Zardnaar
Legend
There's 4 contenders for best fighter. All are what I consider S tier by fighter standards. They are the Rune Knight, Eldritch Knight, Battlemaster and Echo Knight. The other 3 are a bit niche/situational however.
Echo Knight. More or less melee only imho. Still a contender though espicially in melee.
Eldritch Knight. Needs a high level of game knowledge to sing and gets better at levels most don't play. And requires several books to gain access to the required spells eg booming/green flame blade, Absorb Elements, shield, fae touched perhaps. If you dont pick the right spells or know what they are it's the wrong class for you imho. Also depends on how much the DM is a hard arse on hands free casting. Eg RAW you cant cast shield if you're using a two handed weapon or a shield. You do nor have a weapon as spellcasting focus like Paladins and clerics with shields.
Battlemaster. Requires a skilled player to run at full potential and ideally is dependent on party composition eg a rogue in the party or -5/+10 specialist. Much like the Eldritch Knight not particularly newbie friendly.
So basically the Rune Knight wins as it's Ranger or melee and is independent of other factors to make it shine.
Echo Knight. More or less melee only imho. Still a contender though espicially in melee.
Eldritch Knight. Needs a high level of game knowledge to sing and gets better at levels most don't play. And requires several books to gain access to the required spells eg booming/green flame blade, Absorb Elements, shield, fae touched perhaps. If you dont pick the right spells or know what they are it's the wrong class for you imho. Also depends on how much the DM is a hard arse on hands free casting. Eg RAW you cant cast shield if you're using a two handed weapon or a shield. You do nor have a weapon as spellcasting focus like Paladins and clerics with shields.
Battlemaster. Requires a skilled player to run at full potential and ideally is dependent on party composition eg a rogue in the party or -5/+10 specialist. Much like the Eldritch Knight not particularly newbie friendly.
So basically the Rune Knight wins as it's Ranger or melee and is independent of other factors to make it shine.