Creating a balanced and effective party in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition often depends on the specific campaign, the players’ preferences, and the desired playstyle. However, there are some general guidelines and combinations that can work well for parties of different sizes. Keep in mind that these are suggestions, and the best party is often the one that the players find the most fun and engaging.

2-Player Party:

1. Paladin (Oath of Devotion or Oath of the Ancients)
2. Cleric (Life Domain) or Druid (Circle of the Moon)

In a small party, it’s crucial to have characters who can cover multiple roles. Paladins are strong melee combatants, while Clerics or Druids can provide healing and spellcasting support.

3-Player Party:

1. Fighter (Battlemaster)
2. Rogue (Arcane Trickster)
3. Cleric (Life Domain) or Druid (Circle of the Moon)

This setup provides a well-rounded mix of melee, ranged, and magical abilities. The Fighter excels in combat, the Rogue brings stealth and utility, and the Cleric or Druid offers healing and spellcasting.

4-Player Party:

1. Barbarian (Totem Warrior) or Fighter (Battlemaster)
2. Rogue (Arcane Trickster) or Bard (College of Lore)
3. Wizard (School of Evocation) or Sorcerer (Draconic Bloodline)
4. Cleric (Life Domain) or Druid (Circle of the Moon)

A classic party composition with a good mix of combat, utility, and spellcasting. Each character has a distinct role, allowing for a wide range of tactics and strategies.

5-Player Party:

1. Barbarian (Totem Warrior) or Fighter (Battlemaster)
2. Rogue (Arcane Trickster) or Bard (College of Lore)
3. Wizard (School of Evocation) or Sorcerer (Draconic Bloodline)
4. Cleric (Life Domain) or Druid (Circle of the Moon)
5. Ranger (Hunter) or Warlock (Pact of the Fiend)

Adding a fifth player allows for more flexibility in the party’s abilities. The Ranger or Warlock can provide additional ranged damage and utility, rounding out the group’s capabilities.

6-Player Party:

1. Barbarian (Totem Warrior) or Fighter (Battlemaster)
2. Rogue (Arcane Trickster) or Bard (College of Lore)
3. Wizard (School of Evocation) or Sorcerer (Draconic Bloodline)
4. Cleric (Life Domain) or Druid (Circle of the Moon)
5. Ranger (Hunter) or Warlock (Pact of the Fiend)
6. Paladin (Oath of Vengeance) or Monk (Way of the Open Hand)

With six players, the party can afford to add a dedicated melee combatant such as a Paladin or Monk. This addition enhances the group’s overall combat prowess and tactical options.

7-Player Party:

1. Barbarian (Totem Warrior) or Fighter (Battlemaster)
2. Rogue (Arcane Trickster) or Bard (College of Lore)
3. Wizard (School of Evocation) or Sorcerer (Draconic Bloodline)
4. Cleric (Life Domain) or Druid (Circle of the Moon)
5. Ranger (Hunter) or Warlock (Pact of the Fiend)
6. Paladin (Oath of Vengeance) or Monk (Way of the Open Hand)
7. Artificer (Battle Smith) or Bard (College of Valor)

A seven-player party can benefit from the addition of an Artificer or a second Bard, bringing further utility, support, and versatility

to the group. The Artificer’s Battle Smith subclass provides both combat and support abilities, while a second Bard can focus on buffing allies and controlling the battlefield with their spells and abilities.

8-Player Party:

1. Barbarian (Totem Warrior) or Fighter (Battlemaster)
2. Rogue (Arcane Trickster) or Bard (College of Lore)
3. Wizard (School of Evocation) or Sorcerer (Draconic Bloodline)
4. Cleric (Life Domain) or Druid (Circle of the Moon)
5. Ranger (Hunter) or Warlock (Pact of the Fiend)
6. Paladin (Oath of Vengeance) or Monk (Way of the Open Hand)
7. Artificer (Battle Smith) or Bard (College of Valor)
8. Fighter (Eldritch Knight) or Sorcerer (Shadow Magic)

With eight players, adding another versatile character can be beneficial. An Eldritch Knight Fighter combines combat prowess with some spellcasting ability, while a Shadow Magic Sorcerer adds further control and utility options with their unique spells and abilities.

Ultimately, the ideal party composition will depend on the campaign setting, the players’ preferences, and the desired playstyle. The key is to ensure that the party has a good mix of combat, utility, and support abilities to tackle various challenges and encounters.