D&D 5e Overpowered Fighter - Crush your Enemies with Unearthed Arcana!

Utilizing the new Unearthed Arcana feats we revisit an old fighter build that just got insanely powerful.
Dungeons and Dragons 5e - Fighter Champion Quarterstaff build

[@geoffreyperrin4347]

You can also do the exact same thing and wield a spear if you want a more classic roman fighter. polearm master includes spears as well for both bonus action and reaction

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

I love the spear idea but crusher works better with the staff. I’m a big fan of the Sparta 300 feel with the spear and the shield.

[@Carter933]

@@RollingWithAdvantage Thanks for giving me an idea of what to do with Corundus now! lol Best part is that I can still use Crusher Feat even with the Spear since the bonus attack is bludgeoning. :)

[@ericpeterson8732]

While you are doing bludgeoning w/ your bonus action attack, the build is relying on you consistently pushing your opponent back to get an extra opportunity attack. A spear halves your chances and after level five, it's down to 30% chances. Nope, stick with the stick.

[@LucidNyte]

Currently following this build, I also put one level into cleric in the life domain to have some decent healing and stabilize fallen teammates. My group had a battle yesterday where multiple players kept going down, and my character was able to prevent my teammates' deaths, while also finishing off a ton of the enemies thanks to all of the polearm master damage. Thanks for the help, this build seriously saved me and my entire team yesterday during a tough battle as I was able to finish off the enemies fast enough to save everyone, and defend myself with the 18 AC.

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

That is awesome!! I love this build mixed with cleric!

[@vernonhampton5863]

Clerics lead the way.

[@bryankia]

Clever build. UA really mixes things up. Thanks for sharing. I would find it hard to play a champion. GM: “Bryan what is your character doing?” ME: “I hit him with a stick.” 20 levels of that would get tedious. That said. I like the build a lot. Thanks as always for sharing your creativity.

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

I don't disagree with you. I think you would have to really get into the role play and story elements to play this character. It has some really neat tricks but swinging with a stick could get boring after a while. I think the paladin version of this build would be more entertaining because at least you could smite off all the attacks. My idea to RP this character would be to play it as the old retired adventurer who wants to go out and recapture the glory of his youth. I like the idea of old man Logan sort of thing for him.

[@berez34]

Ty so much. Love to test this.

[@YourBoyNobody530]

So I tend to add two feats to may games which make duel wielding, and sword and board much stronger. Those feats are aptly names duel wield master, and versatile weapon master. Duel wield master is an improvement on the original duel wielder feat giving you the same benefits, but you also get the ability to add your proficiency modifier to your attacks as flat damage. Versatile weapon master on the other hand is a completely new feat which allows you to use the two handed weapon dice of a versatile weapon while using it in one hand along with the ability to add your proficiency modifier as flat damage, and the ability to use a versatile weapon as a finesse weapon.

[@brunonascimento9633]

where do i find these feats? Do you have some link?

[@jasonlyon5675]

Playing this type of build. Went Bugbear for reach with quaterstaff and Eldritch Knight for Shield spell. With Lost Mines that Glasstaff is crazy with 8 shield spells. Went for AC tank frontline vs bigger damager cuz im the only frontliner in party. Fun build!

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Bugbear is really nuts with this type of build. Sounds like a great character!

[@ApocCalii]

Currently trying out this build in a Icewind Dale campign. Just hit lvl 3 tonight at the end of the session. Enjoying it so far!

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Nice!

[@SatansWerewolf]

I like this on a ghostslayer blood hunter. At lvl 11 you can do 1d4 + 2d8 + 2 + str per hit against a single target. Add in 3 levels of gloomstalker ranger for hunters mark and an extra attack on turn one so you can bonus action hunters mark and get 3 attacks every turn.

[@grizzlednerd4521]

I'm thinking a Half Elf Vengence Paladin might work with Elven Accuracy and Vow of Enmity (for crit fishing) as well as getting Hunter's Mark without a feat. It's not as consistant with it's crits, but has a few more tactical options...like smiting on your crits.

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

A lot options are out there now that Tasha is out.

[@srdnbckler]

I am playing this build as written/shown. I recent combat with opening attack, character is at 5th level, managed to do nearly 80 points of damage against an adult green dragon.This is an excellent build. We have progressed to 6th level so I am anxious to see how the FeyTouched effects the combat.

[@johngallant1629]

I would go half elf to get elven accuracy & go 3-4 lvls warlock to use charisma for your weapon so you benefit from elven accuracy & tack on the darkness & devils sight for advantage(+elven accuracy) & enemies having disadvantage on attacks unless they can see through magical darkness.

[@David-kw5uj]

Very nice build. However when picking so many feats the strength bonus modifier does not grow for the first levels, and this costs some points of damage. Counting also that without the polearm feat we can handle a weapon with a d8 instead of a d6 the result is that with this combo we can just make a 1/2 more damage each turn (with base actions). That's more than usual but not so gamebreaking.

[@bumpkinpower]

Quick question how did you manage to get 18 armor class i only get 16 or they changed smt?

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Chain mail and a shield. Ac16 armor and then add 2 for the shield.

[@cdezelah2958]

Or you could go ancestral barbarian for 6 levels, then move into fighter, or vice versa (as long as you get that 6 levels) and the you would be able to basically deal alot of dmg, control foes a small bit by moving them, but also provide some sort of tanking/group utility.

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Definitely a good option.

[@cdezelah2958]

@@RollingWithAdvantage that's what I thought as well, I was going to try it out sometime, I was calling it an ancestral champion.

[@mastertombo]

Do you have this written out somewhere? Level by level? Cuz I took notes on the jist of it. But I really like the idea behind this character

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

No but to be honest it can be used in a number of set ups. Crusher is such a great feat when paired with sentinel. I recently saw it used on a Rune knight with great efficiency.

[@mastertombo]

@@RollingWithAdvantage oh ok I was just gonna keep it a a stick and board Fighter no real magic besides what you outlined

[@mastertombo]

So I did write up this character just not in a character sheet. Planned all the way to 20. And yes I took Sentinel.

[@kshea4231]

so get this for a idea, what if you dipped this into bear barb for 3 levels? probably at 12th level? or just go bear barb and take one level of fighter or fighter initiate feat for dueling style. could be good for low level games. which is almost all games if we're being realistic

[@DarthBoberEXMinMaxMunchking]

Crusher is one of the more WTF feats from that UA, I'm almost 100% sure it's gonna be nerfed if it becomes official. Whoever made it didn't think about how ridiculous it can be in a party full of attack-based characters.

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

I think Crusher needs to have a saving throw attached to it.

[@YourBoyNobody530]

@@RollingWithAdvantage agreed that is a good way to nerf it say a DC = 8+proficiency+strength or dexterity modifier. Having dexterity on there is important because it lets you use crusher on a monk.

[@magma90]

Hi Min/Max Munchkin

[@danielshuford1651]

Awesome build

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimmrazek]

Also, doesn’t this break the action economy? You can do two attacks (actions) and 1 bonus action. You can’t string bonus actions right?

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

No you can't string bonus actions. This build has multiple things to do with it's bonus action. It just gives you options.

[@wesleyholder3540]

Nice build!

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Looking forward to playing in your group again at some point.

[@wesleyholder3540]

We play on Discord and and Roll20 almost every Wednesday night. Not the long running campaign, but another one. You should play!

[@Karynthian]

Instead of adding WIS, add DEX and use scale mail instead of heavy armor, you'll get the same AC at low levels

[@ApocCalii]

How did you get to 18 AC? What armor did you choose? I selected half-plate but only gets it to 17.

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Shield equipped?

[@ApocCalii]

@@RollingWithAdvantage Yeah, that puts it to 17 because half plate is 15

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Chain mail is 16 and then 2 for the shield.

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

If using dndbeyond be sure the shield is equipped.

[@YourBoyNobody530]

I would leave myself with an 18 constitution and get the tough feat to have an extra 20 HP

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Good call!

[@YourBoyNobody530]

@@RollingWithAdvantage indeed that should push your damage over 200 if I'm correct

[@willb169]

Could you elaborate? After what level do you suggest I get the Tough feat before maxing con to 18?

[@EvesongShadow]

Im trying to recreate this following along but right from the get go the AC score does not match what you have in Video.

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Chain mail is AC 16 and then +2 for the shield. Be sure you equip both your armor and your shield if using DND Beyond.

[@EvesongShadow]

@@RollingWithAdvantage ah ok! Thanks didn't know that since I'm really new to dnd but wanna learn

[@EvesongShadow]

@@RollingWithAdvantage I just noticed that cool, lol friend showed me DndBeyond but never told me about that equip feature lol

[@killavilla3777]

On the feat selection I didn’t see pullarm master I only saw grapple anyone know why that is?

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Do you have the players handbook unlocked on dnd beyond?

[@killavilla3777]

@@RollingWithAdvantage no so I would guess that’s why

[@killavilla3777]

@@RollingWithAdvantage thanks

[@milesmeunier4203]

This is wow!!! Is it available leveled out from 1 to 20?

[@georgejaxxon481]

You probably dont give a shit but does any of you know a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid forgot the password. I appreciate any help you can give me

[@enzoalijah3344]

@George Jaxxon instablaster =)

[@georgejaxxon481]

@Enzo Alijah i really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and im trying it out now. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@silverbro13]

NOTE: This only works against medium, small or tiny enemies.

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Good point but that's a lot of your encounters though it varies depending on your campaign.

[@silverbro13]

@@RollingWithAdvantage In my admittedly limited experience, this usually only works in situations where there are mostly human enemies. Most enemies with a CR rating of 2 or higher tend to be larger and not as easy to push around.

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

This varies greatly from table to table. I just finished a campaign over 15 sessions 6 encounters had monsters that this ability wouldn’t work on. Maybe talk to your DM to get a hint of the type of game it would be.

[@colbywoolcott4096]

Even if you’re using a character with large carrying capacity or giants might?

[@bradfhayward]

Take Rune Knight.

[@lfbp7051]

Very cool

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Thanks for watching!

[@absolstoryoffiction6615]

Lv15 Eberon Warforged - Eldritch Knight - Tunnel Fighting Fighter Feats: Telekinetic, Warcaster, Sentinel, Mage Slayer, Polarm Master Stat Block: Point Buy 14 (+2 from Warforged) Con 15 Str 14 Dex 10 Wis 9 Int (+1 from Telekinetic) 9 Chr (+1 from Warforged) Weapons: Shield and a "Long" melee weapon (10ft hit range). Enemy: Moves to my hit area. Me: "It's time to cast Fire Ball in so many ways before my turn begins." Enemy: "I'll retire... Have a good day."

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Nice!

[@tylerbischop6748]

Where did the 18ac come from?

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Chain mail AC 16 and a shield is +2 AC

[@willb169]

I haven't played D&D since 3.5, 20+ years ago and know little about 5e. I chose this class because I generally love the front line and it's an easy character to play. I just made level 4 and am having a LOT of fun! My DM and other players are also VERY cool and helpful. This is seriously a cool AF build. I already got the ability to magically light my quarter staff by tapping it and it's tipped in silver on both ends. How can I make this weapon better? Is there a better variation weapon I can get to or is this likely my forever weapon? I'm still wearing common starter chainmail and shield, so there's a lot of improvement to be made in defense. **I just leveld up with all the generous party's gold to barely buy be +1 full plate armor AT LVL 4?!?** Tank we are now!!! lol

[@willb169]

Oh and my DM wasn't originally going to accept this build because it was UA, but... they realized it's now in TCoE 🤘

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

This build is really a staff build. It works with the bottom end of a spear but it’s just better with a stick.

[@willb169]

@@RollingWithAdvantage I didn't make a spear. I kept my quarter staff and just silver plated the ends for monsters weak to silver. Win/win! Thank you for this great suggestion! I tried so hard to make a defensive meat shield work in 3.5 and never could, but this is super fun to role play

[@rafaelpesconi6362]

That if you keep the stick till level 20. You should think a way to work with uncomum, rare and very rare weapons also.

[@iParaShane]

What about the poisoners feat?

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

I do like that feat a lot. I may have a separate build for it soon.

[@extralongbaguette8880]

Crusher works wonders with monk as well!

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Yes it does!

[@Cbev1994]

Could this work with cavalier?

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Yes it could.

[@ghastias6741]

Great build, im currently playing a regular version of this, since ua is not allowed so im using a spear for mixing damage types. Also i'm playing cavalier for the extra battle control and extra attacks

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

The 300 version of the build is still great. Are you multiclassing at all?

[@ghastias6741]

@@RollingWithAdvantage It is planned as full fighter, firstly because it is the first campaing of many of my party members, so i didnt want to overcomplicate things with multiclassing, but also i think it is a very simple yet efective combination of mechanics that gets more from every level of fighter

[@99subetai]

I doubt that Polearm Master was meant to function with a shield i.e. you are not using the weapon as a "polearm." Quarterstaff fighting styles that allow for butt weapon attacks would be two handed fighting forms. I think this is using the feat RAW, but not RAI. Perhaps Jeremy Crawford will clarify, but how are you spinning the weapon, for the reverse attack using a polearm form, if you have a shield?

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

I know it seems odd but it does work. Watch 300 for inspiration to help get the mind set.

[@99subetai]

@@RollingWithAdvantage You aren't using the weapon as a POLEARM, thus shouldn't get the extra attack from a polearm feat imo. Like I said, I think this is RAW, but not RAI. The basis for Polearm forms, were 2h forms of the quarterstaff in the Middle Ages. This is where the feat draws inspiration.

[@WinterWerewolf]

He clarified already AFAIK... in November 2014 on Twitter. The feat does not require the quarterstaff to be wielded with 2h.

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

@@WinterWerewolf Thanks for looking it up!

[@I_leave_mean_comments]

I wouldn't allow this in my game. It's stupid. You CAN'T wield a quarterstaff with one hand. Try it. Pick up a staff and fight one handed with it. Sorry, this is just not how it works.

[@ericpeterson8732]

When did you change the name of your channel?

[@ericpeterson8732]

And now you've changed it back. 😁

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Didn’t mean to change it. :)

[@dominicdwk]

That's awesome you don't have to multi-class!!

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Yep!

[@Ston247]

Wait a minute.... can a fighter use dueling and champion at the same time ?

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Dueling is a fighting style and champion is a sub class.

[@Ston247]

@@RollingWithAdvantage Ah, yes. I got them mixed up. Dueling/Protection vs Champion/Battlemaster

[@popeye3212]

how do you get 18 ac at 1st lvl?

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Chain mail and a shield is 18

[@popeye3212]

@@RollingWithAdvantage oooh the chainmail, okay now it makes sense xp my brain didn't go that far XD

[@willjcus]

Hall beard!

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

My southern accent gets me in a lot of hilarious trouble.

[@Raziier2023]

Cant pick perception or Poleman Master...

[@johnnywood-cc1oh]

Couldn’t you duel weird with a glave?

[@johnnywood-cc1oh]

So why couldn’t you use a glave?

[@BrownBox69]

Dueling doesn't work with Glaive since it is a two handed weapon

[@spookyintentions989]

Only downside to crusher is DM's who are adaptive and will choose instead to attack someone else instead of you so you stop cheesing his monsters lol.

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

I get irritated when DMs meta game against their players. Monsters never shoot arrows at monks or they only cast spells when they are 30ft away from the counter spell ready wizard. My first rule is that everyone should have fun. To me that’s allowing my players opportunities to use their abilities.

[@spookyintentions989]

@@RollingWithAdvantage my dm is the Meta gaming dm, it gets obnoxious sometimes lol

[@KulqrDBD]

@@spookyintentions989 trash dm then

[@spookyintentions989]

@@KulqrDBD I totally replied to your comment without realizing what you were making the comment about hahaha. Yeah that is now my OLD dm because he would meta game the fuck out of us instead of offering elegant solutions to the problems he created without thinking.

[@pansernes]

My first thought exactly, personally I'd go Cavalier instead of Champion to mark everyone I push away, so they dont have a good option besides provoking an opportunity attack from me.

[@MFinGonzo]

Why not use a spear instead of a quarter staff

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

For this build the quarter staff is better so all of your attacks are bludgeoning.

[@RIVERSRPGChannel]

Unfortunately we don't use UA

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

So, crusher is no longer UA it was printed in Tasha's so it's totally legal now.

[@RIVERSRPGChannel]

@@RollingWithAdvantage cool

[@jimmrazek]

Rule of cool I might allow it, but I have a hard time imagining someone using a shield properly, AND a 6’ quarterstaff without imposing some form of disadvantage. I don’t think I’d allow this without saying you either drop the shield or do half damage with the quarterstaff

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Every DM can rule as they wish. The quarterstaff can be a 1 handed weapon, so I don't have an issue with it. In a world where people can call down lightning and produce fire out of thin air, I think it's ok to let melee bend into the fantastical as well.

[@user-od1qw8qp1u]

UA has been removed xD

[@RollingWithAdvantage]

Yes, the crusher feat made it to release unchanged from UA.