I never want to play a Cleric in D&D, but 2026’s best RPG stars one for a simple reason: ‘I’m sorry to say they are just overpowered’
“Esoteric Ebb,” recognized as one of 2026’s best RPGs, features an unconventional protagonist: a Cleric. The game adapts D&D 5th Edition rules with modifications. Developer Christoffer Bodegård was interviewed about this design choice, which initially surprised the author since Clerics are traditionally relegated to support roles rather than protagonist positions in fantasy RPGs. The author expresses skepticism about Clerics as main characters, preferring Rogue archetypes.
Bodegård’s justification centers on mechanical power: Clerics in “Esoteric Ebb’s” ruleset are “overpowered,” making them fundamentally compelling as protagonist characters. This design philosophy demonstrates how mechanical balance can reshape perceptions of character classes and their narrative roles. By implementing powerful mechanics for Clerics, the game elevates a traditionally support-oriented class to protagonist status, challenging conventional expectations in fantasy RPG design.
The article explores the intersection of game balance, mechanical power, and character selection, suggesting that overpowering a character class can fundamentally change its narrative and gameplay significance.