Healers are an essential part of a Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) campaign. Even though later versions of D&D are more Player Character (PC) friendly, there are still traps to fall into and wounds to heal from intense encounters that went terribly wrong.
Until PCs reach higher levels, we are all one or two critical misses away from a blow that will render us unconscious or worse! Also, playing the group’s Band-Aid does not mean that it must be boring. Here are some of the best healer builds that are exciting to have in your next adventure!
7. Bard (College of Lore)
Although I think of a Bard as a comical-relief fun character to play, research shows they make great healers! The D&D Player’s Handbook states that “ Whether a scholar, skald, or scoundrel, a bard weaves magic through words and music to inspire allies, demoralize foes, manipulate minds, create illusions, and even heal wounds.” The College of Lore is what you would want to select to acquire great healing spells like Healing Word, Cure Mass Wounds, and Polymorph. Plus, it is always good to have a backup healer in case your main healer is out of commission. Build Details: https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/bard(3rd%20level)
6. Cleric (Life Domain)
When I think of a healer in a D&D adventure, the cleric is the first class that comes to mind. Although they cannot wield sharp weapons, clerics can deliver sharp spells to bless the party before an encounter, heal the wounded with Cure Light or Cure Serious Wounds, and turn away undead monsters. Our cleric has been a godsend (pun intended) and there were encounters that would have turned into Total Party Kills (TPKs) if our cleric didn’t revive us from death and heal our wounds! I highly recommend having at least one cleric in every party.
Build Details: https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/cleric
5. Druid (Circle of Dreams)
The D&D Player’s Handbook states that “Druids revere nature above all, gaining their spells and other magical powers either from the force of nature itself or from a nature deity.” Although Druids prefer nature and animals over dwarves, elves, humans, and other races (and I can’t blame them), they do have significant healing spells in their wheelhouse, such as Heal, Healing Word, and Cure Mass Wounds.
Build Details: https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/druid
4. Monk (Way of Mercy)
One of the players in our D&D group plays a Monk and plays him well. According to the D&D Player’s Handbook, “Monks make careful study of a magical energy that most monastic traditions call ki.” Besides combat, Monks can use this ki to heal other party members. After Level 11, Monks can heal an entire party. I would not choose a Monk as a primary healer, but they would make a great secondary healer for a party.
Build Details: https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/monk
3. Paladin (Oath of the Crown)
The D&D Player’s Handbook states that “Paladins train for years to learn the skills of combat, mastering a variety of weapons and armor. Even so, their martial skills are secondary to the magic they wield; power to heal the sick and injured…” Paladins have curative spells like Lay on Hands and Divine Health. A Paladin is not just an effective fighter, but an effective healer.
Build Details: https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/paladin
2. Sorcerer (Divine Soul)
My newest character happens to be a sorcerer. Sorcerers are different from other spell-casters because their magic is an inherited trait and literally in their bloodline. Although the purpose of most sorcerers and their magic are to harm and to defend, there are spells that Sorcerers can use to heal or to protect: Mending (cantrip), Protection from Energy, and Wish.
Build Details: https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/sorcerer
1.Warlock (Celestial)
I imagine having this class on a healer’s list may be surprising, but there is a particular type of Warlock that works with Angels and other Celestial beings to heal others. This is a nice option for Warlocks who want to play good alignments. Their spells are more protective than restorative, but they are healing nonetheless: Healing Light, Protection from Evil and Good, Dispel Magic, and Remove Curse. The Celestial Warlock would make an excellent backup healer.
Build Details: https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/warlock
