Eldritch Knight build?

[24601]

I'm trying to think up an Eldritch Knight build for my next playthrough, but I'm unfamiliar with the class and would appreciate some input.

I like the idea of the character being centered on heavy armour and bound throwing weapons, so Tavern Brawler and high STR are automatic picks (I'm aware I could cheese the game by dumping STR for DEX and drinking Hill Giant potions, but I'd rather not). But am I getting the most out of the class without multiclassing? I've seen people saying to dip into Wizard, but how many levels?

[A Disembodied Intelligence]

If you stick with EK to level 11, then you get to attack/throw 3 times per turn (without action surge, 6 with it), so that's pretty big.

So honestly just sticking with EK all the way is fine too, as getting an extra feat at level 12 can be nice.

But there are some nice 11 and 1 multiclass combos:
> Wizard means you can start learning spells from scrolls, so you can boost up your repertoire a bit.
> Cleric means you can get a useful Cleric passive, like Light's or Tempest's reaction skills.
> Monk lets you punch people with your bonus action, which synergizes with your Tavern Brawler.
> Barbarian gets you +2 damage on your throws, if you're not wearing heavy armour.

I imagine most people recommend Wizard because Eldritch Knight gets Eldritch Strike at Level 10, which means enemies have disadvantage on your next Spell's saving throws after hitting them with a weapon attack.

At the end of the day though, the build is all yours!
So do what you like with it and have fun!
These are just some things that are nice to know when crafting EKs I think.

[jonnin]

You have options that make sense to me..

- a wizard that can also throw stuff (use returning weapons and str/TB)
- a warrior who can cast a few minor spells and throws stuff rather than uses a bow
- a thrower, who prefers to lob stuff every attack (specialty build, barbarian recommended for prone and bonus action throw (frenzy)) may or may not go EK vs returning or warlock
- a hybrid, eg 5/7 fighter/wiz mix

don't forget act 1 has at least 2 items that add 1d4 to thrown attack.

depending on what you want of the above... determines your race and multi-classing.

[paladin765]

Originally posted by A Disembodied Intelligence:

If you stick with EK to level 11, then you get to attack/throw 3 times per turn (without action surge, 6 with it), so that's pretty big.

So honestly just sticking with EK all the way is fine too, as getting an extra feat at level 12 can be nice.

But there are some nice 11 and 1 multiclass combos:
> Wizard means you can start learning spells from scrolls, so you can boost up your repertoire a bit.
> Cleric means you can get a useful Cleric passive, like Light's or Tempest's reaction skills.
> Monk lets you punch people with your bonus action, which synergizes with your Tavern Brawler.
> Barbarian gets you +2 damage on your throws, if you're not wearing heavy armour.

I imagine most people recommend Wizard because Eldritch Knight gets Eldritch Strike at Level 10, which means enemies have disadvantage on your next Spell's saving throws after hitting them with a weapon attack.

At the end of the day though, the build is all yours!
So do what you like with it and have fun!
These are just some things that are nice to know when crafting EKs I think.

+1
excellent advice, I was curious about this myself

[24601]

I was fairly set on dipping Wizard 1 after reading this, but then I remembered that I always end up finishing the game with a million good scrolls in my bag, so I think going EK 12 will finally force me to actually use them!

[Scheneighnay]

Originally posted by 24601:

I'm trying to think up an Eldritch Knight build for my next playthrough, but I'm unfamiliar with the class and would appreciate some input.

I like the idea of the character being centered on heavy armour and bound throwing weapons, so Tavern Brawler and high STR are automatic picks (I'm aware I could cheese the game by dumping STR for DEX and drinking Hill Giant potions, but I'd rather not). But am I getting the most out of the class without multiclassing? I've seen people saying to dip into Wizard, but how many levels?

I've done it before but it fell off pretty quickly. Pure EKs have nothing going for them at later levels.