Exploring the Bard Classes in Dungeons & Dragons
Bards are a beloved class among Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts who appreciate a versatile character capable of thriving in social encounters. While they might not be the outright strongest members of their party, they often take the spotlight, and recent bard designs highlight their potential as effective damage dealers. It’s important to note that not all bards are the same; some bardic colleges offer more advantageous builds than others.
In Dungeons & Dragons, a bard college isn’t a physical location. Rather, it represents a guiding philosophy and a set of training methods that a bard follows. The college a bard selects plays a significant role in shaping their backstory, influencing their party dynamics, and defining aspects like their moral compass or the deity they honor. Below is a ranking of the official bard colleges in D&D 5e, from the least to the most effective.
Updated February 3, 2025, by Alfredo Robelo: A bard can uplift their companions through music, combat skills, or captivating dance moves. This article has been revised to include the newly introduced College of Dance subclass from the 2024 Player’s Handbook.
9. College Of Dance
If you’ve ever dreamed of being a dancing monk, the newly added College of Dance subclass is perfect for you. It grants access to the best monk-like features without needing to multiclass. When unarmored, the College offers unarmored defense, which combines your Charisma and Dexterity for a higher armor class. Your unarmed strikes deal damage equal to your Bardic Inspiration die, and you can deliver a free melee attack each time you use Bardic Inspiration.
This subclass emphasizes agility and dance. At level 14, you only take half damage if you fail a Dexterity saving throw and none if you succeed, and you can extend this benefit to any ally within five feet. Picture dodging a dragon’s fire breath by performing a synchronized dance routine—an experience you won’t want to miss.
8. College Of Valor
The College of Valor is one of the older bard subclasses, and, unfortunately, it’s also one of the weaker options available. Its issue lies in its lack of focus; while you’re a full spellcaster with proficiency in various weapons, you’ll struggle to maximize effectiveness in either role.
Valor provides Combat Inspiration, enabling allies to add Bardic Inspiration to their damage rolls, along with Battle Magic, which allows for a bonus action weapon attack after casting a spell. However, the duality of the subclass results in a jack-of-all-trades who is not particularly advanced in any specific area.
7. College Of Whispers
The College of Whispers offers a unique twist by allowing you to use your Bardic Inspiration dice to enhance your damage. This is a feature shared only with the College of Swords. With tools like Psychic Blades and abilities such as Mantle of Whispers, you’re set up as a powerful infiltration and assassination character.
However, similar to the College of Valor, focusing on melee combat can detract from spellcasting effectiveness. Opt for spells that complement your covert activities, like Disguise Self, which doesn’t require a high spell save DC.
6. College Of Spirits
Channel tales and legends of the past through the College of Spirits, which enhances your abilities through the influence of these stories. Key skills like Guiding Whispers provide reliable effects, but the more significant benefits come from rolling on a d12 table with Tales From Beyond. This element adds an element of chance, which can be exciting and unpredictable. You can later gain greater control with the Mystical Connection feature, letting you roll two d12s and choose your desired outcome.
5. College Of Glamour
Experience the enchanting realm of the Feywild with the College of Glamour. This college’s abilities focus on captivating audiences and controlling the battlefield. Enthralling Performance can sway an audience in your favor during a bar fight, while Mantle of Majesty allows for casting Command as a bonus action, disrupting enemy tactics.
Mantle of Inspiration is also valuable, granting temporary hit points and enhanced movement to your allies. Unbreakable Majesty helps maintain your protection while you’re influencing events from the back lines.
4. College Of Swords
For those wanting to embody a dashing rogue, the College of Swords should be highly appealing. Like the College of Valor, this subclass provides an extra attack and allows Bardic Inspiration dice to boost your damage. The key difference is that you can apply those dice to benefit your own combat or gain additional advantages.
Signature abilities like Blade Flourish enable you to deal extra damage while also allowing for tactical movement, offering flexibility in your combat approach.
3. College Of Creation
The College of Creation provides remarkable flair, allowing you to create anything from mundane objects to magical tools simply by performing. Picture creating a mop for spilled drinks or animating a dance partner to distract adversaries.
Animating Performance is particularly potent, enabling you to bring objects to life to attack as a bonus action. This usage can trip enemies and provide strategic advantages during encounters.
2. College Of Eloquence
The College of Eloquence may very well represent the quintessential bard archetype. With abilities like Silver Tongue and Universal Speech, you’ll be adept at navigating social interactions and conversing with NPCs effectively.
Additionally, Unsettling Words allows you to use your Bardic Inspiration to hinder an enemy’s next saving throw, setting them up for spells like Tasha’s Hideous Laughter. Unfailing Inspiration ensures your allies’ Bardic Inspiration won’t fade even if their initial rolls fail.
1. College Of Lore
The College of Lore stands out as the premier bard subclass, merging versatility and effectiveness. Lore bards excel in almost every area, from acquiring additional skill proficiencies to learning spells across classes.
With Cutting Words, you can diminish an enemy’s attack, ability check, or damage roll, showcasing the subclass’s utility. The focus on spellcasting means choosing a race with access to potent cantrips will enhance your capabilities even further, making choices like Kobolds or High Elves optimal for Lore bards.
In summary, each bard college presents unique strengths and playstyles, allowing players to customize their bard in a way that fits their game. Whether you’re charming audiences, unleashing dance moves in battle, or weaving tales of legend, there’s a bardic path for everyone’s taste.
