Top 10 Most Popular D&D Homebrew Classes According to Reddit

The Dungeons & Dragons community is known for its creativity and boundless imagination, and nowhere is that more evident than in the world of homebrew classes. On platforms like Reddit, Dungeon Masters and players alike share and perfect unique class concepts that expand the possibilities of 5th Edition (5e) gameplay. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 most popular homebrew classes according to Reddit discussions, upvotes, and community feedback.

1. The Blood Hunter

Originally created by Matt Mercer, the Blood Hunter class has taken on a life of its own within the homebrew community. This class blends dark rituals, blood magic, and monster hunting into a gritty experience that stands apart from traditional classes. With four distinct orders—The Order of the Ghostslayer, The Order of the Lycan, The Order of the Mutant, and The Order of the Profane Soul—Blood Hunters bring versatility and a unique edge to any campaign.

Why It’s Popular:

• Strong flavor and lore-driven mechanics: The dark, ritualistic magic and hunter's creed give the class a distinct gothic flavor that appeals to fans of dark fantasy.
• High-risk, high-reward combat style: Blood magic often requires sacrificing health to power abilities, adding a strategic layer to combat.
• Flexible archetypes that cater to different playstyles: Each order offers a unique twist—like shapeshifting into a werewolf or wielding blood magic against ghosts.

2. The Witch

A favorite among Reddit homebrewers, the Witch class focuses on curses, hexes, and ritualistic magic. Drawing power from dark pacts or ancient spirits, Witches excel in battlefield control and debuffing enemies. This class often includes a familiar that aids in spellcasting and reconnaissance.

Why It’s Popular:

• Deeply thematic and rooted in classic folklore: Witches draw inspiration from folklore and myth, which creates strong storytelling opportunities.
• Strong roleplaying opportunities tied to pacts and covens: The class encourages connections with powerful entities or magical groups, enriching campaign narratives.
• A unique mix of support, control, and utility magic: Witches can heal, curse, and manipulate the battlefield with spells and hexes.

3. The Gunslinger

Another Matt Mercer creation, the Gunslinger reimagines the Fighter class with a focus on firearms and trick shots. Enhanced with custom ammunition and mechanical augmentations, Gunslingers thrive in ranged combat and bring a Wild West flair to any D&D setting.

Why It’s Popular:

• Appeals to players who want a bit of steampunk or western flavor: It introduces firearms in a way that’s balanced and cinematic.
• Tactical, skill-based combat that rewards precision: Shooting mechanics emphasize skill and precision over raw damage.
• Strong customization options for weaponry and gadgets: Players can tinker with their guns, craft special ammunition, and optimize their loadouts.

4. The Shaman

Drawing from nature spirits and ancestral magic, the Shaman is a staple in homebrew communities. This class serves as a spiritual conduit, capable of summoning spirits for aid, healing allies, and communing with the ethereal plane.

Why It’s Popular:

• Unique blend of healing, spirit summoning, and elemental control: Shamans bridge the gap between Druids and Clerics with a focus on spirit magic.
• Heavy focus on spiritual storytelling and roleplaying: Their connection to the spirit world allows for deep lore and personal narratives.
• Offers a distinct alternative to Druids and Clerics: Shamans provide a fresh perspective on nature-based magic.

5. The Necromancer

While Wizards can dabble in necromancy, the homebrew Necromancer class takes it to a whole new level. With a focus on raising the dead, draining life force, and bending souls to their will, Necromancers are a dark and compelling choice for players looking to command undead armies.

Why It’s Popular:

• Fulfills the fantasy of commanding legions of undead: Players get to experience the thrill of controlling minions and manipulating death itself.
• Deeply thematic for dark campaigns or villainous arcs: Perfect for players who enjoy morally gray or villainous characters.
• High synergy with dark artifacts and cursed magic items: Necromancers naturally fit with cursed tomes, enchanted skulls, and other dark relics.

6. The Elementalist

A master of elemental forces, the Elementalist lets players harness the raw power of fire, water, earth, and air. Depending on their chosen elemental path, Elementalists can manipulate the battlefield with devastating spells and terrain-altering abilities.

Why It’s Popular:

• Strong thematic ties to classic fantasy: The four elements are iconic in fantasy settings, making it easy to fit into any campaign.
• High versatility in spellcasting and environmental control: Elementalists can control the battlefield with firestorms, floods, and earthquakes.
• Great for players who love powerful area-of-effect abilities: Large-scale damage and battlefield manipulation make them impactful.

7. The Chronomancer

The Chronomancer bends time itself, manipulating the flow of events to their advantage. With abilities to slow enemies, speed up allies, or even rewind recent events, Chronomancers are masters of temporal magic.

Why It’s Popular:

• Unique manipulation of time mechanics: Adds a strategic layer to encounters with time-based control.
• Perfect for creative problem-solving: Temporal spells open up new ways to handle traps, puzzles, and combat.
• High synergy with strategic party compositions: Time manipulation can optimize turns for devastating combinations.

8. The Alchemist

The Alchemist crafts potions, concoctions, and explosives to aid allies and hinder foes. Drawing on arcane and scientific knowledge, they brew powerful elixirs that can heal, enhance, or devastate.

Why It’s Popular:

• Versatile mix of support, healing, and damage: Alchemists can fill multiple roles in the party.
• Encourages creative item crafting: The class allows for unique, player-driven solutions through potion-making.
• Great for players who love resource management: Balancing ingredients and effects adds depth to gameplay.

9. The Summoner

Summoners specialize in conjuring powerful creatures to fight by their side. Their bond with their summons grows stronger as they gain experience, unlocking new abilities and powers.

Why It’s Popular:

• High customizability with different summons: Players can choose creatures that fit their style and strategy.
• Adds dynamic layers to combat: Controlling multiple entities enhances battlefield control.
• Excellent synergy with strategic party setups: Summoners can adapt to various combat needs by switching summoned allies.

10. The Psion

Psions wield the power of the mind, using telekinesis, telepathy, and psionic blasts to control the battlefield. Their mastery over mental energy lets them manipulate thoughts, crush enemies, or bolster allies.

Why It’s Popular:

• High fantasy flavor with mental abilities: Mind control and telepathy are rare in traditional D&D classes.
• Unique combat mechanics centered on willpower: Psions are powerful in both utility and combat.
• Encourages creative playstyles with mind-based abilities: Players can solve encounters through influence rather than brute force.

These top 10 homebrew classes represent the pinnacle of fan creativity and community collaboration. Whether you’re a Dungeon Master looking to spice up your campaign or a player seeking a fresh take on classic archetypes, these Reddit-fueled creations are worth exploring.

Try introducing one of these classes in your next session and see how it transforms the game.