How to Play Brainiac in Dungeons & Dragons (Superman Villain Build for D&D 5e)

Today we have a build for Superman's nemesis Brainiac in Dungeons & Dragons. Mind control, robot clones and big psychic damage come together for a real D&D 5e nightmare.
Twitter: / tulokthe
Patreon: / tulok

[@pyron5277]

Something that he forgot to mention Power Word Kill is an Enchantment spell and since you went Enchantment Wizard you can insta-kill two targets with 1 spell slot

[@Mario.1997]

Brainiac is definitely one of those really inconsistent characters because in one series he's of a Vedalcan but if I had to say the two more consistent portrayals are him being a half orc or warforged.

[@walterkipferl6729]

„With an intelligence score that high, and a Charisma score that low, I‘m not surprised“ Someone call a fire truck and a hearse.

[@benjaminholcomb9478]

EMT not necessary

[@RobearRich]

When he was discribing dominate monster and said, "you can get Krypto on your side," I thought he meant, "you can get Crypto on your side." I started worrying that Tulok had been dominated by a crypto bro. The phrase, "No one hits a dog," brought on so much relief.

[@travisdouglas3391]

You never cease to impress me with your ability to bring these larger than life characters onto the table, Tulok! Keep up the great work. Can't wait to see what other creative madness you come up with!

[@scientist368]

The fun part is that because some characters are just too strong to make them up with the limited 20 max lvl and stats some of the builds based on simpler characters are actually a lot stronger.

[@tzeentchling]

Given how often Brainiac uses his mechadendrites and such to restrain his opponents, I would have expected to see at least Evards Black Tentacles on his spell list!

[@themightybullfrog]

I was pretty surprised Enlarge/Reduce didn't make the cut. What else am I supposed to do with all this Kandor?

[@isaksharfstein9339]

I rewatched Princess Mononoke recently and was struck by how applicable Ashitaka’s abilities were to 5e. I would love to see a build of him or San or even Lady Eboshi. Great work as always!!

[@BJGvideos]

He made a San build ages ago but it was taken down because The Man didn't like the footage used, so he's not going to make any more. Which is a frickin shame and yet another of the endless examples of why we need copyright reform.

[@burrito9327]

Makes sense for Superman to keep beating Brainiac, with that big intelligence but low wisdom he keeps understimating the power of a sornk (Monk/Sorcerer). Big punch beats big nerd.

[@meltedlyricoriginal]

Episode 420 may not be a weed joke, but it's a big brain move so all good

[@bradfordlindsey9781]

**pictures brainiac with a spliff of '13th level intellect' telling me to get on his level** that's just gonna live in my head now.

[@notoriouswhitemoth]

That is in fact why nature is intelligence based - it's knowledge of biology, ecology, and natural history. I probably would've made him a warforged; either way, hell of an enchanter you've got here!

[@gabrielhoy6790]

A slight suggestion for tweaking this build: Why not go 3 levels in Artificer to pick up the Armorer subclass then proceed the rest of the way? I know it would mean not being able to cast Silvery Barbs and Suggestion at will, but at that cost you get heavy armor proficiency, your armor can never be removed against your will (and all the other Armorer goodness), magic missile for free (giving you another spell to pick up from the wizard's spell list), and you can grab a better feat or bump ability score (rather than grabbing Heavy Armored). I'm open to critiques.

[@grubhubgenjutsu]

I would 100 percent agree on this. With the extra feat you could pick up tough earlier, resilience, war caster, heavy armor master (i know it sucks), metamagic adept or something more rp focused like skilled.

[@deadlivestock4211]

I thought he was gonna do this too but I think he also wants the plus one to strength so it rounds up to 16. Same reason he gets skill expert and puts it into constitution so that bumps up as well

[@Lrbearclaw]

Fun fact: Your Similacrum can cast Clone as well as Similacrum. Why have only one clone when you can make an army? Psst use this combo as a DM for your BBEG. This allows the PCs to face a low HP version early in.

[@parkersmith8711]

thanks for the idea

[@bradfordlindsey9781]

Doombots?

[@akmi1931]

Similacrum isn’t a clone. It’s a facsimile. It can’t do anything more then what you can do. And no DM would allow it to do this in a campaign. Not unless they want to just destroy it in one session, which are far easier (and fun) ways to do it

[@DareMurdok]

I thought simulacrum couldn't cast spells?

[@akmi1931]

A Similaulacrum can cast spells and has as many spell slots equal to its target at casting. So, you can cast it on yourself using a 7th level spell slot, but it’s created with as many spell slots equal to you when you can it. Which means it would be created minus the slot slot used to cast it. But the main ruling that any casting of Simulacrum by a Simulacrum would count as the same spell

[@notabot3236]

Okay so I have a suggestion for a character: Eda the owl lady from the owl house, specifically her harpy form. Mostly doing this to have you watch the show since it's my favorite show

[@boop783]

or luz!! she does write down her glyphs, an in character reason for calligraphy proficiency :)

[@notabot3236]

@@boop783 I mean yea, but I don't know what she would be. No wizard subclass really fits.

[@DareMurdok]

@@notabot3236 i'd make luz an artificer if you consider the glyph writing as creating magical items

[@silverkyrie4714]

@@DareMurdok artificer probably fits the flavor best, but the mechanics don't really fit as well and there's no fitting subclass (there really should be an artificer subclass for scrolls and glyphs, but there isn't) She does have to learn and study those glyphs and takes notes of them and their combos, so wizard is probably the best fit with the official 5e options. Though no particular subclass stands out.

[@zap4th368]

@@notabot3236 even more reason to have tulok do it! See what he cooks up

[@bradfordlindsey9781]

Smol brain: if you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a fireball! BEEG brain: i don't have to dodge the fireball if there *is* no fireball.

[@nucleargoofball8043]

Other Smol Brain: As an alternative to Evasion, the Shield Master feat goes pretty great on Bards (the Valor and Sword kinds, since they get Medium Armor & Shield proficiency) and Rangers, since they're both proficient in DEX saves and can pick up Expertise in Athletics for the Bonus Action shield shoves! Medium Brain: An enemy caster knocked prone (by a Shield Master, in this context) is easier to have the Fighter Action Surge to slices, the Barbarian smash to bits, the Monk to pummel to pieces, and the Paladin to smite to the seventh hell, and therefore no fireball!

[@bradfordlindsey9781]

@@nucleargoofball8043 Planet brain: Sorceror uses metamagics to craft a careful fireball to render to ash what remains, quickening a casting of create bonfire to burn the ashes.

[@theovernight1915]

I feel like there was a missed opportunity to have episode #420 be the super-powered God-Shaggy but still, Brainiac is an awesome choice!

[@robbinridunk]

I... I need to play this. I'd REALLY love to run a "villain" type game anyway.

[@bradfordlindsey9781]

One of my dream one-shots is to DMPC spiderman as the players come up with 20th level sinister six characters to try and take me down.

[@MysticSybil]

Sooooo Anyone else think it was deliberate how he said "instinctive charm" to a backdrop of Supes getting wrapped up in tentacles 👀

[@Wouldyoukindly4545]

"Brainiac is really smart, but he also fist fights with Superman frequently" That does *not* sound very smart to me.

[@RandomRex6]

I'm assuming you'd need Wish to shrink down a city and put it in a bottle.

[@RobertBass]

Epic level magic in 3.5 might be able to do it, but yeah, in 5e you're gonna need a Wish. Kind of a big Wish too, so good luck getting your DM to not screw you over with it.

[@bradfordlindsey9781]

And with enough simulacrum and/or clones, you can further wish that the wish to put a city in a jar goes off swimmingly.

[@RobertBass]

@@bradfordlindsey9781 Look, I know having your Simulacrum cast Simulacrum or Wish for you works RAW, but I guarantee you no DM will let you get away with that unscathed.

[@bradfordlindsey9781]

@@RobertBass entirely fair.

[@flareinc7413]

This is an amazing build and I needed this in my life.

[@bryanrosario859]

I've been looking forward to this for a long time (even though there was no way I could've guessed Tulok would've done him)

[@av7501]

Call back: Kikyo and Shippu builds when? Call forward: wow 🤩 best artificie build. Neat.

[@0_Body]

If there is anything you should learn from Brainiac is to always have a backup

[@kbowman772]

Wouldn't the real big brained play be to dominate leaguers with bad wisdom saves? So Hawkgirl might be able to resist it. It would probably be Supergirl that gets Dominated.

[@GZilla311]

Y'know, I'd say "phrasing," but I'm not sure if that was on purpose.

[@kbowman772]

@@GZilla311 Funnily enough, it wasn't.

[@socsangameplay8085]

Hi there! New follower here! I just saw your Tanjirou in DnD video, and I have to say, I love the ways you thought about incorporating certain characteristics into even the stats itself (Dump intelligence, because you don't know what trains are xd) I did some reworking on the character however, because the new race options gave way to some of the things you were not entirely satisfied with: - Race: Fire Genasi, using Wisdom to cast Flame Blade, and getting 2 extra fire themed spells - Multiclass: Instead of sorcerer I went for samurai fighter, to fit the theme, and get the Dueling fighting style. - Managed to get defensive duelist, and max out dex with the Skill Expert feat instead of Observant. Took proficiency and expertise in Perception, giving me a 26 Passive for that skill. - Didn't get shield from sorcerer or anything like that, but still have 20 Dex, 14 Con, and 18 Wis. Didn't increase Charisma at the start. Just thought I'd share this little thing with you and the others here. Hope you have a great day!

[@Zthewise]

For the longest time I thought Braniac was a hyper intelligent ai built by Superman's dad Jor-El. Guess that is a different version.

[@warbilby]

Just rewatched the Superman episode and yeah he isn't that strong even though a Monk/Sorcerer is a pretty cool build. And I remember Green Arrow in his episode being very strong.

[@rdp16rulez]

Clearly he has to upgrade Superman the same way that he upgraded Thanos.

[@warbilby]

Your puns were on fire this episode

[@fandomencounters]

A Baileys School Kid shout-out. Absolutely hell yeah

[@andrewpool2014]

"There's a Kryptonian here, and for some reason he's WAY stronger than the other ones you killed."

[@xvader9445]

I see the makings of an Apocalypse build

[@franciscoadami6204]

Take a shot every time Tulok says "Mind Control"

[@jamesbiggs8397]

The best part about having a Simulacrum is that they can also make a Simulacrum of you

[@lucasm.3864]

How is Necromancy the “evil” school when Enchantment can do all of these things?

[@bradfordlindsey9781]

Because the people are made to accept it. Easier to Other the creepy bone guy than it is the puppetmaster that has you in his strings.

[@palmerharrison7660]

Because you failed your save, obviously.

[@AZDfox]

Jesse Faden also can mind control enemies, yeet things telekinetically, teleport, and has a bit of a self heal.

[@squeeian]

Hey Tulok, Love your videos and builds. Though I have a humble request, can you do a Deadman build video?

[@MagusAgrippa8]

I really like this build concept. I’m at artificer 2 right now And I fully suspect this bill to go all the way through armor to probably level nine and then dump a bunch of levels into Wizard to get the contingency spell. For a more arcane artificer I think this is really really cool.

[@DracoMagnius]

You know I never thought I'd hear Batman referred to as a "Billionaire Furry," but you're not wrong.

[@Hk-ox4bb]

Gotta be honest, was expecting a lot more levels into artificer armorer (I was expecting a level 20 armorer) Personally I’d put at least 3 to get the artificer weapons even tho 9 would have been nice for the armor

[@canutemalenfant3354]

Do a build for either Talion (from Shadow of Mordor) AND/OR Sylvanas Windrunner (from WOW). Undead rangers to wreck the enemy!

[@LordSanquil]

Man looking forward to one piece and shaman king characters heres to hoping they come one day

[@Technodreamer]

This build is...nasty. In a good way.

[@thomasdevine867]

Still pulling for Eglantine Price (Bednobs and Broomsticks), Winifred Sanderson (Hocus Pocus), Councilor Troi (Star Trek: tNG), Mary Poppins, and the Reverend Doctor Syn (The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh). Bugs Bunny would be great too. Sir Dagonet King Arthur's court jester (Idylls of the King/Morte d'Arthur) would be wonderful too.

[@MrSHADOWANGEL999]

A big brain play

[@kingofcarrotflowers5364]

Algorythm boost comment, love your work

[@researcherchameleon4602]

Moon knight “Laters gators”

[@joshlawrence2510]

Not sure if you already have them made (didn't see them) or planned, but how would you do Hercules (The Legendary Journeys) and Xena? Was having debates after a game, especially about Xena, and was wondering what you would do.

[@dprice9666]

RAW, because of how character creation is done, you don't need to modify the sage background,

[@dummy_vicc2976]

whats the one where he looks kinda like the hulk and puts wires in clarks brain?

[@kimberlynorris338]

Nice.

[@LLBat]

You should absolutely do jack cooler from Titanfall 2 next

[@nykoelasmanning6643]

Calling Vedalkan Armorer Artificer. Edit I forgot he was a robot...

[@jimmymiller1313]

Building someone green for episode 420, well done.

[@TheRealMichelozzo]

Can someone give me a name for the footage that has brainiac being green with purple bits? Never seen that before kinda curious where it was from.

[@Avigorus]

I wonder, which character would best need Arcana Cleric 20 with Wish as an Arcane Mastery, so one can both call on a deity once a week guaranteed plus Wish once per day?

[@vernonhampton5863]

Superman: Unbound, totally underrated film.

[@BJGvideos]

Hey Tulok! Who's a character you always wanted to make but don't think can be made in D&D? Just curious.

[@kbowman772]

Shout out to the Bailey School Kids

[@itwasidio1736]

Brainiac is basically the Neil Degrasse Tyson of DC villains. Can't explain why certain characters are turning against each other or how a planet disappeared? Hey, it's Brainiac who not only did it, but can explain how in a neutral, informative way.

[@Quarataia]

Tell me, Tulok, do you plan to ever expanding over to other systems, like Pathfinder 2e?

[@andrewpool2014]

Pinky is always blazing up.

[@taylorrenken6172]

Please do bugs bunny. I've always considered him to be the ultimate bard and I plan on making a character based off him for my upcoming campaign.

[@PharaohOfTheDamned]

How the hell was swamp thing not episode 420? Or poison ivy? Or anyone that has to deal with fire and Or smoke?

[@jackbaccarat4084]

How to build: Kai from Kung Fu Panda 3, the Spirit Warrior whose name and reputation seems to have been long since forgotten, but at least your theme song is the most memorable thing about you. Goals: 1. KI theif: stealing ki of others to empower your own strength or strength of others 2. Chain blades: seems that chain weapons always are associated with vengeance seeking angry boys. Kratos, kai and scorpion. 3. Spirit zombies: summon servants to fight your battles. Classes: the most obvious class is monk but multi class with druid for circle of the spores. Races: kai is a bull so one would say firbolg or minotaur for that aesthetic, but don't be ashamed of variant human. Stats: Wis and Dex are gonna be your two best stats Con and Stren to harness your ki and be a big beefy boy Intel and Char are gonna take the biggest hits, you lack the charm and wit of previous villains, despite the fact your voice actor is JK Simmons.

[@Shocel53]

woo Brainy boy

[@tommyawsm7132]

Not trying to insult you but I personally think it would be even more hilarious if you put your own face or Mango’s over Pinky’s in the intro

[@gamepire5312]

have you tried sun wukong before? if so, link plsXD if not, maybe try him out? might be a bit of a challenge^^

[@majinsole8554]

Kinda love this build. ~_~

[@morganbush7775]

Episode 420 wooooo

[@apex2000]

Before start. I guess Wizard, as can clone himself.

[@benjaminholcomb9478]

13:30 Pretty sure both Batman and Ace would hit him

[@zackmakedonsky425]

I'm slightly offended this episode doesn't feature a build somehow relating to weed

[@oompa1274]

When I was a kid I'd just skip over the entire animaniacs episode just to get to the binky and the brain part

[@calhughes6159]

Pre-watch build guessing... Maybe an artificer/enchantment wizard multiclass? Edit: Holy crap I got it right lol

[@whatistobedumb7119]

Let’s gooooooooooo

[@coolbanana165]

Tbh I didn't know Brainiac mind controlled people

[@deathblazer6252]

Do Morbius next #Morbiussweep

[@hattsbygaming2861]

Here's a vote for Sho Minamoto (NEO:/ The World Ends with You)

[@agarnes100]

Episode 420 haha nice

[@SpecTeach]

Brain gooder

[@dr4c0r3x5]

Fate's Shirou Emiya

[@eshasunrise]

13:25 Brainiac making the classic mistake of assuming Krypto is a good investment.

[@vennom14]

I love this, also: Moon Knight (no one likes Kate...)

[@billcallahan1641]

Don't you get bored of custom lineage? I know I sure do!

[@orgixvi3]

Wait, episode 420 isn't a Snoop Dogg build?

[@rere8262]

ep 420 nice

[@videowatcher3297]

I bet he can't build Vash the Stampede

[@burtmillard9196]

First. Calling Warforged for race at least.

[@burtmillard9196]

Well. There goes my idea.

[@kbowman772]

I mean, he's an alien not a robot

[@KeizerSosebee]

@@kbowman772 yeah, a warforge would be someone like amazo

[@atoth62]

Depends on the iteration. In the DCAU, he was completely an AI with a robotic body.

[@burtmillard9196]

@@atoth62 I was going off the fact that Brainiac was a robot in the Superman Animated and Justice League series in the early 90s.

[@MovieMan1710]

Very offended that you didn't do a Seth Rogan build for episode 420

[@moosenavy2002]

Moon knight next

[@DR-wz4gh]

Episode 420 and the character is green? Coincidence??? 'High' chance it isnt

[@elib6465]

You got to have a high iq to play this build luckily I watched a rick and morty episode im up to the task.

[@toddellner5283]

Not calligraphy tools?!?!?!?!

[@EVER_PRINCE]

Time to guess I’m guessing Warforge, and Cleric of Order? Maybe? And I’m thinking Wizard?

[@hydrastuff8029]

"It spreads the love, if love is mental trauma." If you're 1 of my DMs, it definitely is. Edit: That DM & I are no longer friends

[@daggeranddoctor]

Not even an Armorer? Hmph

[@WingZX1103]

Kiryu kazama from the yakuza series

[@itwasidio1736]

He did that a while back, it's a good build.

[@2keyblades]

Moon Knight is too easy. Variant Human with “‘fighter initiate’ unarmed fighting style” then Path of the Zealot Barbarian then grab “grappler” Feat

[@colonel__corn]

nah because you also need regeneration, flight, thrown weapons, and movement options

[@2keyblades]

@@colonel__corn Javelins (just reflavor as his moon crescents), mobile feature and two levels of fighter to get the second wind feature

[@TheChiefBusta]

No snoop dog build for 420?

[@AwesomeWookiee]

Snoop dogg isn't fictional

[@TheChiefBusta]

@@AwesomeWookiee what? No way that guy actually exists.

[@AwesomeWookiee]

@@TheChiefBusta I'm just saying he should have made a fictional character associated with marijuana, like Willie Nelson or something.

[@TheChiefBusta]

@@AwesomeWookiee idk man i couldnt think of one lol maybe a cheech and chong combo build.

[@0_Body]

D&D logic Green Arrow > Superman