The Complete Guide to Multiclassing in 5e - ICE5e Blog

Multiclassing is one of the most powerful character customization options in 5th Edition. It lets you combine the features of multiple classes to create unique builds that aren't possible with a single class. But it's also one of the most complex rules systems in the game.

This guide covers everything you need to know about multiclassing, and how ICE5e handles the complexity for you.

What is Multiclassing?

Multiclassing allows you to gain levels in more than one class. Instead of becoming a level 5 Fighter, you might become a level 3 Fighter / level 2 Rogue. This gives you access to features from both classes, but at the cost of delayed progression in each.

Multiclassing Requirements

You can't just dip into any class. Each class has ability score prerequisites that must be met both for your current class and the class you want to add:

Class	Ability Requirement
Barbarian	Strength 13
Bard	Charisma 13
Cleric	Wisdom 13
Druid	Wisdom 13
Fighter	Strength 13 or Dexterity 13
Monk	Dexterity 13 and Wisdom 13
Paladin	Strength 13 and Charisma 13
Ranger	Dexterity 13 and Wisdom 13
Rogue	Dexterity 13
Sorcerer	Charisma 13
Warlock	Charisma 13
Wizard	Intelligence 13

ICE5e automatically checks these requirements and only shows you classes you're eligible to add.

What You Get (and Don't Get)

When you multiclass, you gain some features of your new class, but not all.

What You Get

Hit Points: Roll the class's hit die for HP (or take average)
Some Class Features: Most features from level 1
Some Proficiencies: A limited set based on the class

What You Don't Get

Saving Throw Proficiencies: Only your first class grants these
All Starting Equipment: Only your first class grants starting gear
All Proficiencies: You get a reduced set

Spellcasting and Multiclassing

This is where things get complicated - and where ICE5e really shines.

Spell Slots

If you multiclass into multiple spellcasting classes, your spell slots are calculated using a special formula:

Add your full levels in Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, and Wizard

Add half your levels (rounded down) in Paladin and Ranger

Add one-third your levels (rounded down) in Eldritch Knight (Fighter) or Arcane Trickster (Rogue)

This gives you your "multiclass spellcaster level" which determines your spell slots.

Example: A level 5 Cleric / level 3 Paladin has:

5 (full Cleric levels) + 1 (half of 3 Paladin levels, rounded down) = 6 multiclass spellcaster levels
This gives them the spell slots of a 6th-level caster

ICE5e calculates this automatically. You'll always see your correct spell slots without doing any math.

Spells Known vs. Spell Slots

Here's the tricky part: while your spell slots combine, your spells known/prepared don't.

A Cleric 5/Paladin 3 can prepare Cleric spells as a 5th-level Cleric (up to 3rd level spells) and Paladin spells as a 3rd-level Paladin (up to 1st level spells). But they have the spell slots of a 6th-level caster.

This means they can cast their 1st and 2nd level spells using higher-level slots, but they can't prepare 3rd-level Paladin spells yet.

Warlock Exception

Warlocks use Pact Magic, which works differently from regular spellcasting. Warlock spell slots:

Are tracked separately
Always cast at the highest Warlock level available
Recharge on a short rest

ICE5e tracks Warlock slots separately from your other spell slots, exactly as the rules require.

Popular Multiclass Combinations

Here are some time-tested multiclass builds:

Paladin/Warlock (Pallock)

Take 2 levels of Warlock for short-rest spell slots
Use those slots for Divine Smite
Smite multiple times per short rest instead of per long rest

Fighter/Wizard (Eldritch Knight+)

Start Fighter for Constitution saves and heavy armor
Add Wizard for more spell variety
Action Surge lets you cast two spells in one turn (with restrictions)

Rogue/Fighter (Swashbuckler)

Fighter's Action Surge for double Sneak Attack potential
Fighter's fighting style and extra HP
Still get most of Rogue's features

Sorcerer/Warlock (Sorlock)

Warlock's Eldritch Blast with Agonizing Blast
Sorcerer's Metamagic (especially Quickened Spell)
Short-rest Warlock slots convert to Sorcery Points

When to Multiclass

Multiclassing isn't always the right choice. Consider it if:

You want specific features from another class
Your character concept spans multiple class archetypes
You're building for a specific mechanical combo

Avoid multiclassing if:

You want high-level class features (multiclassing delays these)
You're new to the game (master one class first)
You can accomplish your goal with feats instead

How ICE5e Helps

ICE5e makes multiclassing easy:

Prerequisite Checking: Only shows classes you qualify for

Automatic Spell Slots: Calculates your combined slots correctly

Separate Tracking: Keeps Pact Magic separate from other slots

Feature Organization: Shows all your class features organized by class

Level-Up Guidance: Walks you through adding levels in new classes

Conclusion

Multiclassing opens up incredible character possibilities, but the rules can be daunting. With ICE5e, all the complex calculations are handled automatically, letting you focus on building the character you envision.

Ready to build your multiclass character? Create one now for free!