Best Samurai Build Options In D&D 3.5e For Maxiumum Damage Output Revealed

Walking The Path Of Honor

The Samurai class is unique in D&D, both because it is one of the first classes introduced to the game, and one of the strongest. You are a walking tank, a master of the blade dressed down in the finest armor, bound by the Bushido code and able to take on any challenge as a bulwark for your party. Intriguing, no?

To find out the best ways to build your Samurai character according to the experts, visit https://stellardragongames.com/dnd-3-5-Samurai-5-Bushido-Builds/

Much in the same way that the Monk class was recently introduced to D&D 5e, the Samurai class was an attempt by Wizards of the Coast to blend an Eastern-inspired combat style into the world of Dungeons and Dragons. While the class was first introduced in 1976 in the original run of the D&D handbook, 3.5e expanded the possibility space around the class allowing for more diverse and creative builds to take shape.

Now, though, Samurai is a niche option that nonetheless offers unparalleled offensive capabilities. With that in mind, Stellar Dragon Games has created 5 fully fleshed-out character builds for you to use wholesale, or to use as inspiration to design your own powerful build.

How To Build A Samurai In 3.5e

The class itself, Stellar Dragon Games explains, is a relatively straightforward Fighter subclass with an enhanced focus on strategy, tactics, and intimidation. However, what makes the class unique is its ability to make use of the Bushido system, which, when paired with their strength-based abilities, can make them one of the most devastating characters in the game.

To build your Samurai, you will need to understand not only the lore behind the class, but also the complexities of the honor-based combat system--both things that Stellar Dragon Games are eager to help with.

Custom Samurai Builds

Stellar Dragon shares 5 custom Samurai builds in their guide, each showcasing a unique aspect of what the class has to offer. Each build was handcrafted by Andrew Wilson, an experienced GM who has been running D&D 3.5e campaigns since the edition was first published in 2003.

His top build choice, referred to in the guide as the “Steel Tempest”, focuses on sheer strength and overwhelming force as a means to deliver powerful burst damage to enemies at close range. The build takes full advantage of the Samurai’s affinity for plate armor and bladed weapons, relying on bonuses in these areas to mitigate incoming damage and maximize damage output.

His “Dragon Samurai” build, on the other hand, takes advantage of the enhanced movement skills offered by the Dragon Disciple specialization, while still relying on those previously mentioned strength-based attack rolls. The result is an agile, capable warrior, with the addition of the “breath weapon” ability expanding the character’s offensive capabilities even further.

More From Stellar Dragon Games

These templates, alongside 3 others, are available for free on the Stellar Dragon Games website. Their team also encourages new players or players looking for a passionate community of 3.5e players to reach out on Discord; you can find an invite link at https://stellardragongames.com/dnd-3-5-Samurai-5-Bushido-Builds/