Exploring the balance of nature is one thing Dungeons & Dragons' Druid class does well. In fact, Druids devote their lives to preserving and protecting the natural world. There are few who would dare cater to the destructive powers of fire, but those belonging to the Circle of Wildfire see fire as less of a threat and more of a promise.
Introduced in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, Wildfire Druids walk through decaying wilderness and see potential. They understand the cleansing power of the element and know firsthand that, while fire can destroy, it also promotes rebirth. Building the perfect Wildfire Druid takes careful consideration, but the right racial, background, and feat choices guarantee a remarkable character who isn't afraid to burn away death so new life can grow.
Circle of Wildfire Druid Build Summary
Ability Scores (in order of importance) | Wisdom, Constitution, Dexterity, Intelligence, Charisma, Strength |
Race | Firbolg, Aarakocra |
Background | Selesnya Initiate |
Feats | Elemental Adept, War Caster, Keen Mind, Fey Touched |
Maximize the Wildfire Druid's Wisdom & Constitution
Druids are powerful spellcasters who call upon the forces of nature to help them on their journeys. Wisdom is their most important attribute, so maxing out the WIS stat early as possible is imperative for a Druid build regardless of Circle. Druids rely on Wisdom to determine their spellcasting abilities and damage modifiers, and they also lean heavily on Wisdom-based skills like Animal Handling, Survival and Perception.
Constitution is another essential stat because these powerful spellcasters can't afford to have their magic knocked out of play when they take damage from enemy creatures. A decent CON modifier will boost their saving throws, giving them the boost they need to stay in the game and keep concentration-based spells going for the long-haul.
Intelligence and Dexterity aren't as important, but they can certainly give the Druid an edge. Dexterity contributes to both the players Armor Class and their Initiative Bonus, so the higher their DEX score, the sturdier their armor and the sooner they'll likely go in combat. Intelligence will help them gain an edge when it comes to those all-important Nature checks that parties often rely on Druids for.
The Best Racial Options for a Wildfire Druid
Firbolgs are one of the absolute best choices because they get an automatic +2 to Wisdom and +1 Strength, though the latter isn't nearly as important. They also have access Firbolg Magic, which gives them access to the spells Detect Magic and Disguise Self, plus a special ability called Hidden Step that lets them become invisible using a bonus action. Another great option is the Aarakocra, which get a +1 Wisdom boost, +2 to their Dexterity and flight. The fact they are birds also means that, combined with their fire magic, an Aarakocra Wildfire Druid has a cool phoenix-esque aesthetic.
The Dwarf's +2 Constitution makes them another great option. Dwarves also have Dark Vision and Dwarven resilience, which grants resistance to poison damage and advantage on saving throws against poison. Humans are another good option for a Wildfire Druid because they gain a +1 to all ability scores, meaning they have an advantage when powering their Wisdom, Constitution, Intelligence and Dexterity.
Wildfire Druid Background Options
Choosing a background is tantamount to establishing the character's history and backstory, but backgrounds add more than just aesthetics. One of the most intriguing options for Wildfire Druids is the Selesnya Initiate from Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica. As a member of this blessed community, the character grew up understanding the necessary balance between nature and community, and the role that must be played to maintain that balance. Even if it requires martial force, it is a Selesnya Initiate's duty and honor to see that balance maintained at all costs.
Selesnya Initiates gain access to a list of Druid spells that would usually be inaccessible in the Circle of Wildfire, plus proficiency in Nature and Persuasion. They can learn an additional language, choosing from Sylvan, Loxodon or Elvish. They have an option to seek shelter and safety wherever they happen across a Selesnya settlement in their travels, so long as they don't endanger the rest of the guild. As a member, they can also receive free healing in exchange for the components required for any spells.
Best Feats for a Wildfire Druid
The Elemental Adept feat allows the Druid to empower their fire magic and gain resistance to fire magic themselves, which really comes in handy when you're regularly playing with fire. War Caster is a must-have because, when casting spells in the middle of a chaotic battle, gaining advantage on Constitution saving throws to maintain spell concentration is a must. It also allows the character to cast spell attacks as attacks of opportunity, and a caster with their hands full can cast without using somatic components.
Keen Mind offers a +1 Intelligence boost, and the Druid will always know which way is north, what time of day it is, and anything they have seen or heard in the past month. Fey Touched is another good option because it provides +1 Wisdom (or Charisma if WIS maxed). The player also learns the Misty Step spell, along with another first level spell from the Divination or Enchantment list. These spells can be cast once per long rest without using a spell slot, or they can be cast again using empty spell slots.