Elf Battle Master Fighter Build Guide
Combining elven grace with the tactical dominance of the Battle Master makes you an unstoppable battlefield commander who controls every clash.
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Why Battle Master?
The Battle Master is the ultimate tactical warrior, utilizing a pool of dice from their Combat Superiority feature to execute clever maneuvers that trip, disarm, or distract foes. By choosing the Elf species, you pair this martial intellect with innate grace and magical resilience. This combination turns you into a highly versatile frontline controller who can dictate the flow of any skirmish.
Your elven heritage grants you Fey Ancestry, protecting you from being put to sleep by magic and giving you an edge against charm spells. This is vital for a controller, as a mind-controlled or sleeping Fighter can quickly devastate their own party. Additionally, Keen Senses grants you automatic proficiency in Perception, ensuring your tactical mind is always aware of hidden threats.
With a high starting Strength of 15 and Dexterity of 14, you can master both melee weapons and archery. Since you do not cast spells, you will rely entirely on your physical traits, clever maneuvers, and sharp elven senses to dominate the battlefield and protect your allies.
Battle Master Features
Combat Superiority
Level 3You have honed your martial techniques through extensive training. You learn special techniques called maneuvers that are powered by dice called Superiority Dice. Maneuvers: You learn three maneuvers of your choice from the Maneuver Options section below. Many maneuvers enhance an attack. You can use only one maneuver per attack. You learn two additional maneuvers of your choice at 7th, 10th, and 15th level. Whenever you learn new maneuvers, you can also replace one maneuver you know with another. Superiority Dice: You have 4 Superiority Dice, which are d8s. A Superiority Die is expended when you use it. You regain all expended Superiority Dice when you finish a Short or Long Rest. You gain additional Superiority Dice as you gain fighter levels, as shown in the Superiority Dice column of the Fighter table. Over 7th level (5 dice) and 15th level (6 dice). Saving Throws: If a maneuver requires a saving throw, the DC equals 8 + your Strength or Dexterity modifier (your choice) + your Proficiency Bonus.
Student of War
Level 3You gain proficiency with one artisan's tool of your choice, and you gain proficiency with one skill of your choice that is available to fighters at 1st level.
Know Your Enemy
Level 7As a Bonus Action, you can discern certain strengths and weaknesses of a creature you can see within 30 feet of yourself. If the creature has levels in the Fighter class, you learn nothing from this ability. For 1 minute, you have advantage on attack rolls against the creature, and you gain the following benefits: You have advantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks to discern the creature's alignment and state of mind. You discern if the creature is a spell caster.
Improved Combat Superiority
Level 10Your Superiority Dice increase in size from d8s to d10s.
Relentless
Level 15When you roll initiative and have no Superiority Dice remaining, you regain 1 Superiority Die.
Ultimate Combat Superiority
Level 18Your Superiority Dice increase in size from d10s to d12s.
Recommended Ability Scores
Elf Traits That Benefit Battle Master Fighter
Fey Ancestry
Extra saving throw advantages protect against debilitating spells and effects.
Darkvision
Elf Darkvision helps Fighters scout ahead and fight in darkness without needing a torch.
Keen Senses
Free Perception proficiency is valuable for any Fighter, especially in exploration.
Trance
Trance means shorter rests and the ability to keep watch more effectively.
Combat Effectiveness
| Level | HP | Melee DPR | Ranged DPR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | 39 | 7.8 | 7.8 |
| Level 11 | 81 | 10.73 | 10.73 |
| Level 17 | 123 | 10.73 | 10.73 |
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Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ♦ Battle Master grants Combat Superiority at level 3
- ♦ High hit points for frontline durability
- ♦ Darkvision for dungeon exploration
- ♦ Strong melee damage output
- ♦ Good armor class and initiative
Weaknesses
- ♦ Low Wisdom — vulnerable to common saving throws
- ♦ Limited ranged and magical options without multiclassing
Pro Tips
Use your Combat Superiority maneuvers to knock enemies prone, granting your melee allies easy advantages on their attacks.
Leverage Fey Ancestry to fearlessly confront enemy spellcasters, knowing you have advantage against their mind-controlling charm spells.
Utilize your Keen Senses to spot ambushing foes early, allowing you to position yourself to intercept them before they reach your squishier allies.
With a Constitution of 13, use your tactical maneuvers defensively to parry incoming damage and stay standing longer.
Other Fighter Subclasses for Elf
Other Races for Battle Master Fighter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Battle Master a good subclass for Elf Fighter?
What makes Battle Master different from other Fighter subclasses?
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