Goliath Battle Master Fighter Build Guide
With towering giant-like strength and tactical battlefield control, a Goliath Battle Master dominates the front lines by physically dictating the flow of combat.
Is a Goliath Battle Master Fighter a good build in D&D 5e?
The Goliath Battle Master Fighter rates 6/10 for synergy in D&D 5e and plays as a solid controller. Its defining advantage is Giant Ancestry — Giant Ancestry grants a supernatural ability that enhances the Fighter's combat or utility. Recommended ability scores using the standard array are STR 15, DEX 14, CON 13, CHA 12, WIS 10, INT 8, prioritising STR or DEX as the Fighter's main ability, with a d10 hit die. It has 39 hit points at level 5 and 81 at level 11, with a baseline of about 10.7 melee damage per round at level 11 before magic items and feats. Main strength: Battle Master grants Combat Superiority at level 3. Trade-off: Low Wisdom — vulnerable to common saving throws. Overall difficulty to play: easy.
Calculated from the 2024 D&D rules (SRD 5.2) using the standard array. Full breakdown below.
Free — no signup needed for the free tier.
Why Battle Master?
As a Goliath Battle Master, you are the ultimate battlefield "Controller"—a role focused on dictating where your enemies can move and how they can attack. By combining your Goliath heritage with the Fighter's tactical genius, you dominate the front lines. Your Large Form trait literally expands your physical presence, letting you block pathways and protect your allies with ease.
Your defining subclass feature is Combat Superiority, which grants you "Superiority Dice" to fuel special tactical maneuvers. Unlike basic fighters who just swing weapons, you can use maneuvers to trip, disarm, or distract foes. If an enemy tries to slip past you, you can knock them flat on their back, using your high Strength of 15 to ensure your physical saves succeed.
Additionally, your Giant Ancestry adds supernatural resilience to your toolkit, ensuring you survive the heavy focus you will inevitably draw. Combined with Powerful Build, you can lift and shove massive objects to create cover, turning any environment into a tactical advantage.
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
Goliath Traits That Benefit Battle Master Fighter
Giant Ancestry
Giant Ancestry grants a supernatural ability that enhances the Fighter's combat or utility.
Powerful Build
Enhanced size and carrying capacity complement the Fighter's physical combat style.
Large Form
Enhanced size and carrying capacity complement the Fighter's physical combat style.
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
- ♦ Strong species-class synergy enhances core abilities
- ♦ Strong melee damage output
- ♦ Good armor class and initiative
Weaknesses
- ♦ Low Wisdom — vulnerable to common saving throws
- ♦ Limited ranged and magical options without multiclassing
- ♦ No Darkvision — may need light sources in dungeons
Pro Tips
Use your high Strength and Combat Superiority maneuvers like Trip Attack to knock foes prone, granting your melee allies easy advantage.
Activate your Large Form trait in tight corridors to choke off enemy movement, forcing them to deal with your massive reach.
Save your Giant Ancestry defensive traits for when you fail a saving throw, keeping your health high without wasting superiority dice.
Leverage your Powerful Build to shove heavy battlefield objects into enemies, combining environmental hazards with your controlling maneuvers.
Other Fighter Subclasses for Goliath
Other Races for Battle Master Fighter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Battle Master a good subclass for Goliath Fighter?
What makes Battle Master different from other Fighter subclasses?
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