with the Warrior class. It’s asolid, easy class to use. There are some decent features that allow you to do things to control the battlefield as a Warrior should. Call of the Slayer really dives intodishing out extra damage. Call of the Brave is less exciting and requires a bit of work on the player’s part, but it is a decent subclass as well. Overall, Warrior is a solid choice.
B Tier
Classes in B tier are good, yet a bit underwhelming. They may have subclasses that are not very unique compared to the class itself, or it may be too focused on combat, roleplay, or it may be mechanically boring. While there are no bad classes, these classes may suit newer players best for their simplicity. Either that, or they may be too complicated to suggest for play.
Descrption
Bard
Bards are mostly known for their ability to buff characters, and Daggerheart is no exception. Unfortunately, theTroubadour and Wordsmith don’t feel like they have their own distinct personality. While the focus is storytelling and you’ll be able to roleplay the differences, mechanically, you’re either giving Hope or clearing Stress, and clearing a Hit Point in the process. Bards, unfortunately,end up feeling a bit one-note.
Rogue
Rogues arepretty simple; they hide and deal significant damage. While Cloaked, you get to add d6s to your damage, and can use this Cloaked status to remain unseen. The subclasses are alsonot very exciting. Syndicate feels built for roleplay, but otherwise, it’s not great mechanically. The Nightwalker class feels likean extension of the class features you already get, really.
Wizard
Wizard has some great features. However, some of them are tied into your rolls, meaningyou’d better be lucky if you want the full benefit. Theclass features are not very excitingoverall. Prestidigitation is cool, and it’s another class feature thatrelies heavily on roleplay(which is fair, as the entire game relies heavily on roleplay). When the Strange Patterns class feature works, it’s awesome, however it is truly unpredictable. School of Knoweldge is all about dealing with your domain cards, and that’s unfortunately the entire subclass. While it works well in play, it’sa lot to manage, especially for newer players. School of War has cool features, but it still relies on you having access to other things. For example, the Conjure Shield specialization feature allows you to maintain a protective magic barrier, but at the cost of having Hope.
