Fans of can look at Solasta: Crown of the Magister for one of the best adaptations of rules in a tactical RPG format. Using the general D&D ruleset via the System Reference Document, Solasta: Crown of the Magister tasks players on a journey to create the eponymous artifact that may determine the fate of the world.
Although the game contains a rather linear story, D&D fans who want to experiment with their builds may want to use Solasta’s approach to the system as a way to create their dream team. For players who want to min-max their options, here are some of the best party builds in Solasta: Crown of the Magister.
Holy Trinity: Paladin, Ranger, Wizard, Cleric
Players who want to experience Solasta and should consider the Holy Trinity approach based on the RPG trope of the same name. When converted into Solasta, a “basic” party setup for a smooth first or casual playthrough could be the following.
Paladin (Devotion)
Serving as the team’s tank, the Paladin brings both with the Fighter’s combat prowess and the Cleric’s buffing capabilities. Their access to powerful Smites means they have room for protective abilities, making Devotion the ideal subclass. Paladins become primary healers with access to Lesser Restoration and Aid, and Revivify is a godsend at higher levels.
Ranger (Hunter, Shadow Tamer)
When created with the Lowlife Background, the Ranger can become the team’s resident Lockpicker, with Goodberry as an emergency heal. Their potential to deal high damage at long range can make them decent snipers, protecting glass cannons like the Wizard and Cleric. As for subclasses, both the Hunter and the Shadow Tamer provide utility options to expand the Ranger’s combat approach.
Wizard (Greenmage, Shock Arcanist)
Being the AOE half of the DPS archetype, the Wizard should have an Arcana (Intelligence) focus as well as Detect Magic and Identify, making them the team’s resident Magic Item crafter. Their access to burst damage makes them extremely dangerous in combat, with priority spells including Wall of Fire to deal with melee opponents.
Subclass choice depends on the player’s focus. Greenmage giving access to a minion via Conjure Animals and extra heals via Goodberry, while Shock Arcanist does bring out more pain with Magic Missiles.
Cleric (Law, Battle)
As the team’s secondary healer, the Cleric constant buffs and emergency heals. Key spells include Bless and Healing Word, with further specializations depending on subclass choice. Whereas Battle Cleric allows players to focus more on combat, the Law Cleric’s access to Shield and Counterspell can make them decent anti-mages, especially when using ranged attacks.
Full Combat Coverage
The Full Combat Coverage build can help players get much of the game’s main campaign. This setup tackles major combat roles and assigns them to Classes that can help players make the most out of their .
Paladin (Judgment)
While the tanky Paladin can become a great sub-healer under Devotion, Judgment is the way to go to maximize damage. They offer constant buffs via Guiding Bolt and Enhance Ability, while Weight of Justice can restrain opponents. Combined, this make Judgment Paladins extreme heavy-hitters.
Ranger (Swift Blade)
Serving as the primary melee DPS, a Swift Blade Ranger can dish out consistent damage on top of bonus AC when dual-wielding via Blade Dance. Moreover, using Battle Focus in a pinch can rack up a lot of damage points in boss battles. When paired with Lowlife Background, the Swift Blade can become the team’s Stealth expert. Their high DEX means switching to a bow for ranged combat doesn’t hinder their performance.
Druid (Balance)
Given how healing becomes an integral part of the late game, a Balance Druid covers HP crises. Their Prayer of Healing, Mass Healing, and Revivify can secure the safety of much of the team. Moreover, their Wild Shape on top of Medium Armor and Weapon Proficiencies can make them decent damage dealers.
Wizard (Court)
Access to Protection (Fighting Style) on top of Shield Proficiency and Spell Shield can give these Wizards impeccable defense. Moreover, their Counterspell Mastery can debilitate most opposing spellcasters, leaving players with a lot of leeway to customize their Wizard’s combat approach.
Standard Attack
Players who want to try a traditionally aggressive D&D 5e party may want to consider creating characters accommodate standard combat encounters. They’re not built towards abusing the game’s combat system, but allow players to explore the game’s offerings without suffering at higher levels.
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Fighter (Spellblade)
Making a Human Spy into a Spellblade can add versatility to the Fighter. Their Magic Weapon is counted as magic to bypass resistance, while their access to non-Greenmage spells gives them Light to enhance vision. Extra functionalities such as Spell Tyrant and Arcane Escape add combat versatility without breaking away from the fold of a tank.
Cleric (Law)
Instead of the pure healing setup usually associated with Clerics, a Dwarf Law Cleric has extra Weapons Proficiency as well as a wide variety of attack options. For instance, Holy Retribution is a Reaction-based mini-Smite in the form of 2d6 Psychic. Higher levels give access to buffs (e.g. Shield), extra attacks (Lightning Bolt), or even Counterspell.
Ranger (Swift Blade)
The dual-wield benefits towards AC (Blade Dance) and damage boosts (Battle Focus) make the Ranger a decent sub-DPS. As mentioned above, a Lowlife Background transforms them into the resident Stealth specialist as well.
Wizard (Shock Arcanist)
Although the Academic Background can give players access to the Manacalon Rosary, the Sellsword Background offers Medium Armor Proficiency. The Shock Arcanist is the ideal subclass courtesy of its expanded combat options. Arcane Warfare upcasts Wizard staples such as Fireball and Chain Lightning, transforming them into higher-level, higher-damage counterparts.
Cover All Bases
While it’s often the case to have characters delegated to certain roles, players in Solasta may be able to have their party accommodate any combat position with the right build. Thanks to Cover All Bases, characters in this party are built to focus on certain roles while able to shuffle into sub-roles without harming party dynamics. Here’s how this build works:
Paladin (Motherland): The ever-reliable Paladin boasts high-enough Charisma and Strength to become the party’s default tank in combat and face in conversations. However, the Motherland Paladin’s access to Branding Smite, Scorching Ray, and Fireball makes them sub-nukers in case of emergencies. In ordinary combat, their access to Smites make them battering rams in most combat situations.
Cleric (Battle): Aside from being a sub-healer, the Cleric can default as a secondary tank given their natural protections. However, they power creep into a nuke via Spiritual Weapon and Spiritual Guardians, transforming them into formidable frontline DPS units when properly raised.
Wizard (Shock Arcanist): Grabbing the role of a nuker, the Shock Arcanist’s access to free upcasted spells will help them release massive AOEs on the get-go, courtesy of higher damage for a lower spell cost. Being a Sellsword (Background) gives the Wizard access to Medium Armor, allowing them to sub as “mage tanks” in emergencies with Shield, Absorb Element, Counterspells, and even an actual Shield (via Feat: Shield Proficiency).
Ranger (Hunter): The Ranger’s high-enough Dexterity can hit for decent base damage as default assassins (melee) or snipers (ranged), with the Hunter subclass features giving massive buffs when specializing into either role. Their access to Goodberries make for decent backup heals, and being a Lowlife (Background) lets them take on the sneaking lockpicker role.
Hard Nuking
Dealing as much damage in a single turn as possible is a fun mechanic to explore when it comes to building a party in Solasta. When done properly, a Hard Nuking team can transform Classes into their more combat-intensive counterparts.
Paladin (Devotion)
The ideal tank/healer hybrid, a Devotion Paladin has access to decent heals and buffs via Aid, Lesser Restoration, and Shield. Due to their beefy Heavy Armor with Shields, their heavy-hitting Smites transform them into a battering ram.
Wizard (Shock Arcanist)
On top of being resident crafters with their high Intelligence and Arcana, Shock Arcanists become walking nukes. Their subclass offers free upcasts of offensive spells such as Magic Missile, Chain Lightning, and Fireball.
Cleric (Lightning)
While Clerics also have their fair share of healing, a Lightning Cleric adds attacks to spice up combat. With Thunderwave, Lightning Bolt, and even Ice Storm, properly-placed spells can transform Clerics into their own version of nukers. Not to mention, a Sylvan Elf Cleric can enjoy benefits of bulkier armor, giving them the chance of perform off-tank duties.
Ranger (Hunter)
Serving as the staple Stealth specialist of the group, a Sylvan Elf Ranger with a Lowlife Background should fulfill the lockpicking and thievery duties. Goodberry provides emergency healing, and their DEX specialization can transform them into snipers.
Survival Mode
Those who want to test their mettle as D&D 5e players may want to try Solasta's Cataclysm Difficulty. The beefed-up opponents will test how players take advantage of the title’s features. Survival Mode can help players outlast foes with options that provide tactical flexibility.
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Paladin (Tirmar)
Perhaps the more straightforward among the Paladin Subclasses, a Tirmar Paladin has access to Hold Person and Blindness on top of Smite. This can make them an ideal burst damage specialization. Their Shield spell cements their status as tanks, with their armor allowing them to plow through enemies via Smites without many worries.
Cleric (Battle)
One of the strongest subclasses to don the sword and shield, Battle Clerics get access to buffs that make them useful frontline healers with powerful healing spells. They have methods of gaining Temporary HP (Divine Fortitude), hands-full casting (Battle Magic), stuns (Decisive Strike). Finally, they can grant allies +1 to Attack and Damage Rolls, AC, and Saving Throws (Herald of Battle).
Cleric (Oblivion)
An Oblivion Cleric’s immunity to surprises make them ideal scouts on top of their potential beefiness. Herald of Pain and Strike of Oblivion increase their DPS ceiling. Moreover, their Mark of Fate is a Hunter’s Mark that extends to all characters. Their access to Chill Touch can stop even bosses from healing, making them deadly replacements for the Ranger.
Wizard (Greenmage)
Of the Wizard subclasses, Greenmage is best suited for tougher difficulties due to their versatility. Goodberry is a must-have in terms of the food requirement, while Faerie and Entangle progress into Fireball and Black Tentacles as strong AOE. Their access to Shield and Counterspell make them great defenders against most threats, while Pass Without Trace and Haste make them sneaky alternatives to Rangers.
The Purpose-Driven Life
The Purpose-Driven Life party setup relies less on builds, and instead secures basic overworld functionalities in Solaria gameplay within the party members first.
Lockpicking
Players who want to bypass locked chests and rooms may want a member who can pick locks. A Rogue or Ranger with the Lowlife Background is ideal
Carrying Capacity
A high-Strength character like a Fighter can bypass the game’s carrying restrictions.
Healing/Goodberry
A Ranger who can cast Goodberry can provide healing even inside dungeons and away from towns.
Crafting
A Wizard or high-level spellcaster can craft Magic Items, giving players more powerful gear.
Hyperfocused Functions
An alternate take on Purpose-Driven Life, this party setup focuses less on a general role and more on what combination of Skills characters should have to meet specific challenges.
(General) Darkvision:
Solasta is rather strict with its lighting conditions, making it ideal that all party members have Darkvision. This could be acquired via certain races (Dwarves, Elves, Half-Elves, Marsh Halflings), using the Darkvision Spell, or wearing the Ring of Darkvision.
(General) CHA Skills
Everyone in the party should focus on at least one Face Skill or Charisma Skill. These are Deception, Intimidation, Performance, and Persuasion, all of which can work in tandem with a Class archetype based on the player’s desires.
(Wisdom/Charisma) Spell Mod For Healing
The four-member party means everyone should be able to dish out damage, making pure healers vulnerable. In that regard, dual-purpose DPS/Healers like the Paladin, Druid, and Cleric can make powerful medics.
(Strength) Athletics
Certain hurdles in exploration can only be overcome by Athletics (Strength), making this the ideal specialization of a tanking Class like the Paladin or a well-built combatant like the Fighter. As damage sponges, they can be safe forward scouts to absorb damage from surprise encounters.
(Intelligence) Arcana
A party member proficient in Arcana (Intelligence) alongside the Manaclon Rosary, can craft Magic Items, saving the party time and Gold. Since an Arcana-focused character is likely a spellcaster, anyone who takes this role should be able to cast Detect Magic and Identify to maximize their designation as magical crafter.
Solasta: Crown of the Magister was released in 2020 for the PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S.
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