Top 3 Ways to Get Insane AC by Level 10 (Without Sellin’ Yer Soul or Yer Clothes)
Mike’s Rant
Let me guess, lad — yer tired of gettin’ hit.
You built a big beefy boy with chainmail and dreams, but somehow you’re takin’ more crits than a bard at a stand-up show.
Yer rogue’s doin’ flips, yer wizard’s wearin’ bathrobes, and both are somehow survivin’ longer than yer fighter with full plate.
Well, listen close — cause there’s ways to stack yer AC sky-high without makin’ a deal with some dark patron or strippin’ naked to min-max dodge rolls.
Here’s three ways to make even the BBEG miss twice and cry once.
1. Shield + Defense Fighting Style + Full Plate = The Classic Wall
Build: Fighter or Paladin
What you need:
Full plate (AC 18)
Shield (+2 AC)
Fighting Style: Defense (+1 AC)
That’s 21 base AC by level 2 — before magic, before buffs, before racial bonuses.
Why it works:
It’s simple. Reliable. And it stacks. Grab a Ring of Protection later and yer laughin’.
Bonus tricks:
Add Haste from a friendly wizard? You’re at 23.
Use The Emberhook Blade? You’re pressurin’ enemies and outlastin’ ‘em.
This is yer bread-and-butter tank. No tricks. Just steel and grit.
2. Monk with High Dex + Wis = Dodge Build of the Gods
Build: Monk (Way of the Open Hand or Mercy)
What you need:
Dexterity and Wisdom as high as possible (start at 16, aim for 20 by 10)
Unarmored Defense: AC = 10 + Dex + Wis
Optional: Patient Defense and Mobile
At 20 Dex and 20 Wis, that’s a base AC of 20 — with no armor at all.
Why it works:
Yer fast. Unhittable. You ain’t blockin’ — you’re just not there.
Bonus tricks:
Use Step of the Wind to move outta range
Use Deflect Missiles to block ranged attacks
Want to see how a support Monk could survive this way? Look at The Goblin Cleric Who Hates Healing. That lad won’t go down easy.
Defense Ain’t Just About Armor — It’s About Smarts
Sometimes yer AC is high cause yer gear’s thick.
Sometimes it’s high cause yer mind is sharp.
And sometimes it’s high cause ya just don’t get touched.
👉 If yer lookin’ for character builds that dance between danger and invincibility, head to the Player Builds & NPCs section and read how the best tanks walk through fire without breakin’ a sweat.
3. Blade Singer Wizard with Shield + Mage Armor + Song = Arcane Dodge King
Build: Wizard (Blade Singer)
What you need:
Mage Armor (AC 13 + Dex)
Shield spell (+5 AC reaction)
Bladesong active (+Int to AC)
Let’s math this out:
Dex 16 = +3
Int 20 = +5
Mage Armor: 13 + 3 = 16
Bladesong adds +5 = 21
Shield spell = 26 AC as a reaction
Why it works:
Yer a wizard. Yer not supposed to be untouchable — but now ya are. And the DM cries.
Bonus tricks:
Misty Step away after a big hit
Counterspell enemies that try to do the same
Pair this with The Sorcerer With No Idea Where His Powers Come From for a theme: confusion and survivin’ it anyway
High AC Ain’t Cheatin’ — It’s Just Bein’ Prepared
You want to survive level 10 and beyond, you gotta start plannin’ early.
Know your class. Know your stats. Know your role.
👉 Contact the Tavern if yer not sure how to tweak yer stats or armor for max effect. Or head over to the FAQ if you’re stuck between builds.
FAQ
Q: Can these stack with magic items?
A: Aye. Rings, cloaks, shields — they all make a good thing better.
Q: What if I’m not playin’ a tanky class?
A: Then pick one of the smart builds — dodge tanks, mirror mages, or mobility tricks.
Q: Can a level 10 character really be unhittable?
A: Not unhittable — but damn near close. And that’s enough to change the whole fight.
