Of all the classes in , wizards might be the most iconic. With their high intelligence, Wizard characters can be aloof scholars of the magical world, insightful investigators trying to discover the secrets of the universe or even powerful necromancers who desire power over life and death. These archetypes are often represented in the Wizard's subclass, with most wizards devoting themselves to specific types of magic. However, there is one notable subclass that breaks the mold, the martial and magical Bladesingers.
Bladesingers first appeared in Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide, before receiving a major update in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything. Mechanically, Bladesingers fall somewhere between a Paladin, a Hexblade Warlock and a Swashbuckler Rogue. They combine all the benefits of a powerful full caster with the melee durability of a frontline warrior. They can also creatively use their bonus actions and reactions to enhance their magical attacks. However, due to the difficulties of managing both arcane and martial mechanics, players should choose their racial lineage, background, feats and spells carefully to get the absolute most out of their Bladesinger.
Bladesinger Wizard Build Summary
Ability Scores (in order of importance) | Intelligence, Dexterity, Constitution, Wisdom, Charisma, Strength |
Race | High Elves |
Background | Sage, Hermit, Cloistered Scholar |
Feats | Duel Wielder, Fighting Initiate, War Caster, Tough |
Spells | Booming Blade, Green Flame Blade, Shield, Expeditious Retreat, Counterspell |
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Maximize The Bladesinger's Intelligence And Dexterity
While Bladesingers provide more durability than other Wizard subclasses, they still depend on intelligence for their spellcasting and other class features. A high intelligence score will allow Bladesinger's to understand more about the world around them, as well as boost their armor class and constitution saving throws while their bladesong is active.
However, because of a Bladesinger's position on the front lines, they also need high Dexterity to support their combat skills. A Bladesinger uses dexterity for their weapon attacks, and since they can only use light armor, they'll need at least a 16 to be effective in combat. If possible, Bladesinger's should also prioritize a high constitution, as it will help make up for their d6 hit die.
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Best Racial Choices for Bladesingers
It's easy to say that High Elves make the best Bladesingers, with their bonus to Dex and Int, an additional cantrip, extra weapon proficiencies and a bonus language. However, there are many races that lend themselves to the subclass, including Gnomes, Humans and Warforged. Warforged specifically can add a bonus to Con and Intelligence, always have a +1 to their AC, and get resistance to Poison damage.
The Best Backgrounds for Bladesingers
Bladesingers are unique amongst wizards, so there's no need to stick to the standard Sage, Hermit or Cloistered Scholar backgrounds. As an alternative, consider choosing to build an Entertainer. Bladesingers already receive proficiency in Performance, so Entertainer gives the wizard Acrobatics proficiency while permitting them to choose whatever skill they want to build on the style and flair of their Bladesinger. Other strong choices for Bladesinger backgrounds include Soldier, Charlatan, Athlete and Noble.
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The Best Feats for Bladesingers
After maxing out their Intelligence and Dexterity scores, feats can help to set Bladesingers further apart from the crowd. Since the Bladesong prevents players from using a shield, consider taking Dual Wielder or Fighting Initiate (Two-Weapon Fighting). Fighting Initiate would allow Bladesinger's to add damage to bonus action attacks, while Duel Wielder raises their AC even higher and allows them to use higher damage weapons, such as rapiers. However, using two weapons could complicate somatic spellcasting, so it's also worthwhile to look into becoming a Warcaster.
Additionally, all Bladesinger's should consider taking the Tough feat, which adds two extra hit points per character level and continues to add two hit points every time the character levels up. This would raise their HP to be comparable to a fighter with the same constitution score, and rectify the main issue with Wizard's melee-focused subclass.
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The Best Spells for Bladesingers
Unlike other martial/spellcaster hybrids like paladins and rangers, Bladesinger wizards gain spells at the same rate as other primary casters and have dozens of spells and cantrips to choose from. Cantrips are especially important for Blandsingers, as they have the unique ability to cast a cantrip as one of their two attacks per turn. Strong melee options include Booming Blade, Green Flame Blade, Shocking Grasp and Sword Burst, while ranged Bladesinger's can consider Chill Touch, Firebolt, Ray of Frost or Sapping Sting.
When choosing their leveled spells, Bladesinger's should consider action economy during combat. Bladesinger wizards can use their action to attack twice, or attack once and use a cantrip, so they should prioritize reaction and bonus action spells. Some great choices include Shield, a first-level reaction spell that adds an amazing defensive boost for the entire round, and Spirit Shroud, which adds extra damage and lowers the enemies' speed as a bonus action. Other fantastic reaction and bonus action spells are Expeditious Retreat, Misty Step and Counterspell or spells like Bigby's Hand, which can be cast as an action but is controlled on later turns by a bonus action.
