The Blood Hunter, created by Matt Mercer, is a unique third-party class blending martial prowess with dark, blood magic. Popular among players, it offers a distinct playstyle.
1.1 Overview of the Blood Hunter Class in D&D 5e
The Blood Hunter, created by Matt Mercer, is a unique third-party class in D&D 5e that combines martial combat with dark, blood magic. It emphasizes sacrifice and strategic gameplay, requiring players to manage health and resources carefully. The class is known for its distinctive features like Crimson Rite and Blood Maledict, which set it apart from official classes. Designed for players seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience, the Blood Hunter offers a blend of versatility and complexity. Its popularity stems from its rich customization options and the ability to adapt to various playstyles, making it a favorite among players looking for a fresh, dynamic character build.
1.2 Importance of the Blood Hunter Class in 5e
The Blood Hunter class holds significant importance in D&D 5e as a third-party creation, offering a fresh and unique playstyle. It fills a niche for players seeking a blend of martial combat and dark magic, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience. The class’s design encourages strategic thinking and resource management, making it appealing to experienced players. Its popularity has led to widespread community support and updates, ensuring it remains balanced and engaging. The Blood Hunter also highlights the creativity of the D&D community, showcasing how third-party content can enrich the game. Its influence extends beyond gameplay, inspiring new character builds and storytelling opportunities, making it a valuable addition to the 5e ecosystem.
1.3 Brief History of the Blood Hunter Class
The Blood Hunter class was created by Matthew Mercer, a renowned figure in the Dungeons & Dragons community, and first released in 2016. It emerged as a homebrew class designed to fill a unique niche, blending martial combat with dark, blood-based magic. The class quickly gained popularity due to its innovative mechanics and thematic depth. Over time, Mercer updated the class, releasing version 2.0, which refined its features and balanced its abilities. The Blood Hunter has since become a staple in third-party content, with widespread community support and adaptations. Its success highlights the creativity of the D&D community and the demand for diverse playstyles in 5e.
Key Features of the Blood Hunter Class
The Blood Hunter class combines martial prowess with dark magic, featuring ability score prioritization, versatile fighting styles, and unique mechanics like Crimson Rite and Blood Maledict.
2.1 Ability Score Prioritization
For a Blood Hunter, ability score prioritization is crucial. Dexterity should be the primary focus, as it enhances attack and damage capabilities, particularly with ranged weapons. Constitution is next, boosting survivability through increased hit points. Intelligence follows, supporting key class features and spellcasting. When using point buy, allocate scores to maximize DEX, then CON, and finally INT. A common distribution might be 16 DEX, 14 CON, and 13 INT, with remaining points allocated to other abilities. This build ensures effectiveness in combat while maintaining durability. Feats like Sharpshooter or Crossbow Expert further complement a high DEX build, making it a versatile and powerful foundation for the class.
2.2 Fighting Style Options
Archery is the most recommended fighting style for Blood Hunters, as it provides a +2 bonus to attack rolls, which is highly effective in 5e’s bounded accuracy system. This style complements ranged weapons, allowing you to deal consistent damage from a safe distance. Two-weapon fighting is less optimal due to its lower damage output compared to Archery and Crossbow Expert builds. If focusing on melee, consider pairing it with mobility feats like Mobile to maintain flexibility. Archery’s synergy with feats like Sharpshooter and Crossbow Expert enhances damage potential, making it a versatile choice. Ultimately, your fighting style should align with your preferred playstyle and party dynamics.
2.3 Crimson Rite and Its Mechanics
Crimson Rite is a core Blood Hunter feature that harnesses the power of blood to enhance weapon attacks. Activated as a bonus action, it imbues a weapon with dark energy, dealing an additional 1d10 necrotic damage. This damage scales with level, increasing to 2d10 at 11th level and 3d10 at 17th. The rite lasts for 1 minute or until the weapon leaves the Blood Hunter’s hand. While active, the Blood Hunter gains advantage on Intimidation checks. Managing Crimson Rite is crucial, as it requires maintaining concentration and can be dispelled. Its synergy with other abilities makes it a powerful tool for dealing consistent damage while adding thematic depth to the class.
2.4 Blood Maledict and Its Variants
Blood Maledict is a defining feature of the Blood Hunter class, offering a range of powerful, blood-fueled curses. These curses are activated using the Blood Hunter’s bonus action and require maintaining concentration. Each variant provides unique effects, such as Flaming Strike, which deals extra fire damage, or Grisly Wound, which causes bleeding and disadvantage on attacks. Other variants include Shadowed Strike for stealth and Blood Maledict: Sanguine Fortitude, enhancing resilience. These curses balance offensive and defensive options, allowing Blood Hunters to adapt to various combat scenarios. The ability to switch between variants adds versatility, making Blood Maledict a cornerstone of the class’s strategic depth and thematic identity.
Blood Hunter Subclasses
The Blood Hunter class features four distinct subclasses, each offering unique abilities. The Order of the Profane Soul harnesses necrotic magic, while the Order of the Ghostslayer excels against undead. The Order of the Mutant emphasizes physical resilience and transformation, and the Order of the Lycan unlocks shape-shifting powers tied to the moon.
3.1 Order of the Profane Soul
The Order of the Profane Soul is a subclass that combines martial prowess with dark, necrotic magic. These Blood Hunters wield spells powered by their Charisma, drawing from a unique spell list. They gain access to cantrips and spells that manipulate life force, making them versatile in both combat and utility. A key feature is their ability to heal themselves using the life force of enemies, adding a layer of sustainability. This subclass appeals to players who enjoy blending melee combat with spellcasting, offering a dark, sacrificial playstyle that sets them apart from other classes. It’s ideal for those who want to embody a mysterious, otherworldly warrior.
3.2 Order of the Ghostslayer
The Order of the Ghostslayer is a Blood Hunter subclass focused on eradicating undead and otherworldly threats. These hunters are attuned to the forces of death, gaining bonuses against undead and resistance to necrotic damage. Their abilities emphasize tracking and destroying supernatural foes, with features that enhance their combat prowess against such enemies. The Ghostslayer’s curse mechanics are particularly effective against undead, making them a formidable choice for campaigns heavy on horror or undead adversaries. This subclass is ideal for players who enjoy a dark, spectral theme and want to specialize in combating forces beyond the living. It offers a unique blend of martial and mystical abilities tailored to hunting the undead.
3.3 Order of the Mutant
The Order of the Mutant is a Blood Hunter subclass that embraces unnatural transformations, granting access to powerful mutations. These mutations can be physical or magical, offering unique abilities that enhance combat and survival. Mutants sacrifice some of their humanity for strength, gaining resistance to certain types of damage and enhanced physical traits. Their curse mechanics are tied to their mutations, often providing potent benefits at the cost of vulnerability. This subclass is ideal for players who enjoy a blend of versatility and strategic risk, as mutations can dramatically alter their playstyle. The Mutant’s abilities make them adaptable to various combat scenarios, emphasizing resilience and unconventional power.
3.4 Order of the Lycan
The Order of the Lycan is a Blood Hunter subclass that channels the power of lycanthropy, blending ferocity with cunning. This subclass allows players to tap into primal forces, gaining transformative abilities that enhance their physical prowess. Lycans can shift into hybrid or bestial forms, granting them heightened senses, increased strength, and resilience in combat. Their curse manifests as a vulnerability to silver weapons, balancing their formidable abilities. This subclass excels in melee combat, offering a mix of durability and offensive power. Players who enjoy a mix of ferocity and strategic transformation will find the Lycan’s abilities both thrilling and versatile, making them a compelling choice for aggressive playstyles.
Multiclassing with the Blood Hunter
Multiclassing with the Blood Hunter combines martial and spellcasting abilities, enhancing damage output and survivability. Popular combinations include Warlock or Fighter, leveraging synergy for versatile playstyles.
4.1 Blood Hunter and Warlock Multiclassing
Multiclassing a Blood Hunter with a Warlock, particularly the Order of the Profane Soul, creates a powerful synergy between martial and spellcasting abilities. This combination enhances both damage output and survivability, as the Blood Hunter’s combat prowess complements the Warlock’s access to dark magic. When multiclassing, a third of the Blood Hunter’s levels are added to the Warlock’s level for spell slot calculation, allowing for increased spellcasting potential. This blend of melee combat and spellcasting offers versatility, making the character a formidable opponent in both close quarters and ranged engagements. The Blood Hunter’s curse mechanics and the Warlock’s invocations further amplify this synergy, creating a unique playstyle that balances physical and magical prowess.
Optimizing a Blood Hunter Character
Optimizing a Blood Hunter involves prioritizing DEX, CON, and INT. Select races with bonuses to these scores. Choose feats like Tough for survivability and Mobile for mobility. Equip bows or crossbows for ranged advantage, ensuring high damage output while maintaining survivability in combat.
5.1 Choosing the Right Race
Selecting the right race is crucial for optimizing a Blood Hunter. Races with DEX bonuses, such as Wood Elf or Drow, are ideal due to their synergy with the Archery Fighting Style. CON bonuses from races like Dwarf or Goliath enhance survivability, which is vital for a class that relies on sacrificing hit points. INT bonuses from races like Gnome or Tiefling can improve spellcasting for subclasses like the Order of the Profane Soul. Additionally, races with mobility or stealth traits, such as Halfling or Tabaxi, complement the Blood Hunter’s agile playstyle. Ultimately, choose a race that aligns with your build’s focus, whether it’s ranged damage, survivability, or spellcasting efficiency.
5.2 Selecting Feats for Maximum Efficiency
Selecting the right feats is essential for maximizing a Blood Hunter’s potential. Sharpshooter is a top choice for ranged builds, offering a +2 bonus to attack rolls and ignoring cover, making it ideal for Archery-focused characters. Crossbow Expert is another strong option, allowing for an additional attack and the ability to reload as a bonus action, which pairs well with the Crimson Rite feature. Resilient (CON or WIS) is also recommended to shore up survivability or improve saving throws. For melee-focused builds, Mobile or War Caster can enhance mobility or concentration, respectively. Feats should be chosen based on your build’s focus and playstyle, ensuring they complement your race, subclass, and equipment choices.
5.3 Best Equipment for Blood Hunters
Blood Hunters thrive with equipment that complements their unique abilities and playstyle. For melee builds, a versatile weapon like a greatsword or longsword is ideal, as it pairs well with Crimson Rite. Ranged builds benefit from a longbow or crossbow, especially when combined with feats like Sharpshooter and Crossbow Expert. Light armor, such as studded leather, is recommended to maintain Dexterity bonuses while providing adequate protection. Magical items like a belt of Dexterity or amulet of health can significantly enhance survivability and effectiveness. Consumables, such as healing potions or elixirs, are also valuable for managing the class’s inherent fragility. Prioritize gear that boosts Dexterity, Constitution, or Intelligence to maximize your Blood Hunter’s efficiency in combat.
Blood Hunter Class Progression
The Blood Hunter’s progression focuses on enhancing combat versatility and survivability, with key features like ability score improvements and combat style enhancements at pivotal levels.
6.1 Level 1-5: Early Game Strengths
At early levels, Blood Hunters excel through their versatility and unique features. Prioritizing DEX and CON ensures strong attack rolls and survivability. The Archery fighting style shines, offering a +2 bonus to ranged attacks, making them formidable at range. Crimson Rite, while limited, provides a damage boost, encouraging aggressive play. Blood Maledict introduces curse mechanics, adding strategic depth. Multiclassing with Warlock enhances spellcasting, though focusing on core abilities is often more effective. Races like Halfling or Wood Elf complement DEX builds, while feats like Sharpshooter or Crossbow Expert amplify damage output. Early on, Blood Hunters balance damage and utility, making them versatile party members.
6.2 Level 6-10: Mid-Game Power Spikes
Between levels 6-10, Blood Hunters experience significant power spikes. At level 6, they gain the Extra Attack feature, allowing for multiple attacks per turn, which synergizes well with Crimson Rite for increased damage output. Ability Score Improvement at level 6 and 10 enables further optimization of DEX and CON, enhancing survivability and combat effectiveness. Blood Maledict becomes more versatile, with additional uses per day, offering greater flexibility in applying curses. Multiclassing with Warlock at these levels can also enhance spellcasting capabilities, providing a boost to spell slots and overall utility. These advancements solidify the Blood Hunter’s role as a formidable damage dealer and strategic supporter in mid-game encounters.
6.3 Level 11-15: Late Game Capabilities
At levels 11-15, Blood Hunters reach their late-game potential, with features that enhance their combat and magical abilities. Improved Critical at level 11 increases critical hit chances, boosting damage output. Blood Maledict becomes more potent, with additional curse options and enhanced effects. The synergy between Crimson Rite and high-level spells like Hunter’s Bane allows for devastating combinations. Multiclassing with Warlock at these levels can further amplify spellcasting, granting access to higher-level spells and improved utility. The Blood Hunter’s survivability also peaks, with high CON scores and resistance to certain damage types. This makes them a versatile and formidable force in late-game encounters, capable of both dealing massive damage and supporting allies effectively.
6.4 Level 16-20: Endgame Potential
At levels 16-20, Blood Hunters reach their peak, combining mastery of martial and magical abilities. The capstone feature, Hunter’s Bane, grants immunity to charm and fear, making them nearly unshakable in combat; Blood Maledict becomes even more versatile, with enhanced curse effects that can cripple enemies. High-level spellcasting, including 5th-level spells, allows for devastating area effects and crowd control. Multiclassing with Warlock at these levels can unlock powerful eldritch invocations, further amplifying their magical prowess. Survivability is maximized with high CON and resistance to multiple damage types. Blood Hunters at endgame are versatile, lethal, and capable of handling even the toughest challenges, making them a cornerstone of any party’s strategy.
Blood Hunter in Combat
Blood Hunters excel in combat as versatile strikers, using Crimson Rite to enhance attacks and Blood Maledict for debilitating curses. Their abilities blend offense with strategic support, making them invaluable in battle.
7.1 Strategic Use of Crimson Rite
Crimson Rite is a cornerstone of the Blood Hunter’s combat strategy, enhancing their attacks with dark, blood-fueled power. To maximize its effectiveness, prioritize ability scores like Dexterity for accuracy and Constitution for survivability. Feats such as Sharpshooter or Crossbow Expert complement Crimson Rite by boosting ranged damage output. Positioning is key—stay mobile to avoid melee engagement while maintaining ranged superiority. Use bonus actions wisely, as Crimson Rite requires consistent attacks to maintain its effects. Pairing it with strategic feats ensures sustained damage and versatility in combat, making the Blood Hunter a formidable opponent. Proper management of Crimson Rite enhances both offense and survivability, central to the class’s identity.
7.2 Managing Blood Maledict in Combat
Blood Maledict is a powerful, curse-based ability that enhances the Blood Hunter’s combat effectiveness but comes with strategic challenges. Proper management requires understanding its variants and limitations. Each Maledict offers unique benefits, such as increased damage or debuffs, but using them consumes limited resources. Timing is crucial; apply Maledicts to high-priority targets to maximize impact. Coordinate with party members to avoid redundant effects and ensure synergistic play. Additionally, be mindful of the curse’s restrictions, as they may affect certain creatures. Balancing resource expenditure with tactical application ensures the Blood Maledict remains a potent tool without compromising the Hunter’s survivability. Effective management elevates the Blood Hunter’s role as both a damage dealer and a strategic supporter in combat scenarios.
7.3 Synergy with Party Members
The Blood Hunter excels in a party setting by leveraging their unique abilities to enhance teamwork. Their Blood Maledict can debilitate enemies, making them vulnerable to allies’ attacks. For instance, a rogue can capitalize on the Hunter’s setup for sneak attacks, while casters can exploit the debuffed targets. The Blood Hunter’s strategic use of area control and crowd management also protects squishier party members. Additionally, their hemocraft magic can complement spellcasters by creating openings or controlling enemy movements; Effective communication and timing are key to maximizing synergy, ensuring the Blood Hunter’s abilities amplify the party’s overall combat effectiveness and contribute to victory. Coordination with healers and tanks further enhances their support role in dynamic encounters.
Blood Hunter Curse Mechanics
Blood Hunter curses require targets to have blood, limiting their effectiveness against certain creatures. Resistance or immunity to curses can reduce their impact in combat scenarios.
8.1 How Curses Work
Blood Hunter curses are powerful, debilitating effects that require a target to make a saving throw to resist. These curses often rely on the target having blood, limiting their effectiveness against creatures like undead or constructs. Once applied, curses can impose disadvantage on attacks, reduce speed, or inflict other penalties. Resistance or immunity to curses significantly weakens their impact. Blood Hunters must strategically choose when to apply curses, balancing their offensive potential with the need to manage resources like hit points and dice. Curses add a layer of tactical depth, encouraging players to adapt to different enemies and combat scenarios. Proper use of curses can turn the tide of battle in favor of the party.
8.2 Curse Resistance and Immunities
Curse resistance and immunities play a crucial role in the Blood Hunter’s effectiveness. Creatures without blood, such as undead or constructs, are inherently immune to curses, limiting their application. Additionally, certain races, classes, or magic items may grant resistance or immunity to curses, reducing their impact. Blood Hunters must adapt by targeting enemies vulnerable to curses or relying on other abilities. While these limitations can hinder the class’s utility, they encourage strategic thinking and resource management. Understanding enemy resistances is key to maximizing the Blood Hunter’s curse-based tactics in combat. This balance ensures curses remain a powerful but situational tool in the class’s arsenal.
Advanced Blood Hunter Techniques
Mastering Hemocraft magic and strategically managing blood maledicts are key to advanced Blood Hunter techniques. Efficient resource management and tactical positioning enhance their combat effectiveness significantly.
9.1 Hemocraft Magic and Its Applications
Hemocraft magic is a core feature of the Blood Hunter class, allowing them to manipulate their own blood and life force to fuel powerful abilities. This unique system enables Blood Hunters to access a variety of spells and effects, such as healing, debuffs, and area control, by expending hit points or using their limited hemocraft dice. Hemocraft abilities are divided into two categories: Hunters Bane and Blood Maledict, each serving distinct purposes in combat. Hunters Bane focuses on offensive and utility magic, while Blood Maledict imposes debilitating effects on enemies. Proper management of hemocraft resources is crucial, as overuse can leave the Blood Hunter vulnerable. This system adds depth and strategy to the class, making it both versatile and risky to play effectively.
9.2 Using Blood Maledict Strategically
Blood Maledict is a powerful and versatile feature of the Blood Hunter class, allowing players to impose debilitating effects on enemies. These curses can hinder movement, sap strength, or weaken resolve, making them invaluable in combat. Strategic use of Blood Maledict involves targeting high-priority enemies, such as spellcasters or heavy hitters, to disrupt their effectiveness. Timing is crucial, as applying a maledict during key moments can turn the tide of a battle. However, players must balance its use with resource management, as activating Blood Maledict consumes hit points. Used wisely, it enhances the Blood Hunter’s role as a battlefield controller, adding depth and utility to their combat strategy.
Blood Hunter 5e PDF Sources
The official Blood Hunter 5e PDF is available from sources like the Internet Archive and DMs Guild, offering free access to Matt Mercer’s class creation and updates.
10.1 Official Sources for the Blood Hunter PDF
The Blood Hunter 5e PDF is officially available through platforms like the Internet Archive and DMs Guild. Created by Matthew Mercer, it was first published in 2016 and has since been updated. While not an official Wizards of the Coast release, it is widely recognized for its balanced design and unique mechanics. The PDF includes detailed class features, subclasses, and tips for players and DMs. It is free to download, making it accessible to all D&D enthusiasts. The document has undergone revisions based on community feedback, ensuring it aligns with 5e’s gameplay standards. This source is essential for anyone looking to play or understand the Blood Hunter class in-depth.
10.2 Downloading the Blood Hunter 5e PDF
The Blood Hunter 5e PDF can be downloaded from reputable sources like the Internet Archive and DMs Guild. It is freely available, with versions like Blood Hunter 2.0 offering updated features. Ensure you access it from trusted platforms to avoid unauthorized modifications. The PDF includes class details, subclasses, and gameplay tips, making it essential for players and DMs. Downloading it supports understanding and playing the class effectively in D&D 5e campaigns. Always verify the source for authenticity to ensure you have the most current and balanced version of the class.