Dual Wielder 5e: Everything You Need to Know
When it comes to combat in Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition, players have a wide variety of options available to them. One of the most popular and exciting options is the dual wielder 5e Feat.
The Dual Wielder feat is a great way to take advantage of this style of fighting, and in this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about it.
Benefits of the Dual Wielder 5e feat
The Dual Wielder feat provides several benefits that make it a popular choice for players. First, you gain a +1 bonus to your armor class (AC) while you are wielding a separate melee weapon in each hand. This can be a significant boost to your defense in combat.
Additionally, the Dual Wielder feat allows you to use two-weapon fighting even when the one-handed melee weapons you are wielding aren’t light.
Normally, you can only use two-weapon fighting with light weapons, but this feat allows you to use more substantial weapons for added damage.
Finally, the Dual Wielder feat allows you to draw or stow two one-handed weapons when you would normally be able to draw or stow only one. This means you can switch between weapons more easily in combat, giving you more versatility and options.
Dual Wielder 5e vs. Two-Weapon Fighting
It’s essential to note that the Dual Wielder feat and Two-Weapon Fighting are not the same things. Two-Weapon Fighting is a combat style that allows you to make an additional attack with a light melee weapon in your off-hand as a bonus action.
Dual Wielding, on the other hand, is a way of using two weapons simultaneously. With the Dual Wielder feat, you can use two-weapon fighting with non-light weapons, and you gain the additional benefits mentioned earlier.
Which is better for your character? It depends on your playstyle and character build. If you want to use two heavy weapons, Dual Wielding is the way to go. If you prefer a more agile approach and want to focus on making multiple attacks, Two-Weapon Fighting might be a better choice.
Using Two-Weapon Fighting and the Dual Wielder 5e Feat in D&D
| Ability/Feature | Effect |
|---|---|
| Two-Weapon Fighting | Can use a bonus action to attack with an off-hand weapon when using a one-handed, light weapon with the Attack action. No ability modifier added to the damage of the bonus attack. |
| Two-Weapon Fighting Style | Allows ability modifier to be added to the damage of the bonus attack. |
| Dual Wielder feat | Removes the light weapon restriction and allows use of non-light, one-handed weapons for two-weapon fighting. |
| Extra Attack feature | Allows for two attacks with the Attack action, which can be followed by a bonus action attack using two-weapon fighting. |
- Two-weapon fighting is a rule that allows a bonus action for an attack with your off-hand weapon when you satisfy some conditions, such as wielding two light one-handed weapons.
- The Two-Weapon Fighting style removes the penalty of not adding your ability modifier to the damage of the off-hand weapon.
- The Dual Wielder feat removes the requirement for the weapons to be light, allowing you to wield one-handed weapons without the light property.
- The Extra Attack feature lets you make two attacks when you take the Attack action, which satisfies the condition for two-weapon fighting, enabling you to use a bonus action for an added benefit.
- As a result, a fighter with the Dual Wielder feat at level 5 can make two attacks with their main weapon, then use their bonus action to make an additional attack with their off-hand weapon. They can add their ability modifier to the damage of the bonus attack, even if the off-hand weapon is not light.
Classes that Benefit from Dual Wielding 5e
Several classes in D&D 5e can benefit from the Dual Wielder feat.
Rogues can use Dual Wielding to maximize their sneak attack damage, while rangers can take advantage of their Hunter’s Mark ability with two weapons. Fighters and barbarians can also use Dual Wielding to make additional attacks in combat, while Paladins can make use of their Divine Smite ability with two weapons.
Dual wielding can benefit several classes in D&D 5e, but it is especially useful for classes that rely on dealing damage in melee combat. Here are the classes that can benefit from the Dual Wielder feat and why:
Fighter:
The Fighter class is the most obvious class that can benefit from the Dual Wielder feat. Fighters have the Extra Attack feature, which means they can attack twice on their turn. With Dual Wielder, they can make an additional attack with their off-hand weapon, potentially dealing a lot of damage in a single turn.
For example, imagine a level 5 Fighter with the Dual Wielder feat wielding two longswords. On their turn, they can use their action to attack twice with their longsword and then use their bonus action to make a third attack with their off-hand weapon, dealing a total of 3d8+3xStrength modifier damage.
Ranger:
The Ranger class can also benefit from Dual Wielder, especially if they choose the Hunter subclass. The Hunter subclass has the Colossus Slayer feature, which deals additional damage to wounded targets. Dual wielding allows the Ranger to deal even more damage to multiple targets in a single turn.
For example, a level 5 Ranger with the Dual Wielder feat can use their action to attack twice with their short swords, dealing 2d6+2xStrength modifier damage. If one of their targets is wounded, they can use their bonus action to make an additional attack with their off-hand weapon, potentially dealing an additional 1d6+Strength modifier damage.
Rogue:
The Rogue class can also benefit from the Dual Wielder feat. While Rogues typically rely on Sneak Attack to deal damage, dual wielding allows them to make an additional attack on their turn, increasing their chances of landing a successful Sneak Attack.
For example, imagine a level 5 Rogue with the Dual Wielder feat wielding two shortswords. On their turn, they can use their action to attack twice with their shortswords, dealing a total of 2d6+2xStrength modifier damage. If they successfully land a Sneak Attack on one of their targets, they can use their bonus action to make an additional attack with their off-hand weapon, potentially dealing an additional 1d6+Strength modifier damage.
Paladin:
The Paladin class can also benefit from the Dual Wielder feat, especially if they choose the Oath of Vengeance subclass. The Oath of Vengeance subclass has the Vow of Enmity feature, which grants the Paladin advantage on attack rolls against a single target. Dual wielding allows the Paladin to make an additional attack on their turn, potentially dealing more damage to their target.
For example, a level 5 Paladin with the Dual Wielder feat can use their action to attack twice with their longsword, dealing 2d8+2xStrength modifier damage. If they use their Vow of Enmity on a target, they can use their bonus action to make an additional attack with their off-hand weapon, potentially dealing an additional 1d8+Strength modifier damage.
But which class is the best for Dual Wielding? It depends on your playstyle and character build. Fighters are a popular choice because they can make multiple attacks with their Action Surge ability. Rogues can also benefit from the added damage from sneak attacks. Rangers can take advantage of their Hunter’s Mark ability, while barbarians can use their Rage ability to deal additional damage.
Choosing the Right Weapons for Dual Wielding 5e
When it comes to Dual Wielding, the weapons you choose can make a significant difference in your effectiveness in combat. It’s essential to choose weapons that complement each other, such as a longsword and a shortsword, a rapier and a dagger, or two handaxes.
It’s also important to consider the weight of the weapons. Dual Wielding heavy weapons can be challenging, as it can limit your mobility and make it more challenging to hit your targets. Lighter weapons are generally a better choice, but with the Dual Wielder feat, you can use non-light weapons for added damage.
Maximizing Damage with Dual Wielding
To maximize your damage output with Dual Wielding, there are a few tips and tricks you can use.
First, it’s important to note that the bonus action attack from Two-Weapon Fighting does not add your ability modifier to the damage roll. However, the second attack from Dual Wielding does add your ability modifier to the damage roll. This means that Dual Wielding can potentially deal more damage than Two-Weapon Fighting.
Additionally, you can take advantage of the fact that each attack with Dual Wielding is a separate attack roll. This means that you can choose to target different enemies with each attack, potentially taking out multiple foes in a single turn.
Finally, it’s important to remember that Dual Wielding requires two separate weapons, so you’ll need to make sure you have enough weapons on hand to take advantage of this feat.
Ranking of Weapons by Damage and Ease of Use
When choosing a weapon, it’s important to consider both the amount of damage it can deal and how easy it is to use.
Weapon selection chart:
| Weapon | Damage | Weight | Properties | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greataxe | 1d12 slashing | 7 lb. | Heavy, two-handed | A |
| Greatsword | 2d6 slashing | 6 lb. | Heavy, two-handed | A |
| Maul | 2d6 bludgeoning | 10 lb. | Heavy, two-handed | A |
| Pike | 1d10 piercing | 18 lb. | Heavy, reach, two-handed | A |
| Halberd | 1d10 slashing | 6 lb. | Heavy, reach, two-handed | B |
| Longsword | 1d8 slashing | 3 lb. | Versatile (1d10) | B |
| Rapier | 1d8 piercing | 2 lb. | Finesse | B |
| Warhammer | 1d8 bludgeoning | 2 lb. | Versatile (1d10) | B |
| Battleaxe | 1d8 slashing | 4 lb. | Versatile (1d10) | C |
| Flail | 1d8 bludgeoning | 2 lb. | – | C |
| Glaive | 1d10 slashing | 6 lb. | Heavy, reach, two-handed | C |
| Morningstar | 1d8 piercing | 4 lb. | – | C |
| Scimitar | 1d6 slashing | 3 lb. | Finesse, light | D |
| Shortsword | 1d6 piercing | 2 lb. | Finesse, light | D |
| Trident | 1d6 piercing | 4 lb. | Thrown (range 20/60), versatile (1d8) | D |
| War pick | 1d8 piercing | 2 lb. | – | D |
Here is a list of weapons ranked based on their damage and ease of use:
Greatsword
This two-handed weapon deals the most damage of any melee weapon in the chart, and its weight makes it a bit more difficult to wield than some of the other weapons.
Greataxe
The greataxe is another heavy two-handed weapon that deals a lot of damage. It’s a bit heavier than the greatsword, which can make it more cumbersome to use, but its versatility makes it a good choice in combat.
Maul
The maul is a heavy two-handed weapon that deals a lot of damage. However, its weight makes it more difficult to wield than some of the other weapons.
Pike
The pike is a long, heavy weapon with a lot of reach. Its length makes it a bit more difficult to wield, but it can be incredibly effective when used correctly.
Halberd
Similar to the pike, the halberd is a long, heavy weapon with a lot of reach. It can be a bit more difficult to wield than some of the other weapons, but its versatility makes it a good choice in combat.
Glaive
Another heavy, two-handed weapon with a lot of reach, the glaive is a bit lighter than the pike and halberd. It’s still a bit more difficult to wield than some of the other weapons, but its versatility makes it a good choice in combat.
Longbow
The longbow is a powerful ranged weapon that can deal a lot of damage from a distance. It requires some skill to use effectively, but it can be a valuable asset in combat.
Crossbow, heavy
This heavy crossbow deals a lot of damage, but it takes some time to reload between shots. It’s a bit more difficult to use than the hand crossbow, but it can be incredibly effective in combat.
Battleaxe
This versatile weapon can deal a lot of damage and is relatively easy to use. It’s a good choice for those who want a weapon that can be used in a variety of situations.
Longsword
The longsword is a versatile weapon that can deal a decent amount of damage. It’s not as heavy as some of the other weapons on the list, which makes it a bit easier to use.
Great pick
This versatile weapon can deal a decent amount of damage and is relatively easy to use. It’s a good choice for those who want a weapon that can be used in a variety of situations.
Warhammer
The warhammer is a versatile weapon that can deal a decent amount of damage. It’s relatively easy to use, but its weight can make it a bit cumbersome in combat.
Rapier
This finesse weapon deals a decent amount of damage and is relatively easy to use. It’s a good choice for those who want a weapon that can be used in a variety of situations.
Scimitar
This finesse weapon deals a decent amount of damage and is relatively easy to use. It’s a good choice for those who want a weapon that can be used in a variety of situations.
Trident
This versatile weapon can deal a decent amount of damage and is relatively easy to use. It’s a good choice for those who want a weapon that can be used in a variety of situations.
As you can see, the top four weapons in terms of damage and ease of use are the greataxe, greatsword, maul, and pike, all of which are heavy, two-handed weapons that deal significant damage.
However, they may not be the best choice for every character, and other weapons such as the longsword, rapier, and warhammer offer more versatility and finesse. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which weapon best suits your character’s needs and fighting style.
How to Roleplay the Dual Wielder Feat in Your Next D&D Campaign
When roleplaying a Dual Wielder, it’s important to keep in mind the physicality of fighting with two weapons at once. This means taking advantage of the increased mobility and versatility that the feat offers.
You can describe your character as a nimble and dexterous fighter, constantly moving and striking with quick and precise blows. Emphasize the speed and fluidity of your attacks, darting around your enemies and slipping past their defenses to deal devastating blows.
You can also play up the showmanship aspect of dual wielding, making your character a flashy and attention-grabbing fighter. They may perform elaborate spinning maneuvers or quick, flashy strikes, drawing the eyes of allies and enemies alike.
Another way to roleplay a Dual Wielder 5e is to emphasize their focus and discipline. Fighting with two weapons requires a great deal of concentration and coordination, and your character can embody this in their demeanor and actions. They may be stoic and reserved in combat, their attention always focused on their opponents and their weapons moving with deadly efficiency.
Finally, you can also play up the sheer brutality of dual wielding. Your character may be a savage and primal fighter, tearing into their enemies with a flurry of vicious strikes. They may be driven by a primal rage or a fierce desire for vengeance, their weapons striking with brutal force and ferocity.
Whatever approach you take, the key is to remember that dual wielding is a unique and dynamic fighting style that offers a lot of opportunities for creativity and roleplaying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use ranged weapons with the Dual Wielder feat?
No, the Dual Wielder feat only applies to melee weapons.
Can I use a shield with Dual Wielding?
No, you cannot use a shield while Dual Wielding, as you need both hands free to wield two weapons.
Can I use the Two-Weapon Fighting style and the Dual Wielder feat together?
Yes, you can use both the Two-Weapon Fighting style and the Dual Wielder feat together to maximize your damage output.
Do I need the Two-Weapon Fighting style to use Dual Wielding?
No, you do not need the Two-Weapon Fighting style to use Dual Wielding, but it can be helpful for maximizing your damage output.
Can I make more than two attacks with Dual Wielding?
No, Dual Wielding only allows you to make one additional attack with your off-hand weapon as a bonus action.
Conclusion
The Dual Wielder 5e feat is an exciting and powerful way to fight in D&D 5e.
By using two weapons simultaneously, you can deal additional damage and gain added versatility in combat.
Whether you’re a rogue looking to maximize your sneak attacks or a fighter wanting to make multiple attacks, the Dual Wielder feat can be a great choice for your character. Remember to choose your weapons wisely and take advantage of the added benefits of this feat to maximize your damage output in combat.
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