Author: Rentarou
The function of the star color rating system is to provide the reader with a quick evaluation of features, spells, items, and everything else we might rate. There are two main ways in which the star color rating system is employed.
First, the star color rating is used to evaluate different kinds of options against each other. An example of this is our feat guide (https://tabletopbuilds.com/optimized-feat-guide-for-dd-5e/). Since you choose one option from a bunch of them every time you pick one, we rate these options against each other.
Second, the star color rating is used to indicate the quality of features within a set of features. An example of this is the rating of class features and subclass features in our class guides. Since you do not choose between them, but get them all together as a package when you pick the class or subclass, they are instead evaluated against the other features within the given set, giving the reader an indication where the strength of the class or subclass lies.
Blue (★★★★★)
An option or feature rated blue (5 stars) stands out as being exceptionally good. In the cases where you pick between multiple options, options rated blue are a cut above the rest, and if you’re looking to optimize your character, you should look towards taking them. In the cases where we rate class or subclass features, the ones rated blue are the most powerful, and often defining features of the class or subclass.
Green (★★★★☆)
An option or feature rated green (4 stars) is not quite as prominent, but still very good. In the cases where you pick between multiple options, these might fall short of being an automatic pick, but are still strong and even optimal choices. In parties ranging from mid-high to high op, these options will be solid, and in parties in mid op and below, they’ll feel exceptional. You can read more about optimization levels in this article. In the cases where we rate class or subclass features, these features pull their weight and you’ll regularly make good use of them.
Yellow (★★★☆☆)
An option or feature rated yellow (3 stars) is in the middle of the road. In the cases where you pick between multiple options, it won’t actively hurt your character to take this, but it’s not a standout option either. If it’s important to your character concept or just something you like, take it, and you’ll do fine. In the cases where we rate class or subclass features, these features will see occasional effective use, but are usually not worth using resources on and their contribution will be mediocre at best.
Orange (★★☆☆☆)
An option or feature rated orange (2 stars) leaves something to be desired. In the cases where you pick between multiple options, you’ll feel less powerful than you could be if you take too many of these. This is also the rating given to options which might be strong in specific circumstances but are overly situational. In the cases where we rate class or subclass features, features rated orange will rarely see any use at all, and only matter in very specific circumstances.
Red (★☆☆☆☆)
An option or feature rated red (1 star) is suboptimal, or bad. In the cases where you pick between multiple options, you shouldn’t take this unless it is very important to your build thematically and you are playing in a low power campaign. In the cases where we rate class or subclass features, red rated features are very lackluster and should never use your resources. Alternatively, they might be so circumstantial that they never come up during an entire campaign.
Multiple Colors (★☆☆☆☆/★★★★★)
An option or featured rated with multiple colors varies in power significantly depending on external factors. In the cases where you pick between multiple options, these might change depending on your build or DM rulings, or they might be powerful in the early levels, but become weaker as you level up (or vice versa). In cases where we rate class features or subclass features, ones with multiple colors are most likely dependent on other parts of the build, like the chosen subclass for example. We try to minimize the use of these ratings.
