You can also stealth into encounters instead of just walking into them.

Casting minor illusion out of sight or beginning combat with a fireball is a great way to start a fight. You can also use the environment to your advantage. On a narrow walkway over a chasm? Misty step behind a group of enemies and use Thunder Wave to push them off the ledge. Or that giant chandelier hanging above multiple enemies will fall with one good crossbow shot. Just know if you're a paladin, you can't kill in a fight you started unless you're an oathbreaker. You'll need to use your big boy words first.