5e samurai dex or str. Dex can be melee or ranged, STR is largely stuck as melee with some short ranged attacks if you have some throwing weapons. Splitting too many classes will make the build less effective, while with Samurai Fighter X/Monk 2 you get to just focus on WIS and DEX for your stats (the Wood Elf race is ideal for it). Unfortunately, since two-handed DEX weapons don't exist in the rules, there's no "extra stuff" to support this style. 12, Cha. Honestly, I'd just focus on Fighter levels and maybe a 2-level dip into Monk for Unarmored Defense and Dedicated Weapon. May 2, 2025 · Stats Str. But a high Str + Athletics would also fit the "grappling" that Samurai are known for. However, a good Str-based build can be just as effective as a good Dex-based build. A samurai’s resolve is nearly unbreakable, and the enemies in a samurai’s path have two choices: yield or die fighting. Both STR and DEX have a DPS options with Great weapon master for STR and Sharpshooter and/or Crossbow expert for DEX. 11, Wis. The Samurai is a fighter who draws on an implacable fighting spirit to overcome enemies. DEX fighters get initiative, DEX saves, Stealth, and better ranged options, whereas STR fighters get Athletics (which IS a very good skill), grappling, a free hand* and even more damage through Great Weapon Master feat. The intent is to make it so you can choose between Dex/Str/Con/Wis as your primary and secondary stat. May 5, 2021 · I'm looking into building a Samurai with Elven Accuracy as well. May 30, 2022 · Str: We can use this and go swinging with big heavy two-handed weapons. I know it isn't optimal but will be highly efficient and look good doing it. Saving Throws Dex +5 Skills Athletics +5, Perception +3 Senses passive Perception 13 Languages Common Challenge 3 (700 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2 SPECIAL TRAITS Brave. In short: Dex offers many more advantages than Str. You mentioned you prefer melee so that tosses out the DPS option for Dex build (in my opinion anyway). The +1 to Dexterity will allow you to take the proper samurai armor (see below) and feel slightly better about it. 13 You’ll need Strength and Constitution for obvious reasons. Quickdraw. 15 (+1 Soldier), Dex. If it does so, it gains a +2 bonus to the attack roll Jun 10, 2022 · I’m trying to make a a Kensei Monk / Samurai Fighter multi-class, making it DEX based and using the longsword as my kensei weapon. In our ongoing series of 5e class guides, we use the following color-rating scheme: Red – C Tier. Especially builds based on GWM and/or PAM feats. Multiclassing is . Nov 3, 2025 · The Fighter, DnD 5e's most iconic martial character, is a fantastic addition to any party. Feb 7, 2020 · Samurai bonus proficiency actually makes them a little better outside of combat than a traditional fighter. Dex: Or we can use this and shoot from afar while having finesse weapons to keep safe in melee. Once per turn, as part of a katana attack, the samurai can quickly sheath and draw their katana. I took PAM at 4. Dexterity is overall a stronger stat in 5e but unless your DM homebrews a katana (a finesse weapon, ostensibly) if you're using longswords you are stuck with Str. Then back to fighter getting STR to 18 at level 6 then GWM at level 8. The bonus to dex let's me wear breastplate with 16 AC. Jun 10, 2022 · I’m trying to make a a Kensei Monk / Samurai Fighter multi-class, making it DEX based and using the longsword as my kensei weapon. Jun 27, 2022 · Plus, with Dex you can stay behind with ranged weapons while your teammates eat the aggro. The samurai has advantage on saving throws against being frightened. Green – B Tier. Charisma is your spellcasting ability, meaning you cannot make it your dump stat. A solid choice, but nothing that is absolutely critical for a build, or can be very good Jul 10, 2024 · The D&D 5e Samurai fighter combines powerful combat tricks with an array of social skills that make it a great balanced but straightforward build. Red options can sometimes be situationally useful and might make for an interesting narrative choice but are largely less effective than other tiers. Can I use my DEX instead of STR without having to use the monk's m The sacrifice is 14 dex to start instead of 16, but the +2 archery style offsets this and you'll be using medium or heavy armor. Can I use my DEX instead of STR without having to use the monk's m The intent is to make it so you can choose between Dex/Str/Con/Wis as your primary and secondary stat. 12, Con. So in absolute terms the answer is yes, Dex is better than Str. You could probably do good with any 2 combinations, but my personal preference is Str/Dex for more Martial capability. Samurai, Cavalier, and Champion use STR. If you like Dex over Str (or roll high Dex or utilize point buy), it is easier to build. Free stealth proficiency and reach on my turn let's me skirt around the edge of the battlefield whacking the monsters and keeping a good distance Built DEX or STR based, more feats to define samurai, maneuvers keep combat fresh and are thematic, action surge for show stopping moments, versatile, multiclass ready – Fallen Strength score increases by 1 and the Samurai, Champion, and Cavalier could use the STR. They are durable, dangerous, and deeply customizable. Centaur The STR increase by 2 is good and you also get a +1 to Wisdom. 14 (+2 Soldier), Int. Then 2 levels of Rogue for cunning action. I play a Bugbear Samurai fighter who wields a Naginata (Glaive). I'd go GWM for extra low-level attacks, 4th Sharpshooter, 6th +STR to start, and play by ear after. Bugbear Strength increases by 2 and DEX increases by 1. bypwmz skico qnjce gvpa jjzfr kdw lgglzc yzv hnwa fjyzfp