The moon is inside the circle Dungeons and Dragons He is the ultimate shapeshifter specializing in powerful wild shapeshifts that dominate combat and exploration. With the 2024 Player's Handbook, this subclass has been refined, offering more versatility and synergy between spellcasting and beast forms.
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The theater of the mind moves very fast.
Whether you want to tank in battle, scout the wilderness, or embody nature's fury, the Circle of the Moon Druid is a flexible and powerful choice. In this guide, we'll explore how to build a Circle of the Moon Druid, from stat preferences to the best wild shape forms, considering both strategy and feats.
Updated by Alfredo Robello on November 29, 2024: The release of the 2024 Player's Handbook made significant changes to the way druids and their wild shapes function. We've updated this article to reflect the updated rules as well as tips on how to use them.
Circle of Moon Highlights
All druids can use it Wild shape to transform into an animaleither Little ones who can scout or Big creatures to fight. As the Circle of the Moon Druid, you Get more features while convertingMainly ability Choose from the highest quality of creatures from going
Since you're spending most of your time in wild shape, you also gain Temporary hit points Also a Bonus to your Armor Class. Temporary hit points are equal to three times your druid level, while your armor class is 13 plus your Wisdom modifier when your armor class is wild, unless your chosen beast's AC is high.
Variations on the 2024 Player's Handbook
The wild shape for all druids has changed fundamentally, as they can now all use the feature as such A bonus action, Speak when convertedand Gain temporary hit points instead of Animal health on his own. Your wild shape If you lose these temporary hit points do not expire.
Circle of the Moon Druids benefit Additional temporary hit points and an AC bonusAs discussed earlier, that allows them to be great tanks regardless of whether they turn into bears or rats. They can also cast Fixed spells while in wild shapesuch as heal wounds, moonbeams and conjure animals.
In 2014, the Druids of the Moon were able to circle the level ten A wild shape in the elementssomething Not possible with 2024 rules. Instead, you benefit Improved abilities for your wild shapeLike High damage or being able to Teleport around the battlefield.
Best species choice
The 2014 rules had the best varieties that gave character An achievement at level oneWhile also said character growth Whatever ability score they need. These features are now available governed by the character's background (They all have achievements), so you are free to choose whatever species you see fit.
Specifies the rules for wild size You keep your class featuresBut nothing is written about the characteristics of your species. If your dungeon master Does not allow the characteristics of your species To use when wild shape, then Being a human being Your best bet, as you gain access to an extra achievement as well as Heroic Inspiration.
If you can use symptoms during wild sizeThen the options open up significantly. Special attention has been given half partLetting you go through the space of beings bigger than you, and Dragon bornAble to use breath weapons and fly at level five.
Best stat placement
Like all druids, Wisdom should be your primary position To focus, but not just for the spell casting bonus. Remember that You gain a bonus to your Armor Class When wild size, and it depends only on your intelligence modifier, so the higher, the better.
next, Pay attention to your constitutionBoth for extra health and Concentration saving throw of his mantra. You'll often be casting spells in your regular form and then just focusing on them while fighting, but as a front-liner, you'll save concentration for almost every fighting throw.
Not much needed to increase strength or dexterity, however
Don't let mastery give a negative bonus
Just in case.
You can speak while having a wild shape A somewhat decent charisma might help To hear your words in social encounters.
Best wild shape forms
While you don't have to see a particular animal to be able to transform into it, you have A limited pool of creatures you can transform. know Four wild shape forms At level two, with Number eight is going to level eightAlthough you obviously have a few favorites that you will often convert to.
It is recommended that you always have A trip and a subterfuge form preparedLike a horse or a mouse, they are always useful. As for combat, we have Below are some recommendationsBut you always should Consult with your dungeon master If the given form is allowed.
animal |
Challenge assessment |
Druid level |
features |
---|---|---|---|
the lion |
1 |
3 |
Pack strategy, Multiple attacks, Dark vision And thunder that is creates fear. |
giant spider |
1 |
3 |
Spider climb, poison and the web enemies, Dark vision. |
Giant constrictor snake |
2 |
6 |
easy way Fight with enemies, blind sight. |
the rhinoceros |
2 |
6 |
Charge it additional damage and Hits prone targets. |
giant scorpion |
3 |
9 |
make it Three attacks per turncapable handshake and poison goals. |
owl bear |
3 |
9 |
Despite being a popular house rule choice It is a monstrosityis Multiple attacks option. |
the elephant |
4 |
12 |
Multiple attacks and a Bonus Action Attack Against prone creatures. |
Many animals receive upgraded forms at higher levels, such as a polar bear upgrading to a brown bear or a mammoth upgrading to an elephant.
The best mantra
The best mantras for you will depend highly context of the campaign; However, you should aim for concentration spells whenever you can. This way, you can cast the spell and then Wild shape into any animal you wantContinuing to concentrate while tanking the party's damage.
spelling |
level |
Description |
---|---|---|
get stuck |
1 |
Create a field of difficult terrain And probably Stop it Creatures in it. |
Fire again |
1 |
Create a dim light possibly the area Gives advantage on attacks against the creatures in it. |
Flammable area |
2 |
Make a ball that you can Move as a bonus action to compromise damage to the enemies. |
Summon the beast |
2 |
Call A animal spirit To help you fight. |
Call Lightning |
3 |
Call down A Extremely harmful electricityto be able Do it again with an action In the following modes. |
Remember, in addition to these spells, you also get spells you can use while in wild shape if you're using the 2024 Player's Handbook.
The perfect starting tool
Some campaigns start with characters higher level than one; In such cases, you can get anything as a tool will be irrelevant Because you will spend most of your time turned into an animal. If that's your case, good on you Gold option To start the tool.
If you are starting at the first level, then tHe started tools for druidsThese include leather armor, shields and quarter staffs, especially when You run out of wild size charges. keep Cantrip Shillelagh Easy so you can use your wits to attack instead of force.
Best Feats and Backgrounds
For new and experienced circle of moon users, Farmer background is an ideal starting point. It allows you to Raise both Constitution and IntelligenceAlso Gain extra health Through difficult core achievement; You need it as a front liner, especially because of all the health you won't have after the 2024 change.
As for achievements, many of them improve How your character performs in combatBut it is up to your dungeon master if the actions will work while in wild shape.
A feat that works no matter what
Be an inspirational leader
giving you
Increase your intelligence
While
Gaining temporary hit points
Not only for yourself but
To the rest of the party
Also.
Best multiclassing option
You don't want to spend too many levels on a different class, so you should focus on that Give something for a small investment. Rangers give you Access to the Hunter MarkA spell you can cast in your regular form and then The advantage of having a wild shape.
If you are willing to spend two levels on a different class Fighters are the way to go. You earn a lot Self-sustaining with second windwhile also having access An additional function with function enhancementA feature that refreshes with a simple short rest.
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