D&D: How to use Wild Shape (the right way)

As a druid, Wild Shape can be an intimidating skill, but it's an important part of playing the class. Here are some tips for new players.

One of the most fun parts of playing a druid in Dungeons & Dragons is the Wild Shape. With this ability, a druid can transform into a beast, which comes in handy both in combat and out of combat. However, there are some rules about Wild Shape that can make choosing a druid a little daunting.

Wild Shape is one of the core features of Dungeon & Dragon's Druids v5, and is a great ability when used correctly. A druid's level determines what types of beasts can be chosen, and challenge rating plays a big role in this level. The final part to consider is that DnD Druid Circle is best suited for this role as there are so many to choose from.

Wild Shape Can Help In A Few Ways In D&D

Wild Shape provides druids with a variety of ways to aid their adventuring party. The most obvious one is in combat, turning into a beast can provide the team with a lower tier tank and another melee attacker later on. Wild Shape can also provide non-combat utility to the team, and Druids can be excellent scouts that can blend into the environment.

Druids Should Think Outside The Box For D&D Wild Shape

One of the first things to do Consider that what makes the moon druid circle different compared to other druid circles is which wild shapes they can use. Circle of the Moon is a DnD subclass that players will want to try if they want to use their Wild Shape primarily for combat. They are able to take form at higher challenge levels at lower levels, and can use their Wild Shape as a bonus move, making them great for combat. However, Wild Shape isn't just about tanking and dealing damage.

Druids of all circles can be party scouts while in beast form, as NPCs are less likely to look twice at animals that are watching them. Simple Cat is a good choice for this, as its low CR of 0 means it can be used by all Druids once they gain Wild Form at level 2. In the Dungeons & Dragons urban campaign setting, the cat is an excellent scout, blending in with other domesticated animals with +4 invisibility and a 30-foot climb speed.

For more rural areas, the Giant Badger is a good choice. It has a CR of 1/4 and is the same as Cats, have the ability to have a keen sense of smell, which is an advantage in sensory examinations that rely on smell. The Badger is also one of the few low CR picks with multiple attacks, meaning that if caught, the Druid will be able to hold his own for a short period of time. Another good choice is the spider, a small beast with CR 0, +4 stealth and the ability to walk on ceilings.

Another great way to use Wild Shapes is for transport, when the party wants to travel without too many DnD encounters. It might not be the most obvious, but if the party needs to get from point A to point B quickly and doesn't have a mount of their own, the druid can transform into several different beasts to help. A camel is a good choice, with a speed of 50 feet and a CR of 1/8. However, at CR 1/4 is the riding horse, which has a speed of 60 feet. Both are large beasts, enabling the druid to carry at least one or two smaller companions.

As the Druid level increases, more beasts will be unlocked, including flying and swimming creatures. this More options will open up for combat, scouting, and utility. The only limit to using Wild Shapes is the player's imagination, so it's best to peruse the Monster Manual to take full advantage of this unique Dungeons & Dragons feature.

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