Mobile: Unleashing Insane Movement and Evasion Tactics
Mobile is a highly valuable feat for its exceptional mobility and tactical advantages. Picture this scenario: a Rogue swiftly executes a Rapier attack, then effortlessly uses their bonus action to dash away, leaving their enemies unable to catch up or strike back in the same turn. Alternatively, they can retreat and potentially hide, making them an elusive force on the battlefield. This powerful feat is especially beneficial for frail classes like the Rogue. Bladesinging Wizards and Pact of the Blade Warlocks can also make good use of it, along with other delicate builds that aim to avoid opportunity attacks. However, it’s important to note that the strength save of telekinetic is not always reliable due to the high strength saves of many creatures. Nevertheless, the potential for unmatched movement makes Mobile a top choice for agility-focused characters.
Moderately Armored: A Suboptimal Choice
The Moderately Armored feat falls short of expectations and is generally considered suboptimal. There are several alternative options to consider that offer better results. Firstly, playing a race that grants armor proficiency, taking advantage of Tasha’s rules, can easily grant the desired proficiency while allowing you to play your preferred class and subclass. Another option is to multiclass for one level into a class that grants armor proficiency, such as Cleric (which keeps spell slot level progression intact). Another viable strategy is to acquire the Mage Armor spell and invest in a +2 Dexterity increase. This choice not only improves your Armor Class but also increases initiative and hit chances for Rogues. Ultimately, Moderately Armored is not worth sacrificing a valuable feat slot. Moreover, at higher levels, Armor Class becomes less important unless it reaches the high twenties. Many monsters possess a +15 to +20 to hit, rendering this feat less effective as a campaign progresses. Though it provides some defense, it is comparable to the Tough feat, which is why it is ranked as a 2 (though some may argue it deserves a 3 due to its usefulness in certain situations).
Elemental Adept: A Niche Feat for Casters
Elemental Adept is a feat that serves as a niche option for certain casters. With the addition of transmuted metamagic, its effectiveness widens significantly. For experienced casters, this feat is undoubtedly a level 3 choice. It allows them to bypass resistance by dealing damage of a different type, eliminating the need to learn additional spells for different damage types. However, mastering Elemental Adept requires familiarity with various monsters and their vulnerabilities. Sorcerers and Warlocks specializing in offensive spells can also benefit from this feat, making it a viable pickup. Although the cost of a feat is high, its utility makes it a valuable addition to a caster’s repertoire.
Second Chance: A Reliable Defensive Option
Second Chance ranks as a level 3 feat due to its ability to impose an effect similar to disadvantage on attackers. This defensive advantage outweighs the benefits of Squat Nimbleness, which should be classified as a level 2 feat. While player-initiated grapples may occur frequently, enemy grapples are relatively rare. Squat Nimbleness offers some additional features, but there are better alternatives available. Consequently, the extra features push Squat Nimbleness away from a level 1 rating.
Revenant Blade: A Niche Feat with Limitations
Revenant Blade is a level 2 feat that primarily appeals to characters seeking to round off a low-level Dexterity score. The +2 Dexterity increase not only enhances Armor Class but also provides additional bonuses for characters who prioritize this attribute. However, it is important to note that the weapon granted by this feat is not necessarily magical. Unless it can be enchanted to a +1 status or found as a +1 weapon, its additional damage will be halved or rendered unreliable against many enemies in later stages of a campaign. To truly make the most of this feat, players either require a generous Dungeon Master or a well-thought-out plan to acquire a suitable weapon.
Piercer: A Half Feat for Rogue-y Goodness
Piercer receives a level 2 rating due to its compatibility with the Rogue class and its ability to boost sneak attack damage. The reroll feature of this feat synergizes well with the numerous dice involved in sneak attacks. Furthermore, the Assassin Rogue subclass offers a consistent way to trigger the additional damage die. While not outstanding, Piercer is highly recommended as a half feat for specific build types.
Metamagic Adept > Eldritch Adept: Two Sides of a Coin
Metamagic Adept and Eldritch Adept are closely matched feats, with the former slightly edging out the competition. The only worthwhile invocations for non-Warlocks are Devil’s Sight and Misty Visions (as mage armor can be obtained through other means, such as the magic initiate feat, with its 8-hour duration, and disguise self can be achieved with a disguise kit, etc). Both invocations offer powerful options, but being able to subtly cast, extend spell durations, and transmute spells provides more versatility for a larger variety of casters. Even though Metamagic Adept is limited to twice per day, these clutch options make it a worthy feat for any caster. Moreover, the opportunity to unleash an ice or thunder fireball is undeniably cool. The limited resource pool of Metamagic Adept is what places it in a similar category to Eldritch Adept.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Underestimate the Rogue!
In conclusion, it is important not to overlook the Rogue when considering feats for optimization. While opinions regarding other feats may vary, it is evident that Mobile and Piercer have been undervalued in this guide. These feats offer significant advantages to characters who prioritize agility and sneak attacks. Keep in mind that when it comes to optimizing your character, it is essential to consider your playstyle, the campaign setting, and the class/subclass you have chosen. The rest of the comments provided are open to debate, but both Mobile and Piercer deserve recognition for their potential in enhancing gameplay.
