Gnome Battle Master Fighter Build Guide
Combining gnomish resilience with tactical genius, a Gnome Battle Master dominates the battlefield by outsmarting and outmaneuvering foes of any size.
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Why Battle Master?
Playing a Gnome Battle Master Fighter turns you into a tiny, tactical powerhouse on the battlefield. While many fighters rely purely on brute strength, your Battle Master relies on Combat Superiority—using special dice to trip, disarm, or distract enemies. This makes you an excellent "Controller" who dictates the flow of combat, positioning enemies exactly where your team wants them.
Your Gnome heritage adds a crucial layer of defense to this tactical playstyle. Thanks to Gnomish Cunning, you gain advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. This means that while you are busy executing maneuvers on the frontlines, enemy spellcasters will have a terribly difficult time shutting you down with mind-altering spells.
Combined with Darkvision to help you spot threats in pitch-black dungeons without giving away your position with a torch, this build is exceptionally resilient. With your high starting Strength, you can easily knock giant foes prone, proving that size means nothing when you have the right tactics.
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
Gnome Traits That Benefit Battle Master Fighter
Gnomish Cunning
Extra saving throw advantages protect against debilitating spells and effects.
Darkvision
Gnome Darkvision helps Fighters scout ahead and fight in darkness without needing a torch.
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
- ♦ Small size limits heavy weapon usage
Pro Tips
Use your Combat Superiority maneuvers to knock enemies prone, making it easier for your melee allies to overwhelm them.
Lean on Gnomish Cunning to confidently engage enemy spellcasters on the frontlines without fearing their mental control spells.
Spend a minute observing tough targets outside of combat to trigger Know Your Enemy, identifying their weaknesses before striking.
Leverage Darkvision to initiate combat from the shadows, utilizing tactical maneuvers before your enemies even realize you are there.
Other Fighter Subclasses for Gnome
Other Races for Battle Master Fighter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Battle Master a good subclass for Gnome Fighter?
What makes Battle Master different from other Fighter subclasses?
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