How To Play A Bladesinger Wizard In Dungeons & Dragons 5e

[@marquazio7032]

When you go on KZbin to take a break from making your bladesinger wizard and this is the first video that comes up

[@robertwilliams2520]

Dungeon Dudes displaying their prognostication ability........ .....or they're spying on you. Cheers. (-:

[@DungeonDudes]

Scrying, not spying. There is a difference… … one is magical.

[@brandoncurtis1636]

It’s a sign: break’s over, get back to that character creation! The Dudes are WATCHING

[@robertwilliams2520]

@@DungeonDudes Ha! Touche.

[@pzalterias5154]

They just feel the hype

[@CivilWarMan]

Regarding 9th level spells, Foresight really fits in with the Bladesinger aesthetic and does give it an extra boost if they need to stay in the front lines. A Bladesinger with Foresight up and a Sunblade is basically a Jedi.

[@RogueHippie13]

Foresight + Elven Accuracy = no longer worrying about your Familiar getting taken out

[@randomdragon8245]

Add in Telekinesis and you can really go ham with the Jedi themes. Just make sure to take Mage Hand and Catapult to start then grab Telepath and Telekinetic.

[@championsgaming1]

Eldritch knight and a sun blade, is literally a jedi.

[@garudaiv689]

I really enjoy the Bladesinger. Surprised my friends when I made one a boss for a one-shot I ran for them. Seeing their dumbfounded reactions to his stupidly high AC, and using Song of Defense to reduce their paladin's crit. smite to only a few meager points of damage, was a true joy to watch.

[@lucianheart3727]

Honestly a high level Bladesinger is a great choice for a BBEG. Give him/her a Moonblade and pfft. The party will F E A R that elven supremacy.

[@DDCRExposed]

At first glance, Bladesinger never jumped out at me. After watching the subclass breakdown I was definitely intrigued by this subclass. My only issue is always picking spells and this video has been super helpful for that.

[@kathrynck]

You can treat it like a high-AC wizard, or like a hybrid, depending on how you build, gear, & play it. If you hybrid though, the class is very hungry for ability stat increases and feats both. I think warcaster is the only must-have feat for hybrid style, which still lets you max int/dex. a 2-3 level dip into fighter if you want to really find that middle hybrid style.

[@gregorysheridan2015]

@@kathrynck nah u aint need the fighter levels it still does the fighting stuff really well without it. you dont wanna gimp your spell progression.

[@antonlowe5370]

Good news. You're a wizard and can transcribe spells.

[@assassain0425]

Picking spells is literally all wizards issues

[@assassain0425]

@@antonlowe5370 I think he means like level 1 in the beginning.

[@mikev4638]

I love Bladesingers so much. I'm currently in a Blood Hunter campaign, and since they changed their primary modifier from wisdom to intelligence, I have multiclassed into Bladesinger and it has really been enjoyable.

[@cyanrosespirit]

Oh man, I can't believe I've never even THOUGHT about mixing Blood Hunter with Bladesinger, considering I've played a bit of both. I'm putting that on a list of future ideas for sure

[@maid_of_heart3261]

@@cyanrosespirit You can also mix bladesinger with 3 levels of battle smith artificer. Using your intelligence to attack is key, and you also get the amazing steel defender

[@sleepycanyoneer630]

Great thinking. Wish I knew of this subclass sooner. I ended up multiclass my Order of the Profane with Raven Queen Warlock because your allowed to maintain INT as the dominant spellcasting stat for both.

[@dominaiscna]

Do you, o esteemed senpais, have any wisdom you could impart on this noob (me) regarding bladesingers?

[@scoundrel_matt905]

One thing about spells that I think is being overlooked is the Lightning Lure Cantrip. It can be used to pull pesky, high mobility enemies into melee reach, and then paired with a War Caster Booming Blade if they try to run away

[@immortalinferno8809]

I loved using Lightning lure on my Wizard/Cleric Warcaster

[@chrisforbus9794]

Even better if you combo with Spider Climb and walk on the ceiling. Pull enemies up and then let them fall down prone and extra damage

[@Kveets]

​@@chrisforbus9794 If the target willingly moves 5 feet or more before then, the target takes 1d8 thunder damage Falling down from ceiling because someone pulled you there and then dropped is not a willingly moving

[@chrisforbus9794]

@@Kveets I'm referring to fall damage not booming blade

[@kraken9773]

A fun thing to do as a bladesinger is starting as an Artificer and going 3 levels in battlesmith. This allows you to focus on INT and not have to worry about dex. It also gives you proficiency in Con saves. Whats great about multiclassing as an artificer with wizard is it doesn't hinder your spell progression. The only real downside is it will take you longer to get extra attack.

[@Blackbeltgamer1225]

I am thinking the same thing you can also get the Mind Sharpener infusion to never fail con saves.

[@kraken9773]

If you're starting at level one I would start Artificer, than go 2 levels in wizard for bladesinger. Your next 2 levels should be in Artificer in order to get the "Battle Ready" feature of the battlesmith. The rest of your levels are up to you, but you would atleast want 6 levels in bladesinger or 5 in Artificer for the extra attack. The 10th level bladesinger feature isn't that good, but the 14th level one is. It also depends on the type of character you want to play. This is all just theory craft/ recommendations you don't have to follow any of this advice if you don't want to.

[@kraken9773]

@@Blackbeltgamer1225 Exactly, Artificers are awesome! They are my favorite core class in the game.

[@coldfusion230]

Artificer dip will hinder your spell slot progression if you take more than one level of artificer but it's still a great dip. Only issue would be you still can't dump dex since you need it for AC.

[@jackdizzy123]

@@coldfusion230 artificer for some reason counts as a full casters for Multiclassing, but not for single classing. They still only prepare spells at a normal rate though Edit: Disregard, I was incorrect

[@SirDuncan13]

Man this is one of the subclasses I'm hoping to see the most in baldurs gate 3!

[@TheMoped]

Hate to break this to you…

[@thyetyeyryeretyery]

I just want to cast Steel Wind Strike TBH, the absolute coolest spell

[@Inogat]

killed two harpies with the spell, then jumped off an airship and firebolted the last one in mid air. It was a good game. Also killed a cloaker and giant bats like that. It's a real good fun spell. Can't wait for ultimate blade of level 9 spell from Tasha.

[@vibratingwithmotion2177]

Thunder Step is another really cool one that you can flavor as some super fast sword slash that hits all of the enemies around you.

[@jeffadams9807]

S.W.S Is My Favorite Attack Spell...

[@jameshicks1114]

"Folks who have crunched the numbers far better than us"... shout out to D&D: Optimized.

[@devingilliam5601]

Immediately what I thought of.

[@logancuster8035]

I think you spelled Treantmonk wrong 😉

[@devingilliam5601]

@@logancuster8035 Both are brilliant to be fair. I'm partial to Colby though.

[@AlandisN]

Facts. Lmao

[@hrafnyoutube]

@@devingilliam5601 Me too

[@leodouskyron5671]

Calling in from the future. 18:24 if available also consider the Fisban’s Ashardalon’s Stride. This spell can be cast on yourself and allows you to Zip in (+20 speed) with your bladesong (+10 speed) do damage to any creatures you pass, hit your target and potentially leave all without any attacks of opportunity.

[@Mariwend]

take couple levels in rogue and that's 120 feet and an attack every turn.

[@kazzdevlin5339]

Taking mobility feat does same and is repeatable and cost no spell slot

[@jeffgray5295]

My Dm feels like INT is an under appreciated stat. So one of the things he did was allow warlocks to be INT based. Currently playing hex blade 1, blade singer 3 and I’m having a blast!

[@alheimianservant1499]

Dope

[@gerardmarques649]

INT has been my consistent dump stat until I made my most recent character (dumped wisdom). Didnt see too many relevant abilities tied to it so I never bothered until I forced myself to try for it

[@Aidscapade71]

Would you say you're having an Eldritch blast?

[@jiminkpen9750]

Nice, that is now so good with int as prime stat for the warlock. If allowed to multiclass my next character will be a warlock/bladesinger even with charisma for the warlock. Super strong and can be very flavourful

[@erikwilliams1562]

Tasha’s fully agrees with your DM. Psi Warrior is one that should allow INT as well

[@The_Tactical_Taco]

Imagine a blade singer with the warcaster and mage slayer feats. Enemy caster casts spell while next to you, retaliate with a spell using your reaction.

[@hotsaucehunter2570]

Variant human for warcaster, go first 3 as battlesmith artificier, and go the rest of the way in blade singer. It's tasty

[@haustyl12]

My Bladesinger has warcaster. Use booming blade as a opportunity attack and having advantage on concentration spells. Allowing me to maintain Haste better

[@gregorysheridan2015]

@@hotsaucehunter2570 stop multiclassing it isnt worth it

[@Devilnzo]

It's strange that flaming sphere so underrated, especially for bladesinger. At first round you start your song as a bonus action and conjure flaming sphere with action. Then you can booming blade enemy from front and hit him with sphere in his back. In his turn if he moves he will get damage from booming blade but if he remain he will get additional damage from sphere. Damage of booming blade raising with progression and it's effective to upcast sphere too

[@kathrynck]

you also get an opportunity attack if they move too right?

[@Devilnzo]

@@kathrynck no, they can evade sphere damage if they move in your range, but then take booming blade damage

[@lionclan4575]

im playing a bladesinger drow and its been so fun!!!! i took the drow high magic feat and ive found a good bit of use for the extra spells that dont take up a spellslot when used/take up space in the spellbook.

[@bluebird3281]

My thoughts immediately went to high drow bladesinger watching this. Thanks for confirming that it is fun for my next character.

[@sunstar8782]

It seems to see that the sunlight sensitivity would come into play a lot, as most battles happen during day and you cannot hide in the shadows. It's also a pretty big hinderance, with disadvantage on all your attacks. Am I right?

[@adamkaris]

@@sunstar8782 Depends on how "Dungeon-y" your games of Dungeons and Dragons is I guess

[@bluebird3281]

@@sunstar8782 Stay away from my DM ! Don't go filling his head with your accurate statements about rules. Glasses of sunblocking, maybe ?

[@maid_of_heart3261]

@@bluebird3281 My DM rules that Devil's Sight cancels Sunlight Sensitivity, so the drow in the party took the Eldritch Adept feat at level 6 for that invocation

[@superultragamer8245]

One of my favorite things to do with a bladesinger is to multiclass it with a swashbuckler rogue with 7 in rogue for evasion and 13 in wizard for 7th level spells. There’s just something about the abilities and flavors that mesh so well

[@dylandugan76]

Make sure that by level 9, you carry around 10 spare silver pieces, or commission the creation of 10 adamantine sling stones. When you animate them, have them "dance" up and down the length of your blade, like a chainsaw. Use your action for a Booming Blade and your bonus action for the animated objects' attacks. Roll all 11 attacks against the same enemy simultaneously.

[@dcoffinh]

:O

[@mehkaii1041]

You should do a Gish tier list

[@jameshicks1114]

Yes, this, absolutely this.

[@TheOneAverageJoe]

very good idea

[@LordBrittish]

I like gish idea. 👍

[@linrichardson8250]

Totes. And include multiclass options! As good as bladesinger is, to me it falls behind on the party role aspect - you're always choosing between attacking and spellcasting when you'd rather just do one well. My sword and board eldritch knight 3 / abjurer rest is super fun because I always feel like I'm doing my role well - tanking awesomely whilst doing cool wizard stuff.

[@kathrynck]

Bladesinger is the most casty, Hexblade is kinda in the middle, Eldritch Knight is on the fighter-ish end. A divine-hexblade sorlock is a pretty cool option too. All are good, it's more a question of where you want to fall on the spectrum. Late level EK levels offer too much of value to multiclass so you're kinda in a straight 20-20 EK (but god they're indestructible, and you can actually pick up all the 'gishy' feats). Bladesinger gives you up to 3 levels of relatively painless multiclassing to lean into being a little more focused on casting or melee. I'm less versed in warlock building. I'm pretty drawn to bladesinger17/battlemaster or bladesinger17/echo knight. Divine-hexblade is kinda taking the peanut butter & chocolate which is a sorlock, and choosing the very finest chocolate and peanut butter to blend. And EK is "why is everyone else dead? I grabbed most of the aggro.. uh, try to succeed your death saves while I finish this". Unless some DM fudges the dice rolls against the EK ...Monty.

[@SamanthaVimes177]

I'm someone who always plays gish characters so I'm overjoyed at this guide. But I'd love to see one tailored to the gish playstyle so we can all run our favorite gish from Monty's ideal team comp hahaha Perhaps it could cover what class/subclass options there are, how to build them, variations on the theme, and what kind of party dynamics work best with them plus all of the usual juicy fictional examples and roleplaying discussion.

[@bryaneisenhart]

Back when I played AD&D 2nd edition, I played the bladesinger from the Complete Book of Elves. I had to contend with the fact that I had to play as a multi-class fighter/mage elf, the level limits of 12/15 for fighters and mage respectively and deal with racial issues of humans disliking elves and dwarves not trusting elves. That was a fun character to play back then.

[@jordanbetteridge1598]

That was also my introduction to Bladesingers. Back then multi-classing was the best of both worlds. Great fun.

[@monarchlaciel3057]

Animate objects on a bag of swords is the coolest thing I've ever heard, I have got to do this in my game.

[@1A4atheist]

Cast continual flame on the swords to make them magical.

[@normknapp4404]

Mine carried a handful of pure adamantine coins with sharpend edges!

[@willmena96]

This friday I'll start playing my Bladesinger in CoS, so I'm really happy for this. Thank you guys!

[@inhumANthropoid]

I'm currently a lvl 6 BS in a CoS campaign and I'm having a blast... hands down my favorite character

[@Nick-tj9cr]

You are going to love it

[@caster-]

definitely my favorite character too.

[@manbaby2396]

Currently running my BS in CoS as well. It is an absolute blast. One of the most run characters I’ve run.

[@Doleoh]

What is CoS?

[@dannycat3970]

I've never played dnd as a PC but this is the class I want to play for my first long term character. He'll be a younge half elf man who left his family of bladesingers due to discrimination over his mixed ancestry and his "dark side" older brother can be an antagonist

[@WhiskeyPatriot]

I love how Arcanum treated this. It would be full bloods getting called Brother/sister, but you are “cousin”

[@antongrigoryev6381]

Don't forget that Absorb Elements doesn't work on *all* damage types, unlike Song of Defense. So if you were hit by some "Save or take a ton of psychic/radiant/necrotic damage" effect, it can also come handly.

[@chrishawkins313]

(Apologies if this comes up in the second half - gotta finish the video later) One note I've seen elsewhere regarding the bladesinger extra attack/ cantrip ability is that it does not specify the attack must be melee. Make sure your bladesinger has a ranged weapon option so that if you make a ranged cantrip attack you can take a free shot as well.

[@maid_of_heart3261]

If you're not using Bladesong, wizards are proficient in light crossbows, and for attacks you're using your dex, so it's a good option for ranged attacks. If you don't have a crossbow, just use your trusty dagger as a throwing knife

[@SwiftBandit23]

You guys are amazing, I legit was thinking just today “I hope the dungeon dudes make a bladesinger how to” Thank you so much! And congrats on all you’ve accomplished you deserve it!

[@DDCRExposed]

I think they have another bladesinger video on that topic 🤔 (besides the subclass breakdown). Easiest way would be to "Page Down" to the bottom of their videos then a Ctrl+F to find all bladesinger videos.

[@fortetom8868]

My favorite subclass in the game! Thank you for making this! Story time! My friend ran a level 20 one-shot for a 4 person party. My Bladesinger(18)/Fighter(2) was the last party member alive fighting against fucking TIAMAT. However, I had a few key features that really helped me out hold my own against the Evil Queen of Dragons herself. 1) A Potion of Invulnerability. Automatically halfing the damage from those nasty breath weapons. I stacked this with Absorb Elements to quarter the damage. 2) Tasha's Otherworldly Guise. More movement, more AC and total immunity to Fire and Poison damage (Lower Planes version), allowing my PC to completely brush off two of Tiamat's heads. 3) Shield and Misty Step as my two spells for Spell Mastery. Cranks my AC even higher and more movement options. 4) Wish --> Simulacrum --> Simulacrum cast Foresight on me. This + Shield + Bladesong made even Tiamat herself miss me fairly often. Plus, I had an additional caster for a few rounds, before they got obliterated. 5) Robes of the Archmagi. Just the best magic item for any arcane caster. Period. So that's how I went 1v1 with Tiamat for at least 6 rounds of combat!

[@bigdream_dreambig]

"for at least 6 rounds of combat" So... I take it you lost? 🐲😝🐲

[@B.J.Camire]

Fantastic video as always. Really looking forward to playing a Bladesinger someday! One thing of note, at 28:30 you mentioned using Warcaster's benefit to cast spells while holding a Staff of Power in their off hand, but a Staff of Power is categorized as a Staff, which is listed as an Arcane Focus, and a Wizard should already be able to perform the somatic components of a spell with the same hand they are using to hold their spellcasting focus without the Warcaster feat.

[@capy-karma186]

My favorite build with Bladesinger is to start as an Artificer, giving me more starting equipment, proficiencies, and of course, proficiency in Int and the all important Con. Going further to third level to be a Battle Smith, and you can have Enchanted Armor, an Enchanted Sword that uses Int for attack and damage, and a Steel Defender. There are also the Artificer's spells like Cure Wounds that could come in handy and base wizards don't get.

[@AzureIV]

What enchanted sword uses Intelligence for attack and damage? EDIT - Oh, are you talking about Battle Smith's Battle Ready 3rd level feature?

[@capy-karma186]

@@AzureIV indeed. Unfortunately, only works for magic weapons.

[@mal2ksc]

Kelly's shirt reminds me that Hero Forge has only a handful of shield designs, and one of them is a slightly de-Triforced Link shield, so a lot of the characters I create end up with that shield. Mind Sliver is worth considering as your damage cantrip for three reasons. 1. It attacks INT, which is generally weaker than DEX or CON. 2. With no spell attack roll, you don't suffer disadvantage if you want to cast it while engaged. 3. It can be used to debuff an enemy (-d4 to saves) for when you really need a leveled spell to get through.

[@kodiakjak1]

For lineage, depending on what source materials are allowed Mark of Warding dwarf is amazing. Plus one to int if not allowing Tasha's swap and armor of agathys on your spell list.

[@carolxu8315]

Song of Defense is great for spells like Finger of Death, Blight, or Disintegrate, that you can’t Shield or Absorb. Or if you’re Tenser’d out and can’t cast spells.

[@Finnssssss]

Blade Ward...highly underrated cantrip for those dual-weilding highly melee oriented BS prior to level 10. Martial damage Crits pose by far the biggest danger to a melee BS pre-10th and with Blade Ward crits literally hit you for less than a regular attack would. Nothing wrong with being Hasted taking 3 weapon attacks and having Blade Ward running at the same time right ;)

[@sophieirisviel4100]

wait where’s the three attacks from? you should only have two with haste

[@Finnssssss]

​@@sophieirisviel4100 Dual-wielding bonus attack is the 3rd. The restriction only says you can't be wielding a weapon with 2 hands (singular and it was confirmed a ways back that dual wielding does not interfere with Blade Song). You do however need to have the Warcaster Feat to take the 3 attacks and cast a cantrip every round. Otherwise you only get the 3rd attack every other round as you are constantly sheathing and re-drawing your 2nd weapon in order to cast any spell or Cantrip with a Somatic component. It also restricts you from casting any somatic spell as a reaction when your 2nd weapon is in hand such as Shield so just simply take Warcaster if you're going to dual-wield and avoid the action economy gymnastics.

[@k-rodkev-dog7449]

So let me get this straight. Round 1. Action: Cast Haste Haste action: 1 attack Bonus Action: 1 attack (no mod just damage dice) Round 2: Action: Blade ward Haste action: 1 attack Bonus action: 1 attack. Where is the third attack??

[@Finnssssss]

@@k-rodkev-dog7449 U gotta read my original post guys, cmon. I clearly stated dual-wielding and I clearly stated between levels 6-9. So in that 2nd round you attack, use your extra attack to cast the Bladeward cantrip, bonus action off-hand attack and Hasted attack.

[@k-rodkev-dog7449]

@@Finnssssss you said "prior to level 10" and you can't use your second attack to cast a cantrip. Cantrip have a casting time of 1 action and attacking is a different action. Either way no matter the wizards level, you can't attack more than twice. Edit: Spelling mistakes

[@Mario.1997]

Something I see is consistently overlooked is the Bladesinger Styles Sword Coast Adventurers Guide.

[@tko-bx4bd]

Damn can’t believe steel lol I don’t strike wasn’t even mentioned as a spell from 6-12. It’s my favorite spell in the game and fits amazingly on a bladesinger. It’s the most anime DnD will ever get

[@GaiusTulliusCatallusXXC]

I also think it can combo thematically with many spells that Bladesingers will want to concentrate on like Haste has the Bladesinger rushing around hitting people, Mirror Image (not concentration) has the Bladesinger in 5 places at once slashing people, stuff like that.

[@WD_Gaster66]

Might wanna edit your comment haha

[@TheWaynezWorld5]

I'm currently playing a Teifling Bladesinger in CoS. We're about to reach level 7, and I am incredibly happy with his performance (no pun intended). This guide came at the perfect time! Thank you Dungeon Dudes! Can't wait to get my hands on Drakenheim!

[@BronzeRivet]

Point of interest: The character Morrolan, from Steven Brust's truly excellent Jhereg series of novels, could be seen as a bladesinger. The extra rule of cool part is that while is doesn't seem to be expressed outright, Morrolan made his soul-eating sword his familiar. It is is a brilliant idea, very spooky.

[@NomNom1970]

I am so happy to hear someone else who has read that series and use his characters as inspiration.

[@MrClawBoy]

With my bladesinger I trained up my alchemy/herbalism so I can make potions of speed because the haste from them don't count as concentration so I can have that up plus other buff spells like spirit shroud, tenser's transformation, and tasha's otherworldly guise.

[@gustavomedeiros8384]

Now we need a "best gish class in D&D" vídeo

[@JM-of9bp]

I'm glad they gave the pitch for the kickstarter at the beginning - I almost missed it.

[@mkay6915]

I know I wasn't the only one that requested that video and I know I'm not the reason why you two made that Video But since I was one of the people that asked for it and you two delivered I wanted to say thank you for making and uploading it 😀

[@Miss-Alexis]

My concept for a Bladesinger is a Protector Aasimar, and a member of the Knights of the Mystic Fire. Dragons, especially red dragons, are her favorite topic of study, and flames dance around her body and limbs when she uses Bladesong! With once a day flight without concentration, and built-in healing via Healing Hands, she's certainly feeling that main character syndrome. I imagine her spells to be a blend of general Wizard goodstuff like Fireball, more Bladesinger oriented spells like Shadow Blade, and spells from Fizban's Treasury of Dragons, like Summon Draconic Spirit.

[@TheCoolerDrilis]

I always wanted to play a High Elven Bladesinger with a Moonblade... Though I'd like to pick the runes myself--

[@MrOfTheSea]

Make it the wizard's quest to create the moonblade

[@c.v.emmans]

I love it when you guys put out videos relevant to characters I'm playing. It's happened twice now, which isn't a lot, but it is weird.

[@dynesaurus8264]

Spirit guardians from the orzhov background in ravnica is nasty

[@Orl-Lurk]

Yes! I'm so glad you guys made this video! Bladesinger is my absolute FAVORITE subclass, so it's awesome to hear your opinions on it and that we are in complete agreement! Now imagine if you will, 17 Bladesinger/3 Echo Knight 😎 I'm working on one now in my current campaign.

[@remington14]

My personal favorite bladesinger build: Race: Actually doesn't matter much because of tasha's rules, but if you can't use those then go with something that boosts int and con. I usually run Aasimar (Protector) but that's just because I like the flavor of that race. Point buy (After racials): Str: 8 Dex: 14 Con: 16 Int: 16 Wis: 10 Cha: 10 Background: Whatever fits your characters RP needs. Level 1, Artificer: Gives you con and int saves, and gives you lots of tool proficiencies. Grab the shocking grasp and guidance cantrip. Spells: You get 4 because +3 int + Arti level. I grab Cure wounds, Disguise self, Detect Magic, and Identify. Feel free to grab whatever suits your fancy though. Level 1 Arti spells aren't all that amazing in the damage department and you can replace them later. For your equipment grab whatever weapon as you'll probably be replacing it later anyways, and grab studded leather. Skills: Grab perception +1 I usually do sleight of hand or investigation, but it's up to you. You get magical tinkering, which is a fun thing to use in a creative fashion, but isn't all that useful. Level 2, Artificer: Infuse Item, grab any 4 infusions you want ( I usually go with replicate magic item: Bag of holding. Replicate magic item: Sending Stones. and Enhanced weapon) , but you MUST pick Mind sharpener. Mind sharpener guarantees con saves in case of a fail. With this build you will *never* lose concentration! Level 3, Artificer: This is your last level of Artificer (if your campaign is going to go into the super high levels), and is the most important one too! Firstly you get the right tool for the job, which means you *always* have whatever you need for the situations ahead. Most importantly though, you get your subclass! Go with battle smith. You get shield as a spell and heroism. you also get Battle Ready, which is the whole point of going artificer really. This allows you to gain proficiency with martial weapons, but more importantly allows you to use your INT mod for attack and damage rolls. This makes you so much less Multi ability dependant! Now you can purely focus on improving your int while still maintaining good damage, and ac because of bladesong. You also get steel defender, which is a nice little buddy who stops you from getting hit sometimes! He can also use the help action and other stuff. He's basically there to be a little tank for you, and stop you from getting hit to help you maintain concentration. Also, because of him you can't really be surprised anymore so yay! Level 4, Wizard: Hey! Welcome to finally hopping into the class you wanted to play in the first place! Depending on how your campaign goes, you can either continue with this all the way down to level 20, and get a juicy 9th level spell, or if it's a shorter campaign, go back into Arti for that nice ASI, thought only ever go to level 4 in artificer. Anyways, with this level of wizard you get: Arcane recovery: Yay! More spell slots! You get 3 cantrips: Grab Mending (to heal your little buddy up), prestidigitation, and Mage Hand or whatever seems the most useful to you For your spells grab mage armor and Find Familiar. Also since you're an artificer, conjure some calligraphers tools and make yourself a spellbook! Or just go buy one. Level 5, Wizard: Wow! We finally made it to the subclass we want! Let's finally dip into bladesinger. Firstly we get out bladesong, which is the whole point of this build. You get more AC, you get more movement speed (this is why we grab shocking grasp, you run up to opponents hit them with shocking grap (eventually when you get Extra attack hit them with both a sword attack and shocking grasp) and then run away for free because they can't use reactions. You also get better con saves in regards to maintain concentration on spells (like I said, we are never losing concentration). You also get two more wizard spells: Grab silvery barbs (if it's not banned) and find familiar You also do get 2nd level spell slots here, but you can't get any second level spells so.... Upcast stuff I guess? If Silvery barbs is banned grab chromatic orb and cast that at a higher level! Level 6, Wizard. Hey, two more spells! And you can finally use your 2nd level spell slots! For your two new spells grab shadow blade and hold person/invisiblity either or works. With shadow blade now you don't need your starting weapon. You don't have to use shadow blade and can use something else if you'd like. Do whatever you want! That's as far as i'm going to go, but I'd take wizard all the way up to level 6 for extra attack asap, and then either dip one level into arti for that ASI and then go all the way to level 16 wizard for that 9th level spell slot )(but no spell) (level 4 in arti + 16 levels in wizard = Level 18 total spellcaster which = 9th level spell slot but you can't use any 9th level spells because multiclassing rules are weird). OR don't get the ASI from Arti, and go to level 17 wizard so you can actually use 9th level spells. Up to you really. Hope you all like the build :)

[@SpencerDickensheets]

My bladesinger used a whip. It was really fun to have that reach, and the additional damage from my int made it still a comparable weapon

[@zanman42]

What kind of spells did you take to go with it? I’ve been wanting to make a whip build for a few weeks now but obviously booming blade doesn’t work with it and other spells than mentioned here might be better suited for that reach

[@Kino_Cartoon]

I would be interested as well :3

[@SpencerDickensheets]

Honestly, my main thing was Tensers Transformation. That 1d4 seems alot better with an extra 2d12 on each attack, prof in con saves, advantage on all attacks and 50 temp hit points. I was the group tank, and in the limited campaigns I had, I was only hit like twice.

[@Kino_Cartoon]

@@SpencerDickensheets how did you get the advantage?

[@SpencerDickensheets]

In 5e, Tensers Transformation grants advantage on all attacks rolls you make with simple or martial weapons

[@Nick-tj9cr]

Been playing a bladesinger and mostly limiting myself to illusion spells for thematic reasons and it’s so fun. Like an OP arcane trickster

[@frankrobinsjr.1719]

Thank you! I can't tell you the number of times I've been disappointed when an Elf didn't even take the Sleep spell. (Forcing groups of enemies to make saving throws that doesn't affect you or your allies seems a given to me.) Lastly, and a much-maligned cantrip: Don't give up on Shocking Grasp. I don't really care about the damage of the spell. Stopping an opponent from making a reaction against you and your allies (I'm looking at you, rogue, who screwed up his movement and got stuck beside an enemy) can never be underestimated.

[@YMasterS]

A Rogue can just use cunning action to disengage.

[@frankrobinsjr.1719]

@@YMasterS never use "just!" Have your wizard enchant a dagger with shocking grasp at his highest level. Even if the rogue doesn't kill the opponent, that person/monster can no longer use reactions.

[@YMasterS]

@@frankrobinsjr.1719 that has nothing to do with what we said. And what do you even mean, enchant a dagger with shocking grasp? It's a melee spell attack.

[@frankrobinsjr.1719]

@@YMasterS don't you use a wizard to enchant party gear?

[@YMasterS]

@@frankrobinsjr.1719 no, that's not part of the 5e rules.

[@ashu21]

Had a bladesinger tiefling (not min maxed, for role play). It was amazing how versatile the build is. By level 16, I wouldn't even have to make concentration checks ankles I took over 32 points of damage, and since we didn't have a tank in the party it was strangely enough, the party wizard that went toe to toe with the enemies

[@aleksanderkozowski9414]

I literally asked for this under the swashbuckler video, even if you didnt see my comment, you are amazing ;D

[@Keldren.]

I just rolled for a new character to start an upcoming campaign with.. dnd beyond dice glitched out and gave me all 6's.. literally 24d6 came up 6's.. so it gave me 18 across the board in every stat.. and since I had it on video for the DM he decided to be ultra generous and actually let me keep it without re-rolling! Since bladesinger has to manage more stats than pumping just the hexblade's charisma I think I'll take advantage of the insane lvl1 stats and go Bladesinger.. thanks a lot guys!

[@orarinnsnorrason4614]

I think Blur is a highly recommended spell. With your high ac plus enemies hitting you with a disadvantage means they have a very low chance to hit you, which means you can stay in their faces. Edit: Also when I think of Bladesinger I think touch spells (Chill Touch, Shocking Grasp, Vampiric Touch) and close range spells (ray spells such as Scorching Ray).

[@couldntthinkofacoolname9608]

My favorite character I've played was a bladesinger X / Knowledge Cleric 2. A badass librarian who moonlights as an adventurer.

[@derekhandson351]

I saw this whole thing apparently but I remember nothing

[@ryanpratt6993]

One of my favourite 5e characters was a bladesinger. Her name is Serena, and she’s a Cheetah style Bladesinger. So I took Mobile and Booming Blade early on. It was unfortunate that we were playing Tales from the Yawning Portal, so by the time I could use Song of Victory, we were in the middle of Tomb of Horrors, which doesn’t really lend itself to combat characters.

[@jwall1646]

Could you guys please do a how to play an arcane cleric.

[@seanjardine3128]

They have.

[@jwall1646]

@@seanjardine3128 They haven’t

[@Restilia_ch]

The combination of spells and melee made me style my current bladesinger after a Final Fantasy 14 Red Mage, who are also spellcasters with a melee twist. Also playing as a harengon so I get the Rabbit Hop ability for extra mobility.

[@eran5005]

Stop making me want to play every single class in the game! I don't have the time for all this D&D and i WISH i did!

[@chacepassmore6474]

bro im so happy your campaign is going so well. I'm almost finished with the first season of drakkenheim! only two more episodes. I'm absolutely stunned (In a great way)

[@nyanbrox5418]

Good timing, I'm about to start a game where I'm playing a bladesinger

[@Madsojlrg]

Me too lol

[@Sir.Pandarius]

I'm in love with my Bladesinger/Paladin multiclass; they are by far my favorite character.

[@_OldWorldCharm_]

Tell me more

[@Sir.Pandarius]

@@_OldWorldCharm_ ddb.ac/characters/53673973/qeZ3Nb Bladesinger(9) Devotion Paladin(4).

[@cattrucker8257]

The most important part is queuing up an anime soundtrack playlist, of course.

[@caseykinnee5632]

I'm going to be playing my first bladesinger soon, I had to multi class with cleric cause I knew my party would need some healing. I'm really happy my dm allowed me to use the optional rule race as I didnt want to be an elf. He allowed me to be a goblin. I liked the racial features. Gives me multiple ways to get out of melee in a major battle if I've used all my other means to get away

[@couldntthinkofacoolname9608]

I did the same! Knowledge Cleric 2, to be a good skill monkey. Good fun, easily my favorite character to play.

[@DrNotEmpathetic]

I was able to buy +1 studded leather armor and Illusionist's Bracers during my campaign as a Bladesinger. I actually started off as a lv. 1 artificer variant human so that I can have a CON save and war caster from the get-go (I only lost concentration twice during my 1 year campaign, not counting nat 1s because of course you fail during nat 1s). The +1 studded leather armor meant I didn't have any need for mage armor and Illusionist's Bracers allowed me to use Booming Blade twice as one of my extra attacks and as a bonus action. Add in haste and I was able to swordplay four times in one round.

[@patricks2645]

I think a multiclass that not enough people are talking about is bladesinger wizard split with rune knight. I have a character that I want to play that is a bladesinger wizard that's on a mission to research giant's magic so he's also a rune knight fighter. Giant's might combined with bladesong is killer, and taking the frost rune to get +2 to your CON (and strength) saves really boosts those concentration checks

[@windrunner617]

I play a longstride shifter blade singer with the mobile feat. He’s got crazy speed at lvl 5, especially when I put haste on

[@bigdream_dreambig]

I assume you mean Swiftstride (as opposed to Longtooth).

[@windrunner617]

Yes I do. I apologize

[@rukathekid7853]

bladesinger is so fun and versatile, especially with its crazy mobility and steady damage (looking at you, misty step for free at lvl 18 and 100 feet of movement with haste, bladesong and longstrider)

[@waitthatsillegal.7552]

You could consider multiclassing one level into rogue. 1d6 extra damage with the help action of your familiar and even more important: proficiency and expertise in perception. For as a bladesinger wizard, you do not want to be surprised. No absorb elements, no shield, no counterspell, no bladesong, just a squishy wizard. Also an Arcana expertise really fits wizards well.

[@Terminator356]

10:50 Sleep is a great spell to use at low levels. advantage on melee attack rolls and auto crit when you hit. But you have to hit them first. I am playing a wizard right now and 5 session ago I went off on my own to steal some letters. I lured a dwarf guard to help me find what I was looking for, letters were in dwarvish and my character doesn't know it. So once the guard found what I was looking for I cast sleep on him. Then I spent, if I remember correctly, 7 rounds trying to stab him. I missed with advantage about 7 times until I finally beat his AC.

[@LordBrittish]

First: Pick the Goliath race.

[@cjslime8847]

Tortle As +5 to your 17 ac

[@gregorysheridan2015]

@@cjslime8847 tortle is good early game but i mean like that AC gets quickly outclassed. youre going to want dexterity on this character anyways so when u get a decent dex mod and have something like studded armor you'll most likely have a higher AC

[@maid_of_heart3261]

@@gregorysheridan2015 Not even studded leather... since you wanna have a maxed out dexterity for your attacks you can just grab Mage Armor and get an 18 AC, or the Dragon Hide feat if you are a dragonborn for the same result without the spell slot cost

[@andrewmcmillan229]

Even if your dm is strict about shadowblade and booming blade you can still use it if you are using 2 weapon fighting. Turn 1 cast shadowblade with bonus action, use your action to make an attack with your shadowblade and a booming blade attack with your real weapon. Following turns attack with shadow blade, booming blade with real blade, and bonus action attack with shadow blade. In 5e there is no such thing as a main hand and an off hand, when you take the attack action you can attack with a weapon in either hand, and the bonus action attack just needs to attack with a weapon other than one you used to attack with your action, since you attacked with both you can bonus action attack with either.

[@CharlieThunder24]

Playing a fighter-EK and I'm wishing I had made my character a bladesinger

[@DDCRExposed]

Why not talk to your DM about using the TCE rules about changing classes and such to make the campaign/games more enjoyable? (I know I had this issue with the PHB Beast Master Ranger)

[@Kaiser8361N]

Talk to your DM. If they are cool they’ll let you change classes. Maybe come up with a scenario/reason RP wise how this happens.

[@fortunatus1]

Fighter EK just needs one change to Eldritch Strike at level 10. Add the following: In addition, once per turn you can cast a cantrip in place of one of your Extra Attacks and, doing so, triggers your War Magic feature.

[@CharlieThunder24]

Thanks @exposing and @ao lord and @brian F. Also the campaign we're in is Curse of Strahd. So I'm not sure how switching up classes wouldn't be game breaking or problematic or irksome to fellow players. I can think of a way. The reason my character is in the quest is to find or avenge the loss of his master (in the jedi sense, not the bdsm sense) who was captured in the days leading up to my character's induction into the Azuri Guild, a renown order/academy for the study of magics. Basically the idea is that Galvan was always supposed to be a bladesinger wizard but without his master he's doing the best he can to learn from his notes and such, leaving him an ek until he finds his master alive. If he finds him alive, that is

[@DDCRExposed]

@@CharlieThunder24 Finding the characters master could be a great moment in the game that bestows the proper class. I don't see why it couldn't happen. As others say though, it's up to the DM and hopefully they're willing to work with you on this. Best of luck! 😄

[@Furiora]

great guide! a few things I could ramble on about for people interested; having a decent str + prof in athletics would allow you to booming blade and then shove. While the shove won't trigger booming blade, it would still put them out of melee range unless they have reach. Or, you could shove first to attempt a booming blade critical hit while prone. Elemental Bane could be a pick up for a 4th level spell, an extra 2d6 per turn of thunder damage from your booming blade could be fun, plus it could easily be triggered on their turn as well through war caster or them moving while under the effects. DM depentant; The command spell could also be useful for you or someone else in your party, commands like "come" (used by an ally) or "flee" could trigger booming blade's effect. Some DMs might rule this as "involentary movement" but that's DM to DM Booming Blade reactions from Warcaster suck, basicly free damage since the intent to move and attack happen at the same time RAW, thus the creature is willing moving to trigger Booming Blade. If you're playing into super high levels, I'd reccomend Shield and Misty Step for your level 18 feature. Shield is a no-brainer for a bladesinger, although MS could be up for debate. Opposit of stopping people from running away, Lightning Lure can pull a target in, getting them away from an injured teammate or objective and getting them stuck in melee with you. Gift of the Metallic Dragon might be an interesting pickup, a free use of Cure Wounds per day, plus the ability to cast it with your normal slots and tie it to your int is pretty useful. You can never have too many healers. Plus 5 free shields once you hit prof +5 that you can even use on your allies. Shadow Blade doesn't play nice with Booming Blade, but you could always dual-wield a shortsword and a shadow blade (or a raiper if you pick up dual wielder) Tenser's is, IMO, always worth a pickup in high level campaigns where you might be fighting creatures with Limited Magic Immunity basicly giving you only 3 or 4 slots to work with. This could also be DM dependent but my DM ruled that since it was a buff effecting me, not a spell directed at the boss, it worked. Check with your DM on this one.

[@jaredpratt1154]

Have y’all done an in-depth for a time wizard? If not could y’all?

[@andrewcross4193]

Chronurgist is a dedicated subclass to this, its in the Explorer's Guide to Wildmount. Just make sure you're DM is cool with Dunamancy spells and you're all set, its normally a setting specific thing.

[@jaredpratt1154]

@@andrewcross4193 thanks. I had fun researching it. I think I’m gonna try a bladesinger next. It seems pretty cool

[@SeanClaudeVanQuam]

Main Character Syndrome is so real for a bladesinger. Played one in 3.5 and it was a real struggle to let the rest of the party shine but also know when I had to go all in because the challenge set before us was the more difficult encounter.

[@fasturianicildentirf5588]

While it may not be optimal due to stat requirements, I really enjoyed my AL bladesinger that started out with two levels of paladin.

[@somerando6215]

Oh yes! Glad you have this guide. I started playing a Bladesinger, however, I play her more as a bard than a wizard haha.

[@brandoncurtis1636]

I feel like Bladesinger with a 2 level Fighter dip would be bonkers. Then again, most things with a 2 lvl Fighter dip are bonkers 😅

[@Alternatestories]

Dragon breathe as concentration spell. Combat encounters over way quicker. Also can choose what element you shoot.

[@zneaker344]

Dear Dudes your Drakkenheim link is missing a space between the link and the !

[@DungeonDudes]

Thanks, fixed

[@TheCanadianLord]

my Bladesinger is a Hobgoblin, the backstory being that tens of centuries ago his clan "questioned" an elven prisoner till they spilled the secrets of the art. his specialty was finding and capturing people, locate creature, hold person, ray of frost. he was a lawman. bring in people dead or alive. mostly focusing on hunting dark magic users. his weapons were a Rapier, a Whip, and a Scimitar. because as a Hobgoblin he got two more martial weapons. when actually fighting, he was very fond of Shatter.

[@williambowen8054]

Hey! This is what I'm doing right now!

[@yakobthebarbarian]

I've played at a table where the elven Bladesinger took three levels of Kensei monk. The Unarmored Defense, combined with Agile Parry and Bladesinging, results in an absurdly high AC, and the +10 movement speed and Step of the Wind option makes the Bladesinger's movement incredible (then put Haste on them and they just turn into a blur). Because of the high AC, the player was able to have a low CON score, and pour everything into Intelligence, Wisdom, and Dexterity, resulting in someone who is nigh impossible to hit, can get into and out of every part of the battlefield, and is also the brains of the party. We joke that they didn't mean to, but still wound up min-maxing their character.

[@midraeus]

Blade ward cantrip could be a great for defense tanking your bladesinger

[@Dancan799]

Step 1: Max Int Step 2: Take Shield Step 3: Take Blur Step 4: Invincibility

[@ebensirges]

Also Mirror Image.

[@inhumANthropoid]

With shield up my AC is 24 while BS is up for a turn... it's dumb lol

[@Dancan799]

@@ebensirges not as good as you’d think because you roll for mirror image before they try to hit you not after

[@Dancan799]

@@inhumANthropoid yeah man it’s nuts my level 3 blade singer had been besieged by around 40 orks and I was just running past them to waste their opportunity attacks so people could escape and manoeuvre

[@flawedpyro4650]

No haste?

[@reloadpsi]

Bladesinger 6 Arcane trickster 14 Extra attack, cast true strike with the first "attack" Sneak attack, virtually guaranteed, every round. There, found a use for true strike.

[@captainkaveman4470]

That sponsor sounds like the real deal

[@RagingPretzyls]

I love my kobold bladesinger. Getting advantage on my attack rolls while my ally is next to it, whether you are at range or in melee, is just a chefs kiss.

[@nicksternyr8728]

Who is this jerk who gave these 2 cool dudes a thumbs down. What a troll 😅

[@sealedtugboat9965]

It was an eldritch knight.

[@Lobomaru02]

I'm actually getting ready to play a Bladesinger in a friend's campaign, first time playing Bladesinger. And you've definitely given me some ideas. I actually thought of a way for Booming Blade and Shadow Blade to coexist. Shadow Blade is what you pull out when you've been disarmed of all your gear, and then you relish the look on the captor's face when they realize, "Oh shit! He's not disarmed! He's not disarmed!" Also I backed your kickstarter before watching this vid. I want that stuff.

[@troymiddleton4883]

Bladesinger combined with rouge seems really good

[@DDCRExposed]

Hmm... Bladesinger Wizard + Swashbuckler Rogue... 🤔🤔🤔

[@audiewilliams3417]

Scout Rouge. Lots of skills, movement options with your reaction as well as you bonus action, 3 levels rouge is all you would need.

[@maid_of_heart3261]

A race that wasn't mentioned that could be interesting is the fire genasi. +2 Con +1 Int, a kind of infrared version of darkvision, fire resistance and a couple spells that could free your low level choices

[@davidelguardian4814]

The first one. El primero!!!!

[@S1leNtRIP]

All hail!

[@thaii3839]

My character is a Bladesinger 18/Cleric 2. So technically I am still full caster with the advantage of spell mastery. My feats are War Caster so I have advantage with on concentration checks for an additional security as well as the reaction spell. My favorite is that I took Metamagic Adept, which gives me 2 sorcery points that I took with quickened and extended spell. P.S The favorite thing that I ever did in my campaign. I had Shadow Blade up on the previous rounds. So for an action I used Booming Blade and then extra attack. And as a Bonus Action, I used the quickened spell to cast meteor swarm.

[@777wrath]

It’s all fun and games until they go 7 levels into rogue and now you have a bladesinger with evasion and uncanny dodge, + rogue skills and expertise.

[@ChitenBugMan]

I'll go one further take the swashbuckler or Scout subclass as a rogue that gives you two extra expertise as Rogue, that you probably don't have already, and the ability to get out of range of an opponent if you don't want to be there

[@777wrath]

@@ChitenBugMan Precisely. Thus shadow blade isn’t even needed. A combo I thought of is metamagic adept and dissonant whispers using quickened spell. 1 sneak attack, two booming blades + forced movement in a single turn. If the DM is stickler on elf, just do Custom Lineage Feat and take alert and for the first ASI take metamagic adept. Subtle spell casting quicken fireballing bladesinger who can’t be snuck up on and near always goes first in a combat.

[@varasatoshi3961]

Booming blade is absolutely delicious as a spell cast as an opportunity attack with war caster. It’s essentially a free sentinel 0 Movement debuff.

[@Luslakhan]

The Bladesinger I play takes a dip into the Battle Smith artificer. This allows me to use my Int for just about everything, vastly streamlining my build. It's FANTASTIC.

[@jthompson7175]

I like the Bladesinger because I think they can be very flexable as a skirmisher. Hobgoblin or Elves can get access to better ranged weapons so you can fire an arrow and cast Firebolt in addition to being good with a sword. So you can do Melee, ranged, and spell slinging - whatever the situation requires. I think Find Familiar (using a bat) mixed with spells like Darkness or Fog Cloud could be an interesting combination, for blinding enemies and still being able to fight them effectively. Maybe go Yuan-Ti and fight inside of spells like Stinking Cloud or Cloud Kill.