SwagVault MMO Blog

Dungeons & Dragons Online Guides » Warrior Roles in DDO

In DDO, there are several roles a warrior can fulfill. This guide is an attempt to define those roles and explore the classes that work best in them. These roles are not exclusive, but some classes are better suited to roles than others. Also note that the roles are situational and that warriors may shift roles during any given quest.

Heavy Infantry/Tank/Anvil: This warrior’s job is to occupy the middle of the battlefield and draw the attention of the monsters. To prevail he needs a high AC, good hit points and saves, and the ability to generate aggro.
Well-suited: Fighter, Paladin, Warforged, Human, Dwarf
Average: Barbarian, Halfling
Not well-suited: Rogue, Ranger, Elf
Primary Statistic: Constitution
Good Feats: Cleave, Great Cleave, Whirlwind Attack, Dodge, Expertise, Skill Focus: Intimidate, Iron Will, Improved Trip, Improved Sunder

Light Infantry/Hammer: Doing damage is what this warrior is all about. To prevail he needs a good to-hit bonus and the ability to do a lot of damage, typically with a two-handed weapon. He may charge a dangerous spellcaster and ignore the main pack of monsters.
Well-suited: Fighter, Barbarian, Warforged, Human, Dwarf, Elf
Average: Paladin, Ranger, Halfling
Not well-suited: Rogue
Primary Statistic: Strength
Good Feats: Power Attack, Weapon Focus, Two-Handed Fighting, Improved Two-Handed Fighting, Two-Weapon Fighting

Flexible Warrior: This warrior changes roles constantly as needed. He’s ready for melee or ranged combat anywhere on the battlefield.
Well-suited: Ranger, Elf, Human, Halfling
Average: Rogue, Fighter, Barbarian, Dwarf, Warforged
Not well-suited: Paladin
Primary Statistic: Dexterity
Good Feats: any

The Buddy/Guerilla: Sticking close to the Tank, the buddy’s job is to team up with the Tank to slay the monsters and deliver other special attacks. He needs to avoid getting aggro and may have a variety of special attacks designed to hamper his foes.
Well-suited: Rogue, Ranger, Fighter, Halfling, Human, Elf
Not well-suited: Paladin, Barbarian, Dwarf, Warforged
Primary Statistic: Dexterity or Intelligence
Good Feats: Expertise, Improved Trip, Improved Sunder, Slicing Blow, Sap

The Archer: Ranged combat specialist.
Well-Suited: Ranger, Rogue, Fighter, Elf, Human, Halfling
Average: Barbarian, Dwarf, Warforged
Not Well-Suited: Paladin
Primary Statistic: Dexterity
Good Feats: Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, Manyshot, Weapon Focus, Weapon Specialization, Dodge, Mobility, Shot on the Run

With the exception of Fighters (with their huge feat selection), you may find it difficult to be effective in more than one role. Design your warrior around fulfilling one of these roles and try to join a party that complements your role.