PHB+SCAG+XGE Archetype Tier List

Archetype Tier Lists PHB+SCAG+XGE-only
UA and Multiclassing not taken into account, not even Revised Ranger.
Base Class chassis is taken into account, which is why every wizard is at least C tier and every Warlock is at best D tier.
Anything specified in parenthesis is because the choice between the two options are extremely playstyle defining in overall capability.
Warlock Pact Boons are Tiered instead of Patrons because Boons have a greater influence over the playstyle of a Warlock than a Patron does.
Beyond the letter designation, the particular order that the Archetypes appear in within that letter doesn't matter.

SSS - The cream of the crop, have the capability to do either anything very well or one thing stupidly well. If something pertaining to balance is brought up, compare it to the capabilities of these archetypes for a guesstimate on its strength.

S - A top tier pick, any of these will allow a player to singlehandedly solve entire encounters with minimal resource expenditure, and contain the power to forcibly shut anything down when they put on the big boy pants and burn resources.

A - Respectable and capable archetypes, choosing one of these will let you feel good for both being able to actually have agency as well as pat yourself on the back for not beelining for the optimal picks.

B - Solid all around, you'll fill out your chosen party role very well.

C - Good enough, these archetypes can provide with everything a player is looking for, even if it's sloppy in execution.

D - These can make ends meet, but there's still a distinct lower power level compared to other options.

E - Very difficult to make work, they're extremely lacking in ability but shouldn't pose any problems in lower difficulty games.

F - These archetypes simply do not work. Any capabilities they may have are performed easier and better by other archetypes.



SSS - Circle of the Moon, Divination, College of Lore, Life, College of Glamour, College of Whispers, Circle of the Shepherd, Battle Master

S - Eldritch Knight, Abjuration, Conjuration, Tempest, Oath of Ancients, Oath of Vengeance, Oath of Devotion, Oath of the Crown, Bladesinging (With Shadow Blade), Grave, Circle of Dreams, Oath of Conquest, Oath of Redemption, Scout, War Magic

A - Thief, Transmutation, Evocation, Light, War, Path of the Totem Warrior, College of Valor, Swashbuckler, Ancestral Spirit, College of Swords, Forge, Arcane Trickster, Cavalier

B - Way of the Open Hand, Way of Shadow, Knowledge, Nature, Illusion, Enchantment, Arcana, Way of the Long Death, Way of the Sun Soul, Zealot, Samurai, Divine Soul, Shadow Magic, Inquisitive, Draconic Bloodline, Arcane Archer

C - Necromancy, Trickery, Bladesinging (Without Shadow Blade), Circle of the Land, Mastermind

D - Pact of the Tome, Pact of the Chain, Wild Magic, Storm Sorcery, Storm Herald, Pact of the Blade (With Hexblade), Gloom Stalker, Horizon Walker, Monster Slayer, Champion, Purple Dragon Knight, Way of the Drunken Master, Way of the Kensei, Hunter

E - Pact of the Blade (Without Hexblade), Battlerager

F - Beast Master, Assassin, Path of the Berserker, Way of the Four Elements