Best Beginner Class?

[Adam__86]

So I am terribly indecisive in RPG characters but my current character is a fighter, is that solid for first run with npc party? Was tempted going bard but was worried it would feel less involved as support

[Freak4Leeks]

A tanky bear heart barbarian could be good since there are no tank class NPC's , but fighter is absolutely fine, all the classes are pretty fun to play imo.

[Pan Darius Cassandra]

Honestly, any class if fine for beginners. The first couple of levels are simple enough to learn, regardless of class.

But yeah, sure, go for Fighter or Barbarian if you just want to hit stuff.

[Heu, Iterum Id Feci]

First of, bard doesn't have to be support only in 5e, he can also be melee dd (via college of valor for example), heal or spellcaster dd (as a college of lore bard even getting Spells from other classes on level 6). While he might not be as good as a specialized cast, unless you play something really hardcore, a bard should be fine.
However fighter certainly is one of the easier classes to play in D&D. A lot of the other classes have a lot more going on, while with a fighter you are basically just hitting stuff.
Barbarian is a lot tankier, taking only half damage from most melee weapons, however he does less damage, especially later in the game.

[Malus]

I know not all will agree with me but a dual wielding Wood Elf Light Cleric is the best all around class in the game at the current level cap.
Great buffs and ranged spells. One of the most damaging touch spells in the game.
Great AOE.

[Adam__86]

Originally posted by (っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Rusty ♥:

First of, bard doesn't have to be support only in 5e, he can also be melee dd (via college of valor for example), heal or spellcaster dd (as a college of lore bard even getting Spells from other classes on level 6). While he might not be as good as a specialized cast, unless you play something really hardcore, a bard should be fine.
However fighter certainly is one of the easier classes to play in D&D. A lot of the other classes have a lot more going on, while with a fighter you are basically just hitting stuff.
Barbarian is a lot tankier, taking only half damage from most melee weapons, however he does less damage, especially later in the game.

How good would you say bards are with melee?

[Heu, Iterum Id Feci]

Originally posted by Adam__86:

Originally posted by (っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Rusty ♥:

First of, bard doesn't have to be support only in 5e, he can also be melee dd (via college of valor for example), heal or spellcaster dd (as a college of lore bard even getting Spells from other classes on level 6). While he might not be as good as a specialized cast, unless you play something really hardcore, a bard should be fine.
However fighter certainly is one of the easier classes to play in D&D. A lot of the other classes have a lot more going on, while with a fighter you are basically just hitting stuff.
Barbarian is a lot tankier, taking only half damage from most melee weapons, however he does less damage, especially later in the game.

How good would you say bards are with melee?

I never tried them or looked at them, so I really have no personal experience. So I would like to deferr this to someone who actually has experience with that. I more or less just know that there is the option for that, sorry. :)

Edit: However my general expectation would be, maybe comparable to rogue? as in decent damage but relatively little armor and still a good amount of utility. However this is really just a general guess.

[Adam__86]

Originally posted by (っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Rusty ♥:

Originally posted by Adam__86:

How good would you say bards are with melee?

I never tried them or looked at them, so I really have no personal experience. So I would like to deferr this to someone who actually has experience with that. I more or less just know that there is the option for that, sorry. :)

Edit: However my general expectation would be, maybe comparable to rogue? as in decent damage but relatively little armor and still a good amount of utility. However this is really just a general guess.

I appreciate the answer

I usually come into RPGs with a handful of pre-existing characters in my head and try to mold that character into the game/lore

[Metallicus]

In 5e almost all classes are the same for the levels available in EA. It doesn’t matter what you play. Just learn the rules and enjoy yourself.

[Crunchie]

Originally posted by Adam__86:

So I am terribly indecisive in RPG characters but my current character is a fighter, is that solid for first run with npc party? Was tempted going bard but was worried it would feel less involved as support

I would suggest moon druid, you get to cast magic, be a tanky bear or sneak around as a cat

[MassConnect]

My criteria for a "good beginner" is one that minimizes the punishment for mistakes. Spellcasters wasting spell slots is an issue, for example, but in many cases it doesn't matter what your PC is if you are also having to micro manage your companions, thus making it such that you are playing several classes simultaneously.

[Brady4444]

Fighter. It's the most straightforward, and intuitive class to play, in my opinion. They can use basically any weapon or armor in the game, and have a decent health pool. And once you get a feel of the game, maybe you will want to try others.

Whatever you choose, have fun.

[Rhapsody]

Ranger Knight can also be fun if you want to be in close combat.

[Runic Tunic]

You likely already got your answer for the most part, but in addition to what others suggested, I'd also recommend just focusing on what feels better to you. As was already said, all classes are pretty viable, and there's no wrong answer to this. But a wizard obviously plays and controls much differently than a barbarian.

So personally, I'd just go for what seems the most fun or fits your playstyle the most. Even if one of the classes is more complex than another, you'll be more likely to not mind if you're having a blast doing it. Rule of thumb is casters tend to be a bit more complex and range oriented, while melee are the simplest and in the thick of it. Everything else is in-between.

[BMN_Narrlequin]

The "best" class is the one you like and have fun playing.

[IvoryTemplar]

Originally posted by Adam__86:

So I am terribly indecisive in RPG characters but my current character is a fighter, is that solid for first run with npc party? Was tempted going bard but was worried it would feel less involved as support

I've only had like 4 or 5 sessions under my belt and that was years ago. I had a very bad experience with the group I was with and it ruined the game for me. I've got several years of experience with RPGs and MMORPGs.

With that said, play whatever you like. Play however you like. The game is yours. If you want to save scum because your dice hate you, go for it. Pick a class and start playing. Don't like that class? Pick a new one and start over. I've played several different classes so far for a little bit and they've all felt pretty solid. You're given the choice to have up to 3 NPCs in your party, so if you want to go more support you can easily do that. I will tell you that so far my bard has been the most fun for me. Just find something you like and have fun.