Dungeons & Dragons: All 7 Official Druid Subclasses, Ranked Worst To Best (2024)

The mythology of druidism has a long history when it comes to the sword-and-sorcery genre, but the druid class is fairly new to the world of tabletop gaming. druids are one of the most popular class choices in , and their subclasses make for some outstanding diversity in roleplaying and combat. druids speak their own secret language, have some spellcasting abilities, and can fill several different roles within the party.

The druid subclass is known within the lore of D&D as a circle, and this would be the equivalent of a warlock's pact or a cleric domain. How you choose to play can shift radically depending on which circle your druid enters. Here are all the circles from worst to best based on how practical they can be in aiding your party in a range of campaigns.

Updated on August 7, 2024 by Chris Stomberg: Druids have a hybrid identity both as the masters of bestial forms and practitioners of magic revolving around nature. Your choice of subclass is perhaps the most important decision you'll make as a druid to determine which part of this identity you want your character to lean into. Unfortunately, most subclasses are primarily interested in the spellcasting part of this dual identity, however, the one subclass that does focus on bestial forms is among the most formidable available. Aside from focusing on wild shape, other subclass options include druids of fungus, space, and even fire. Suffice it to say, there's something for everyone here.

7 Circle Of Spores

Druids of the Circle of Spores find beauty in death and decay, which is an inevitable part of nature's cycle. In molds and fungi, they see the potential for an abundance of resources. The spore subclass is certainly different in flavor and vibe from most druids, since instead of restoring life, you can animate a corpse. Using a charge of Wild Shape can fuel Symbiotic Entity rather than turn you into a creature.

Fungal Infestation and Spreading Spores are certainly interesting abilities and lend towards making a druid that falls away from their traditional roles in a party. There is nothing wrong with that, but perhaps be sure your companions know that you won’t be tossing out any healing spells or tanking hits as a bear while in combat. At least they can take solace in knowing their corpse will still be useful once they fall.

6 Circle Of Dreams

Druids who are members of the Circle of Dreams seek to fill the world with dreamy wonder. There is nothing inherently wrong or weak about selecting the Dream subclass. However, other subclasses are more versatile and allow players flexibility in a broad range of circ*mstances.

Balm of the Summer Court, obtained at level two, is an adequate healing ability, but when compared to a Shepherd subclass, we find it lacking in potency. Hearth of Moonlight and Shadow make for peaceful rest under an imperceptible cover, and Hidden Paths allows for some creative bypassing of dangerous situations. This subclass also has amazing roleplay potential.

5 Circle Of Wildfire

You might expect a warlock or a sorcerer to have a summoned pet, but it's about time that a druid got a pet that wasn't like the tamed companions of the ranger. The abilities of your Wildfire Spirit generally focus on damaging enemies, but you can also sacrifice it to restore hit points to yourself.

One drawback of this druid circle is that it relies so heavily on fire damage, and fire resistance is a very common phenomenon in the D&D universe. Fear not, however, as your circle of wildfire spells also include healing spells and defensive buffs, and you can choose certain feats to further diversify your offensive options.

4 Circle Of The Land

The circle of the land consists of mystics and sages who work to keep ancient knowledge and rites safe through a vast oral tradition. In terms of flavor, the story-telling cruid has the potential to be the most interesting party member, unless they have an abysmal charisma modifier and ruin all their stories with monotone speaking or rambling, which is fun in a whole other way.

In practical terms, those that follow the circle of the land find themselves as effective casters. There is diverse flavor depending on their chosen terrain, and there is a lot to cast without needing to prepare a formal spell: a bonus cantrip at level two, Natural Recovery for spell slots on short rests, and of course, a variety of circle spells based on different land-based ecosystems, such as arctic, coast, desert, forest, grassland, and others.

3 Circle Of The Moon

Druids of the Circle of the Moon are formidable protectors of the wilds. Their order meet beneath the full moon to discuss dire developments in nature. Those who wish to shift into creatures are quite welcome here. This makes the druid a powerful frontliner, with the potential to have numerous hit points early on, and at level ten this becomes extremely powerful with Elemental Wild Shape, gaining the ability to transform into an Air, Earth, Fire, or Water elemental.

Moon is an interesting choice for subclass because it can provide the simplest of gameplay or the most complex. A strategic moon druid will make it their responsibility to see as many creatures in the world as possible to maximize their Wild Shape potential and can then adapt to any situation, especially at higher levels when the shape-shifting restrictions lessen.

2 Circle Of Stars

The circle of stars druid subclass puts more emphasis on damage than healing, but it still has plenty to offer for a druid who also wants to be the party's healer. This subclass has several unique abilities, with Starry Form only being one, which gives you access to casting abilities, healing spells, and an attack mode while in combat.

Druids from the Circle of the Stars can also augment their fighting abilities with a choice of Constellations, which act as buffs for certain abilities in a fight. These are likely the most versatile druids, picking and choosing their actions to fit the obstacle at hand. Choosing what you'll do on your turn can often feel like solving a puzzle.

1 Circle Of The Shepherd

While druids care for all living creatures in the natural world, shepherd druids focus most on those animals and fey creatures who have difficulty defending themselves. One of the strongest abilities of a shepherd druid comes in the form of calling the spirits of nature to influence the world around you. There are other benefits to selecting the Shepherd subclass, but these auras are so useful in virtually every situation that they tend to overshadow the rest of the subclass.

Taking a bonus action allows a druid to summon an incorporeal spirit within 60 feet. The three options give your party a variety of benefits. Bear Spirit grants you and your allies its might and endurance, Hawk Spirit gives your party keen sight, and Unicorn Spirit lends its protection to those nearby along with advantage on all ability checks made to detect creatures in the spirit’s aura. A real swiss army knife of a subclass.