Bard 5e
Versatile performers and spellcasters who inspire allies and manipulate reality through music and words. Bards are skill masters with access to any spell through Magical Secrets.
At a Glance
Hit Die
d8
Primary Ability
Charisma
Saving Throws
Dexterity, Charisma
Armor
Light armor
Weapons
Simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords
Spellcasting
Full caster (Charisma)
Key Features
| Feature | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bardic Inspiration | 1st | Grant allies a d6 (scaling to d12) they can add to ability checks, attack rolls, or saving throws. CHA mod uses per long rest (short rest at 5th level). |
| Jack of All Trades | 2nd | Add half proficiency bonus to any ability check that doesn't already include proficiency. |
| Song of Rest | 2nd | Allies regain extra hit points during short rests (d6 at 2nd, scaling to d12). |
| Expertise | 3rd | Double proficiency bonus for two skills. Gain two more at 10th level. |
| Font of Inspiration | 5th | Regain all Bardic Inspiration uses on short rest instead of long rest. |
| Magical Secrets | 10th | Learn two spells from any class. Gain two more at 14th and 18th level. |
Subclasses
| Subclass | Source | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| College of Lore | Player's Handbook | Ultimate skill monkey with Cutting Words and early Magical Secrets at 6th level |
| College of Valor | Player's Handbook | Combat-oriented with medium armor, shields, Extra Attack, and combat inspiration |
| College of Glamour | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Fey charm and battlefield repositioning with temporary HP |
| College of Swords | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Dexterous melee fighter with Blade Flourishes for offense and defense |
| College of Whispers | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Espionage and psychic damage, stealing identities |
| College of Eloquence | Tasha's Cauldron of Everything | Master persuader with minimum rolls and unsettling words |
| College of Creation | Tasha's Cauldron of Everything | Creating objects and animating items with performance |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Not using Bardic Inspiration liberally since it refreshes on short rest at 5th level
Common Mistake
Forgetting Jack of All Trades applies to initiative rolls and counterspell/dispel magic checks
Common Mistake
Overlooking that inspiration dice are given as a bonus action and used by allies on their turn
Common Mistake
Missing that Magical Secrets can grab any spell, including powerful options like Counterspell or Find Greater Steed
DM Tips
DM Tip
Bards are incredibly versatile - expect support, control, face skills, and stolen spells from other classes
DM Tip
They can copy any class's best spells via Magical Secrets, potentially outshining specialists
DM Tip
High Charisma makes them natural party faces - prepare social encounters
DM Tip
Jack of All Trades makes them decent at everything, reducing party weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Bard — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD class text
- Bard — D&D Beyond — Official class reference
- Bard Guide — RPGBOT — Class optimization guide