Matthew Mercer’s Blood Hunter is a homebrew D&D 5e class blending martial prowess and dark magic. Using blood magic, they curse enemies while risking their own vitality. Unique, versatile, and complex, this class offers a fresh take on combat and spellcasting, making it a popular choice among players seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Overview of the Blood Hunter Class
The Blood Hunter, created by Matthew Mercer, is a unique homebrew class in D&D 5e that combines martial prowess with dark, blood-based magic. This class is distinct from official content, offering a blend of hemocraft and blood curses that set it apart from traditional spellcasters. Players who enjoy strategic resource management and a mix of combat and magic will find the Blood Hunter appealing. With its own set of mechanics, such as Crimson Rite and Blood Maledict, this class provides a fresh and complex playstyle that rewards tactical thinking and creativity in battle.
History and Creation of the Blood Hunter
Created by Matthew Mercer, the Blood Hunter class was introduced as a homebrew addition to D&D 5e, first appearing in its “Classic” version. Later, Mercer released a revised 2020 version, refining mechanics and balance. This class, inspired by dark fantasy themes, blends martial combat with blood magic, offering a unique playstyle. Unlike official classes, the Blood Hunter is a community-driven creation, gaining popularity through its availability on platforms like DMsGuild and D&D Beyond. Its success has led to dedicated handbooks and resources, solidifying its place as a beloved homebrew class in the D&D community.
Key Features and Playstyle
The Blood Hunter combines martial combat with dark, blood-based magic, offering a unique playstyle. Core features include Hemocraft, which allows blood magic use, and Blood Curses, powerful but risky abilities. Players choose between melee or ranged builds, with Dexterity or Strength as primary abilities. The class emphasizes resource management, as using abilities often costs hit points. Its versatility in combat and strategic depth make it appealing for tactical players. The Blood Hunter’s playstyle is similar to the Ranger but with a darker, more self-sacrificing twist, blending spellcasting with martial prowess for a distinctive experience.
Choosing the Best Race for Your Blood Hunter
Selecting the ideal race for your Blood Hunter involves balancing ability score bonuses and racial traits. Races like Half-Orc, Wood Elf, and Human excel due to their Strength or Dexterity boosts, complementing the class’s martial and agility-focused playstyles. These races also offer beneficial traits such as increased resilience, mobility, or combat proficiency, enhancing your Blood Hunter’s effectiveness in both melee and ranged combat scenarios.
Top Races for Blood Hunters
The top races for Blood Hunters include Half-Orc, Wood Elf, and Human. Half-Orcs excel with their +2 Strength bonus and Relentless Rage, making them ideal for melee-focused builds. Wood Elves, with their +2 Dexterity and increased movement speed, are perfect for ranged or agile Blood Hunters. Humans, offering a +1 to all ability scores, provide versatility and flexibility, especially when combined with a feat. Each race complements the Blood Hunter’s martial and dark magic abilities, ensuring a well-rounded and powerful character.
Ability Score Prioritization by Race
Blood Hunters should prioritize Dexterity or Strength based on their race and playstyle. For races like Wood Elf or Halfling, focus on Dexterity for ranged or finesse builds. Half-Orc and Goliath benefit from Strength for melee-focused strategies. Humans offer flexibility with balanced ability scores. Regardless of race, prioritize the primary combat stat (Strength or Dexterity) and Constitution for survivability. Wisdom is useful for Perception and saving throws, while the less critical ability can be minimized. This optimization ensures your Blood Hunter excels in combat and maintains durability.
How to Optimize Your Race Choice
Optimizing your race choice for a Blood Hunter involves aligning racial traits with your desired playstyle. Races like Wood Elf or Halfling excel in Dexterity, enhancing ranged or finesse builds, while Half-Orc or Goliath complement Strength-based melee strategies. Dragonborn offers Strength and a breath weapon, adding versatility. Consider racial bonuses to mobility, stealth, or Constitution for survivability. Pair these traits with your Blood Hunter’s class features, such as Extra Attack or Crimson Rite, to maximize effectiveness. Choosing a race that enhances your combat focus ensures a well-rounded and powerful character.
Class Features and Abilities
Blood Hunters wield Hemocraft and Blood Curses, empowering attacks with their own vitality. They gain Fighting Style options and manage unique resources for combat versatility and dark magic.
Hemocraft and Blood Magic
Blood Hunters wield Hemocraft, a unique magical system fueled by their own blood. This dark, innate ability allows them to curse enemies, enhance attacks, and manipulate combat dynamics. Blood Magic is central to their identity, enabling them to inflict debilitating effects or bolster their own strength. Hemocraft requires careful resource management, as using these powers drains their vitality. Players must balance offensive and defensive applications, making Hemocraft a strategic and flavorful core mechanic. This system, updated in the 2020 version, offers versatile options for both melee and ranged combatants, making Blood Hunters a formidable and unpredictable force on the battlefield.
Blood Curses and Their Mechanics
Blood Curses are a hallmark of the Blood Hunter class, granting powerful but risky abilities. These curses are invoked during combat, drawing upon the Blood Hunter’s life force to afflict enemies. Each curse imposes a specific penalty, such as reduced speed or weakened attacks, while also empowering the Blood Hunter. Mechanics involve using Blood Maledict, a resource tied to the Blood Hunter’s hit points. Players can enhance curses by expending additional hit points, increasing their potency. Managing these abilities requires strategic thinking, as overuse can leave the Blood Hunter vulnerable. Blood Curses add depth and versatility, making them a key tactical element in combat encounters.
Fighting Styles for Blood Hunters
Fighting Styles for Blood Hunters are crucial for defining their combat identity. Archery emphasizes ranged attacks, granting a +2 bonus to ranged attack rolls. Dueling boosts melee combat, offering increased weapon damage. Great Weapon Fighting enhances two-handed attacks, improving critical hit chances. Two-Weapon Fighting allows for dual-wielding, increasing attack frequency. Each style tailors to different playstyles, whether focusing on precision, brute force, or agility. Players can choose a style at level 2, shaping their Blood Hunter’s combat approach. This flexibility ensures versatility, making the Blood Hunter adaptable to various battlefield scenarios while maintaining their unique blood magic synergy.
Ability Score Improvement and Feats
Ability Score Improvement and feats are pivotal for optimizing a Blood Hunter. Starting at level 2, every 4 levels, players can boost two stats by 1 or one by 2, up to 20. Alternatively, choosing a feat offers versatile benefits, such as Alert for initiative or Sharpshooter for ranged attacks. Feats like Crossbow Expert or Polearm Master enhance combat effectiveness, complementing the Blood Hunter’s unique abilities. Balancing stat improvements with strategic feat selections ensures a well-rounded character, capable of exceling in both combat and utility roles while maintaining their blood magic edge.
Building Your Blood Hunter
Blood Hunters blend martial prowess with dark magic, requiring careful consideration of race, ability scores, and equipment. Optimize your build by focusing on Dexterity or Strength, and leverage Hemocraft for devastating attacks while managing your Blood Curses to enhance combat effectiveness and survivability;
Ability Score Allocation
For a Blood Hunter, ability score allocation is crucial. Prioritize Dexterity or Strength, depending on your preferred playstyle—melee or ranged. Constitution is vital for survivability, while Wisdom enhances perception and initiative. Dump the least important ability to maximize your primary stat. Consider your race’s bonuses when allocating scores. At level 4 and every 4 levels thereafter, you can improve your stats or choose a feat. Balance your investments to maintain effectiveness in both combat and utility. Proper allocation ensures your Blood Hunter excels in their role as a martial striker with magical versatility.
Best Weapons for Blood Hunters
Blood Hunters excel with weapons that complement their Crimson Rite and Blood Curse mechanics. For ranged builds, longbows and crossbows are ideal due to their high damage potential and synergy with Archery Fighting Style. Melee-focused Blood Hunters often prefer two-handed swords like the greatsword, leveraging their bonus action attacks. Dual-wielding can also work, though it may limit the frequency of certain abilities. Regardless of choice, optimizing your weapon selection ensures maximum damage output and tactical flexibility in combat. Pairing the right weapon with your playstyle enhances the class’s unique blend of martial and magical capabilities.
Armor and Equipment Choices
Blood Hunters benefit from a mix of mobility and protection. Light and medium armor are ideal, as they maintain Dexterity bonuses without hindering movement. Studded leather armor is a popular choice for its balance of AC and flexibility. For weapons, pairing a two-handed sword with a ranged option like a crossbow allows versatility in combat. Alchemist supplies are also crucial, as they enhance Hemocraft abilities. Prioritize items that boost Dexterity or Strength, depending on your build. Additionally, consider gear that increases Constitution to improve survivability, ensuring you can withstand the physical strain of using Blood Magic.
Proficiencies and Skill Selection
Blood Hunters gain proficiency in simple and martial weapons, light and medium armor, and shields, making them versatile in combat. They also start with alchemist supplies, reflecting their mastery of Hemocraft. For skills, choose two from Acrobatics, Athletics, Insight, Intimidation, Perception, and Stealth. Focus on skills that complement your build—Perception for scouts or Intimidation for a more fearsome presence. At higher levels, additional skill proficiencies can be gained, allowing further customization. Prioritize skills that enhance your role as a martial striker and Blood Magic user, balancing combat prowess with utility outside of fights.
Advanced Strategies and Tactics
Blood Hunters excel by mastering resource management, leveraging Blood Curses to control battles, and optimizing attack sequences. Coordinate with allies to maximize party synergy and tactical superiority in combat.
Using Blood Curses Effectively
Blood Curses are a defining feature of the Blood Hunter class, offering powerful debuffs and tactical advantages. To use them effectively, focus on empowering curses with your hit points to amplify their effects. Each curse has unique mechanics, so adapt your choices to the encounter. Prioritize curses that hinder enemies or bolster allies, ensuring they align with your party’s strategy. Managing your Blood Curses wisely can turn the tide of battle, making you a pivotal asset to your team. Experiment with different curses to master their timing and application in various combat scenarios.
Optimizing Combat Encounters
Optimizing combat encounters for a Blood Hunter involves leveraging their unique abilities and resources effectively. Focus on empowering Blood Curses with your hit points to maximize their impact, while strategically using Crimson Rite and Blood Maledict to control the battlefield. Positioning is key; ensure you’re in optimal range for your attacks and curses. Manage your resources carefully, as your Blood Maledict and Hemocraft uses are limited. Coordinate with your party to create synergies, such as cursing enemies for allies to exploit. By mastering these elements, you can dominate encounters and become an indispensable asset to your team.
Resource Management for Blood Hunters
Resource management is crucial for Blood Hunters, as their abilities rely on limited-use mechanics. Track your Blood Maledict uses carefully, as they determine your curse activations. Hemocraft points, used for spellcasting, also require strategic management to avoid depletion. Prioritize your most impactful abilities in combat and conserve resources for critical moments. Avoid unnecessary expenditures, as running out can leave you vulnerable. With no regenerating resources, planning and pacing are essential to maintain effectiveness throughout encounters. Mastering this balance ensures sustained contribution to your party without compromising your own survivability.
Team Synergy and Party Roles
Blood Hunters excel as versatile combatants, blending martial prowess with dark magic. They serve as both damage dealers and supporters, using curses to debilitate enemies while empowering allies. Their ability to adapt to ranged or melee combat makes them flexible in party dynamics. Blood Hunters synergize well with spellcasters and martial classes, as their curses enhance party effectiveness. By focusing on enemy control and damage amplification, they free allies to focus on dealing maximum damage. Their unique abilities make them a valuable asset in any party composition, ensuring they contribute meaningfully without overlapping roles.
Level Progression and Milestones
Blood Hunters gain key features like Extra Attack at level 5 and improved curses at higher levels. Every 4 levels, they boost stats or choose feats, peaking at 20 with powerful capstones.
Key Levels and Feature Unlocks
Blood Hunters unlock critical features at specific levels. At level 2, they gain ability score improvements, with additional boosts every 4 levels; By level 5, they acquire Extra Attack, enabling multiple strikes. At level 10, Advanced Blood Curse mechanics expand their magical prowess. Level 15 introduces capstone abilities, and level 20 allows for a final feat or maxed ability score. These milestones define the class’s progression, balancing combat and magical growth while emphasizing strategic play.
Extra Attack and Multiattack
Blood Hunters gain the Extra Attack feature at level 5, allowing them to make two attacks in a single turn. This enhances their combat effectiveness significantly. At higher levels, they can combine this with Fighting Style techniques like Archery or Dueling for improved accuracy or damage. Multiattack strategies, such as using a bonus action for an additional strike, further amplify their offensive capabilities. However, managing these features alongside Blood Curses requires careful planning to avoid excessive resource depletion. Balancing attacks with curse usage is key to maximizing the Blood Hunter’s martial and magical potential in combat scenarios.
Advanced Blood Curse Mechanics
Blood Curses become more potent as Blood Hunters progress, allowing for devastating effects in combat. At higher levels, players can unlock advanced curses that stack or combine with other abilities, creating complex synergies. These curses often require strategic timing, as they consume hit points or other resources. Advanced mechanics also introduce empowered curse variants, which amplify their effects at greater personal cost. Managing these powerful tools effectively is crucial, as they can swing battles in favor of the party or lead to risky resource depletion if misused. Mastery of these mechanics is key to unlocking the Blood Hunter’s full potential.
Capstone Abilities and Endgame Play
At level 13, Blood Hunters gain improved curse effectiveness, allowing for more devastating battlefield control. By level 17, they can apply curses without consuming Hemocraft, making them a consistent threat. The capstone ability at level 20 enhances their combat effectiveness, ensuring they remain a powerful force in endgame content. These abilities emphasize the class’s balance of offense and utility, making Blood Hunters versatile and dangerous at higher levels. Strategic use of these capstone features is key to maximizing their impact in challenging encounters and ensuring their role as a formidable party member.
Subclasses and Archetypes
Blood Hunters have unique subclasses like the Profane Soul, blending dark magic with martial prowess. Homebrew options expand customization, offering diverse playstyles and mechanical twists for players seeking variety.
Overview of Blood Hunter Subclasses
The Blood Hunter class features distinct subclasses, each offering unique playstyles. The Profane Soul combines blood magic with dark, otherworldly powers, while other homebrew subclasses introduce varied mechanical twists. These subclasses allow players to customize their approach, blending martial prowess with arcane or divine elements. The 2020 version of the class expands on these options, providing deeper customization and mechanical depth. Subclasses enhance the core Blood Hunter experience, offering diverse paths for players to explore, from mastery of blood curses to innovative combat techniques.
The Profane Soul Subclass
The Profane Soul subclass is a dark, arcane-focused path for Blood Hunters, blending blood magic with otherworldly powers. Introduced in the 2020 version, it adds a unique twist to the class, allowing players to wield curses and hex-like abilities. This subclass is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of martial and arcane playstyles. It enhances the Blood Hunter’s core mechanics by introducing new ways to manipulate enemies and allies. The Profane Soul is a popular choice for its flexibility and ability to adapt to various combat scenarios, making it a standout option for players seeking a versatile build.
Other Homebrew Subclasses
Beyond the official subclasses, the Blood Hunter community has created numerous homebrew options, offering unique twists on the class. These include subclasses like the Shadow Slayer, which focuses on darkness and stealth, and the Vengeful Curse, emphasizing relentless combat persistence. Others, such as the Nature’s Scourge, blend blood magic with primal forces, while the Divine Punisher channels holy power through hemocraft. These homebrew subclasses provide endless customization, allowing players to craft Blood Hunters tailored to their preferred playstyle. They add fresh mechanics and themes, keeping the class dynamic and exciting for veteran players seeking new challenges.
Choosing the Right Subclass
Selecting the ideal subclass for your Blood Hunter hinges on your preferred playstyle and campaign theme. The Profane Soul excels at blending dark magic with martial prowess, making it a versatile choice for spellcasters. Meanwhile, the Ghostslayer is tailored for tanking and support, shining in defensive roles. Homebrew options like the Shadow Slayer or Vengeful Curse offer unique mechanics for stealth or relentless combat. Consider your party’s needs, your character’s backstory, and whether you want to focus on offense, defense, or utility. Each subclass unlocks distinct abilities, ensuring your Blood Hunter stands out in any adventuring party.
Multiclassing and Character Builds
Blood Hunters shine in multiclass builds with Rogue or Fighter, enhancing melee and stealth capabilities. Race and subclass choices heavily influence build success, offering unique combat synergies.
Best Classes for Multiclassing
For Blood Hunters, multiclassing with Fighter or Rogue is highly effective, enhancing martial and stealth capabilities; Fighter adds combat versatility with Action Surge and Maneuvers, while Rogue provides Sneak Attack for burst damage. Monk and Barbarian also complement Blood Hunters, offering mobility and resilience. However, avoid multiclassing with spellcasters like Wizard or Cleric, as it dilutes the Blood Hunter’s unique magical focus. Race and subclass choices significantly impact these builds, ensuring each combination optimizes combat synergy and resource management for a powerful, adaptable character.
Popular Blood Hunter Builds
Popular Blood Hunter builds emphasize either Dexterity or Strength, with Crossbow Expert and Dual Wielding being favorites. The Two-Weapon Fighting build maximizes attack frequency, while Sharpshooter focuses on ranged precision. Polearm Master offers versatility with reach weapons. Many opt for a Dexterity-based build for higher attack bonus and mobility, though Strength builds can deliver devastating melee strikes. Ability scores should prioritize the primary stat, with Constitution for survivability. Race choices like Halfling or Dragonborn enhance these builds. Each build highlights the Blood Hunter’s adaptability, making them formidable in any combat scenario while maintaining their unique magical edge.
Min-Maxing Your Blood Hunter
Min-maxing a Blood Hunter focuses on optimizing ability scores and race selection for maximum combat effectiveness. Prioritize Dexterity or Strength, depending on your build, and dump non-essential stats like Wisdom or Charisma. Races like Half-Orc or Dragonborn excel for Strength-based builds, while Halfling or Wood Elf complement Dexterity. Feats like Sharpshooter or Dual Wielder enhance ranged or melee capabilities. Ensure your ability scores align with your chosen fighting style, as this directly impacts your damage output and survivability. A well-optimized Blood Hunter becomes a formidable force on the battlefield, blending martial prowess with dark, blood-infused magic.
Unique Character Concepts
Unique Blood Hunter concepts can elevate your character beyond the norm. Consider a vampire hunter avenging their past, a cursed knight wielding blood magic to atone for sins, or a tribal blood shaman using hemocraft to protect their people. These ideas blend lore and mechanics, offering rich roleplaying opportunities. Pairing with subclasses like the Profane Soul adds depth, making your Blood Hunter stand out. Embrace creativity to craft a character with a compelling backstory and distinct playstyle, ensuring a memorable experience in any campaign.
FAQ and Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Blood Hunters address their official status, playstyle comparisons, and balance in 5e. These queries help clarify the class’s role and mechanics for new players.
Is Blood Hunter Official Content?
The Blood Hunter is not official Wizards of the Coast content but is a popular homebrew class created by Matthew Mercer. It is available on DMsGuild and D&D Beyond, with both Classic and 2020 versions. While unofficial, it is widely recognized and accepted in many campaigns due to its unique mechanics and balance. Mercer’s creation bridges martial and magical playstyles, making it a favorite among players seeking a fresh, blood-magic focused class. Its availability on official platforms adds to its accessibility and popularity in the D&D community.
How Does Blood Hunter Compare to Ranger?
The Blood Hunter shares similarities with the Ranger, blending martial combat with unique magical abilities. While Rangers rely on spells and Hunter’s Mark, Blood Hunters use blood magic and Blood Curses for offensive and defensive tactics. Both classes emphasize Dexterity or Strength, with Blood Hunters often favoring Dexterity for ranged attacks. Unlike Rangers, Blood Hunters sacrifice their own health to fuel their abilities, adding a strategic layer of risk vs. reward. This difference makes Blood Hunters appealing to players who enjoy a mix of combat and resource management, offering a distinct playstyle compared to the traditional Ranger class.
Can Blood Hunters Be Played at Low Levels?
Blood Hunters are fully functional at low levels, with core abilities like Hemocraft and Blood Curses available from level 1. Their early-game effectiveness makes them viable for new players. While higher levels unlock more complex features, the class is designed to be playable and enjoyable from the start. The reliance on Blood Magic and basic attacks means players can contribute meaningfully in combat without needing advanced abilities. However, managing resources like blood curses and health becomes more critical as the game progresses. Overall, Blood Hunters offer a strong foundation for low-level play while promising growth and depth.
Is Blood Hunter Balanced in 5e?
The Blood Hunter class is generally considered balanced in D&D 5e, especially after the 2020 revisions by Matthew Mercer. It offers unique mechanics without overshadowing official classes. While it requires careful resource management, its abilities are tailored to avoid breaking the game. Many players and DMs find it well-integrated into the 5e framework, though its complexity may appeal more to experienced players. Overall, it is widely accepted as a balanced and enjoyable homebrew class for those who enjoy a mix of martial and mystical playstyles.
The Blood Hunter offers a unique, balanced blend of martial and mystical playstyles, making it a compelling choice for experienced and new players alike in D&D 5e.
Final Tips for Playing Blood Hunter
- Prioritize Dexterity or Strength based on your preferred playstyle for optimal damage output.
- Master Hemocraft and Blood Curses to enhance your combat effectiveness and control the battlefield.
- Choose your race wisely to complement your build, as ability score bonuses are crucial for min-maxing.
- Experiment with Fighting Styles like Archery or Dueling to find what suits your playstyle best.
- Manage your resources carefully, as Blood Hunters rely on limited-use abilities and hit points for empowerment.
- Consider multiclassing strategically to enhance your abilities without compromising core features.
- Start at a higher level if possible, as the class shines more with advanced features unlocked.
Why Play a Blood Hunter?
Playing a Blood Hunter offers a unique blend of martial combat and dark, blood-based magic, making it a standout choice for players seeking complexity and depth. Unlike traditional spellcasters, Blood Hunters wield blood magic to curse enemies and boost their own abilities, adding a strategic layer to gameplay. The class’s versatility allows for both ranged and melee combat, with options like Archery or Dueling Fighting Styles. Its resource management system, involving limited-use curses and Hemocraft, rewards tactical thinking. For those who enjoy a mix of DPS and utility, the Blood Hunter provides a fresh, challenging, and rewarding experience.
Resources for Further Reading
For deeper insights into the Blood Hunter class, explore DMsGuild and D&D Beyond, where Matt Mercer’s 2020 Blood Hunter is available. The RPGBOT Blood Hunter Handbook provides comprehensive guides for both the Classic and 2020 versions. Additionally, community discussions on platforms like Reddit and Discord offer tips and builds from experienced players. These resources help optimize your Blood Hunter and unlock its full potential in your D&D campaigns.
