Which DDO classes are optimal or sub optimal to play as a Half-Orc

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I was thinking of playing a half-orc character in DDO but realised that I'm not sure which classes are good or bad to play as a half-orc.

Half-orcs have low Charisma so Sorcerer/Paladin/Bard seems to be contraindicated. They have high Strength so melee seems to be favoured, but what about enhancements?

Which of the DDO classes are a good choice for a half-orc and which are a bad choice?

Best Answer

Half-Orcs lose 2 Intelligence and 2 Charisma, but gain 2 Strength. Therefore, any class that has Intelligence or Charisma as a Primary or Secondary stat, or does NOT have Strength as a useful stat, would be sub optimal to play as a Half-Orc.

  • Artificer - Intelligence affects spellcasting ability, and Strength is of limited use.
  • Bard - Charisma is very important for a Bard's spellcasting.
  • Cleric - Charisma affects a Cleric's ability to Turn Undead.
  • Favored Soul - Spell points are increased by having high Charisma.
  • Paladin - While the Strength bonus is very beneficial, losing Charisma hurts their ability to Smite Evil, Lay on Hands, Turn Undead, as well as their passive saving throw bonus.
  • Rogue - Intelligence allows extra skills, which are very important for a Rogue's utility. Additionally, a number of Rogue skills use Charisma as their relevant stat.
  • Sorcerer - Charisma is their key stat for spellcasting, and Strength is of limited use.
  • Wizard - Intelligence is their key stat for spellcasting, and Strength is of limited use.

This leaves Barbarian, Druid, Fighter, Monk, and Ranger.

  • Barbarians and Fighters are the most optimal classes for Half-Orcs as they do not use Int and Cha significantly, and benefit the most from the Strength increase. Additionally, the DDO specific Orc enhancements tend to favor those who pick Barbarian or Fighters. The Half-Orc favored class is Barbarian.
  • Monks use Charisma a small amount, but the Strength increase nullifies any downsides.
  • Ranger skills utilize Charisma, but combat abilities are not significantly affected from Int or Cha loss. A melee oriented ranger benefits from the extra Strength.
  • Druids are marginally affected by the ability scores from being a Half-Orc. Their primary statistic is Wisdom.