Pugilist DND: A Guide to the 5e Class

The pugilist is a new class for Dungeons & Dragons 5e that focuses on unarmed combat. It is a versatile class that can be played as a damage dealer, tank, or support character.

Pugilist Features

The pugilist has a number of unique features that set it apart from other classes. These features include:

• Fists of Fury: Pugilists can use their fists to deal devastating blows. They add their Strength modifier to all unarmed attacks, and they can use their fists to make two attacks per turn.
• Unarmed Fighting: Pugilists are proficient with all unarmed strikes. This means that they can use their fists, elbows, knees, and head to attack their enemies.
• Second Wind: Pugilists can use their Second Wind ability to heal themselves for 1d10 + their fighter level. This ability can be used once per short rest.
• Action Surge: Pugilists can use their Action Surge ability to take an extra action on their turn. This ability can be used once per long rest.

Pugilist Archetypes

There are two pugilist archetypes: the brawler and the grappler. Each archetype has its own unique abilities and playstyle.

Brawler: Brawlers are damage dealers who focus on dealing as much damage as possible with their fists. They get the following abilities:

• Martial Arts: Brawlers can use their Martial Arts ability to add their Dexterity modifier to their unarmed attacks.
• Flurry of Blows: Brawlers can use their Flurry of Blows ability to make two unarmed attacks as a bonus action.

Grappler: Grapplers are tanks who focus on controlling the battlefield with their grappling abilities. They get the following abilities:

• Grappling Strike: Grapplers can use their Grappling Strike ability to make a grapple attack as a bonus action.
• Improved Grapple: Grapplers can use their Improved Grapple ability to grapple two creatures at once.

Pugilist Equipment

Pugilists can use a variety of equipment to enhance their combat abilities. Some of the most common pugilist equipment includes:

• Unarmed Strikes: Pugilists can use their fists, elbows, knees, and head to attack their enemies.
• Cestus: Cestus are metal gloves that can be used to increase the damage of unarmed attacks.
• Gauntlets: Gauntlets are metal gloves that can be used to increase the AC of the wearer.
• Wrestling Belt: Wrestling belts can be used to increase the Strength of the wearer.

Pugilist Feats

There are a number of feats that can be used to enhance the abilities of a pugilist. Some of the most common pugilist feats include:

• Grappler: The Grappler feat allows the character to grapple two creatures at once.
• Martial Adept: The Martial Adept feat allows the character to learn two martial arts maneuvers.
• Tavern Brawler: The Tavern Brawler feat allows the character to use improvised weapons as martial weapons.

How to Play a Pugilist

Pugilists are a versatile class that can be played in a variety of ways. Here are a few tips for playing a pugilist:

• Use your fists: Pugilists are at their best when they are using their fists to attack. Don't be afraid to get up close and personal with your enemies.
• Control the battlefield: Pugilists have a number of abilities that can be used to control the battlefield. Use these abilities to keep your enemies at bay and to create opportunities for your allies.
• Be versatile: Pugilists are a versatile class that can be played in a variety of ways. Don't be afraid to experiment with different playstyles to find what works best for you.

Pugilist Builds

There are a number of different pugilist builds that can be used to create a variety of characters. Here are a few examples of pugilist builds:

Brawler: This build focuses on dealing as much damage as possible with your fists. Take the Martial Arts and Flurry of Blows abilities to increase your damage output.

Grappler: This build focuses on controlling the battlefield with your grappling abilities. Take the Grappling Strike and Improved Grapple abilities to grapple two creatures at once.

Tank: This build focuses on taking damage and protecting your allies. Take the Tough feat to increase your hit points and the Sentinel feat to prevent your enemies from attacking your allies.

Conclusion

The pugilist is a new class for Dungeons & Dragons 5e that is sure to be a popular choice for players who want to play a melee damage dealer or tank. With its versatile abilities and playstyles, the pugilist is a great class for both new and experienced players.

Tables

Pugilist Archetypes

Pugilist Equipment

Pugilist Feats

Pugilist Builds