Reinventing the wheel - different classes same archetype

SpoilerGeneral Discussion - [NO SPOILERS]

Not Larian problem really, more just an observation:

It seems 5e has a number of people reinventing the wheel over and over. First example I'm thinking about is the Pirate / Swashbuckler/ Musketeer archetypes:

There are at least three ways to build the archetype...

  • Dex based battlemaster fighter
  • Swashbuckler rogue
  • Sword bard

It's like different game designers looked at the archetype and thought "I can write a better rule set for this!". Or Alternatively thought "I want my favorite class to also be Zorro!"

We also have the Hunter / Robin Hood archetype":

  • Ranger (debatable since the eanger actually isn't that much about trick shots but more pet-training and spells)
  • Arcane Archer
  • Sword Bard

Posted Jul 13, 2026, 10:47 AM UTC

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