Class Comparison · Updated August 2026
Fighter vs Paladin
Fighter deals more damage, while Paladin offers more spellcasting versatility.
Short answer
Pick Fighter for consistent damage and the most attacks per turn. Pick Paladin for burst Smite damage and party-protecting auras.
At a Glance
| Fighter | Paladin | |
|---|---|---|
| Hit Die | d10 | d10 |
| Primary Ability | STR or DEX | STR and CHA |
| Spellcasting | No | Yes |
| Party Role | Striker | Defender |
| Subclasses | 4 | 4 |
| Best Race | Dragonborn | Aasimar |
Combat Comparison
Using Human as baseline race for fair comparison.
| Level | Fighter DPR | Paladin DPR | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | 7.8 | 7.8 | Tie |
| Level 11 | 10.73 | 7.15 | Fighter |
| Level 17 | 10.73 | 7.15 | Fighter |
When to Choose Fighter
- ♦ High hit points for frontline durability
- ♦ Strong species-class synergy enhances core abilities
- ♦ Strong melee damage output
- ♦ Good armor class and initiative
When to Choose Paladin
- ♦ High hit points for frontline durability
- ♦ Strong melee damage output
- ♦ Divine Smite provides burst damage
Best Builds for Each
Top Fighter Builds
Top Paladin Builds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fighter or Paladin better for beginners in D&D 5e?
Both work for a first character. Pick Fighter for consistent damage and the most attacks per turn; pick Paladin for burst Smite damage and party-protecting auras.
Fighter vs Paladin: which deals more damage?
At level 11 the Fighter deals more baseline damage (about 10.73 vs 7.15 per round before magic items), though party role usually matters more than raw damage.