Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition provides players with an incredible breadth of character customization through the game's classes, dozens of subclasses, and options for multiclassing to mix and match as players see fit. To many, this flexibility is part of 5e's lasting appeal, and some players have unsurprisingly gone on to create their own character options compatible with the game's official content. Third-party and homebrew material can offer even more character-building choices, often allowing the exploration of power fantasies and character archetypes not covered by 5e's already extensive options.
While Wizards of the Coast's official D&D 5e subclasses already allow for significant freedom when building a character, many players and designers opt to create their own content. The most popular D&D homebrew and third-party material is often widely circulated, and though it can never be as ubiquitous as the official books, unofficial content can be found in a myriad of forms. Classes and subclasses appear in online storefronts like DM's Guild, published physical books by third-party designers, and even free social media like Reddit. Looking at all the material provides a library of D&D content larger than Wizards of the Coast could ever create, much of which is as good as - or even better - than what is official.
Even better than playing third-party subclasses is combining them with material found in WotC's books via multiclassing. Certain thematic elements of D&D are officially tied to specific classes - until the subclasses from D&D: Fizban's Treasury of Dragons, only Sorcerers had significant dragon-themed options - so unofficial content is often a way to explore thematic space that base 5e doesn't permit. Either that or double down on a specific character concept.
Dungeons & Dragons Multiclass Ideas - Gunslinger/Artillerist Multiclass
Perhaps the most widely used third-party subclass, the Gunslinger originated with Critical Role, where dungeon master Matthew Mercer created the Fighter subclass when the group switched from playing Pathfinder to D&D 5e. As such, Gunslinger takes mechanics from its origin as well as benefiting from 5e's Fighter features. The subclass assumes that the knowledge of building and maintaining firearms is exclusive to the Gunslinger. Thematically, this makes Gunslinger an interesting partner to the Artillerist subclass for D&D's overpowered Artificers, an entire class of inventors that was added after Gunslinger's debut. While the Gunslinger is more martially focused, the Artillerist is a spellcaster focusing on ranged damaging magic; they also get a mobile autonomous turret-like cannon, making them invaluable on the battlefield as they provide barrages of magical munitions. Combining these two subclasses results in a character who's the ultimate firearms expert, whether wielding a steampunk-style pepperbox or a magical rod that shoots magic missiles.
Wild Hunt/Hunter Multiclass Should Be Made Official In D&D
Of all of Dungeons & Dragons 5e's official classes, Warlock is maybe the most customizable, offering players tons of choices - their pact boon, eldritch invocations, and spells - rather than a simple linear progression of abilities. Choosing a Warlock's patron in D&D is the most impactful choice both mechanically and when it comes to flavor, and William King's Compendium of Forgotten Secrets (published by Genuine Fantasy Press) gives players 17 new options. The Compendium's Wild Huntsman patron allows Warlocks to draw their powers from a supernatural master of beasts and storms who hunts man and monster alike. The ability to magically stalk prey and summon spectral hunting hounds would be complimented well by Ranger class features, especially the Hunter subclass - another largely customizable set of abilities that allows players to specialize in combat techniques suited for various enemy tactics.
D&D Multiclass Ideas - Cobalt Soul/Inquisitive
Another unofficial subclass created by Matt Mercer - distinct from Mercer's work on official Critical Role and D&D crossover game books - Monks that follow the Way of the Cobalt Soul are sharp-minded and gain numerous benefits when dealing with tricky foes; these include the ability to analyze enemies' weaknesses mid-combat and prevent creatures from lying. Many of the subclass's most interesting features are acquired at lower levels, making the Cobalt Soul Monk a viable multiclass option. Some players may choose to further the investigation theme by multiclassing into Rogue and taking the Inquisitive archetype, which provides additional bonuses when dealing with social intrigue and slippery combatants.
Dragon Patron/Draconic Bloodline Multiclass Would Work Great In D&D
Arguably the most iconic monsters in all of D&D, dragons are often able to grant power to those they deem worthy. As such, Reddit user KibblesTasty has created a Dragon Warlock patron, giving players bonuses to elemental magic and various draconic aspects, from breath weapons to a draconic form. The Sorcerer, another D&D class often homebrewed, makes for a fantastic multiclass with the Dragon patron. Some Dungeons & Dragons players may find the Sorcerer's Draconic Bloodline subclass redundant with the Warlock features, but the abilities are more often than not complimentary.
Source: Genuine Fantasy Press, KibblesTasty/Reddit