Unleash the Fury: A Comprehensive Guide to Dual Wielding in D&D 5e
Dual wielding, the art of wielding a weapon in each hand, is a classic fantasy trope. In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), it’s a viable combat style, though it comes with specific rules and considerations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to effectively dual wield in 5e, from the basic rules to advanced tactics and character optimization.
## The Core Rules of Dual Wielding in 5e
The foundation of dual wielding lies in the *Two-Weapon Fighting* rule, found in the Player’s Handbook (PHB). Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
* **The Attack Action:** To dual wield, you must first take the Attack action on your turn. This is the standard action most martial characters use to attack in combat.
* **Light Weapons:** Both weapons you wield must be light. This is a crucial restriction. Weapons classified as ‘light’ are typically smaller and easier to handle, allowing you to manage two simultaneously. Examples include daggers, shortswords, handaxes, light hammers, and scimitars (for some races/classes). Heavier weapons like longswords, rapiers, and greatswords cannot be used for dual wielding unless a specific feature allows it. You cannot dual wield ranged weapons.
* **Bonus Action Attack:** After taking the Attack action and attacking with a light weapon in one hand, you can use a bonus action to attack with the light weapon in your other hand. This is the essence of dual wielding – getting an extra attack.
* **No Ability Score Modifier (without a Feat):** Here’s the catch: when you use your bonus action to attack with the second weapon, you **do not** add your ability score modifier (typically Strength or Dexterity) to the damage roll. This significantly reduces the damage output of the off-hand attack.
* **One Bonus Action:** You only get one bonus action per turn, regardless of how many attacks you make with your main hand. So, even if you have Extra Attack (allowing you to attack multiple times with the Attack action), you still only get one bonus action attack from dual wielding.
**Example Scenario:**
Let’s say you’re a fighter with 16 Strength (+3 modifier) and you’re wielding two shortswords. You take the Attack action and attack with your main-hand shortsword. You hit, dealing 1d6 + 3 (Strength modifier) slashing damage. Then, you use your bonus action to attack with your off-hand shortsword. You hit again, dealing only 1d6 slashing damage (no Strength modifier).
## Overcoming the Limitations: The Dual Wielder Feat
The biggest drawback of the basic dual wielding rules is the lack of an ability score modifier on the off-hand attack. The *Dual Wielder* feat (PHB) addresses this limitation and offers other benefits:
* **Ability Score Modifier to Off-Hand Attack:** You can add your ability score modifier to the damage of the second attack. This is a huge damage boost and makes dual wielding significantly more viable.
* **Non-Light Weapons:** You can use two-weapon fighting even when the one-handed melee weapons you are wielding aren’t light. You can wield weapons such as rapiers and longswords in each hand. This opens up new weapon options and allows for higher damage potential.
* **+1 AC while wielding separate weapons:** While you are wielding a separate weapon in each hand, you gain a +1 bonus to AC.
**Example Scenario with the Dual Wielder Feat:**
Using the same fighter example as before, but now with the Dual Wielder feat, the off-hand attack would deal 1d6 + 3 slashing damage, matching the main-hand attack. This effectively doubles the damage output of your dual wielding, making it a much more attractive option.
## Classes and Dual Wielding
While any class can technically dual wield, some classes benefit more from it than others. Here’s a look at classes that synergize well with dual wielding:
* **Fighter:** The Fighter, especially subclasses like Battle Master, Champion, or Samurai, benefits greatly from dual wielding. Extra Attack gives them multiple opportunities to trigger the bonus action attack. Action Surge can provide even more attacks in a single turn, and maneuvers (Battle Master) can be combined with both main-hand and off-hand attacks for added control and damage. The Champion’s improved critical hit range synergizes well with the increased number of attacks.
* **Rogue:** Rogues, particularly the Assassin and Thief subclasses, can make excellent use of dual wielding. While they don’t get Extra Attack, their Sneak Attack damage can be applied to either the main-hand or off-hand attack, providing a significant damage boost. The Thief’s Fast Hands feature allows them to use a bonus action for other actions, such as applying poisons to their weapons, further enhancing their combat effectiveness. A successful hit with the main hand opens the path to using their bonus action to trigger the off-hand attack, increasing the chance of landing sneak attack if the first attack fails.
* **Ranger:** Rangers, especially subclasses like Hunter or Gloom Stalker, can also be effective dual wielders. Hunter’s Mark and other ranger spells and features can add damage to each attack, and Extra Attack provides more opportunities to apply these benefits. The Gloom Stalker’s Dread Ambusher feature, which grants an additional attack on the first turn of combat, can be combined with dual wielding for a devastating initial assault.
* **Barbarian:** While Barbarians often prefer heavy weapons, dual wielding can be a viable option, especially with the Path of the Totem Warrior subclass. The increased number of attacks can help generate more rage damage, and the Totem Warrior’s various totem options can provide additional benefits. A raging barbarian can add rage bonus damage to both main hand and off-hand attacks, creating a strong incentive for the subclass.
* **Monk:** Monks can dual wield simple weapons that are light, though they typically rely on their Martial Arts feature for unarmed strikes. However, some Monk subclasses, such as the Way of Mercy, can potentially benefit from dual wielding in specific situations, especially if they want to deliver healing touches or inflict conditions with their attacks.
## Building a Dual Wielding Character: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a character focused on dual wielding:
1. **Choose a Class:** Select a class that benefits from multiple attacks, such as Fighter, Rogue, Ranger or Barbarian. Consider the subclasses within these classes for synergies.
2. **Select a Race:** Choose a race that complements your class and playstyle. Consider races that offer bonuses to Strength or Dexterity, as these are important for attack rolls and damage. Some races may have weapon proficiencies that give you access to martial weapons earlier.
3. **Allocate Ability Scores:** Prioritize Strength or Dexterity (depending on your chosen weapons) and Constitution. These scores are crucial for hitting enemies, dealing damage, and surviving in combat.
4. **Choose Weapons:** Select two light weapons that you are proficient with. Daggers, shortswords, and handaxes are common choices. If you plan on taking the Dual Wielder feat, you can later switch to non-light weapons such as rapiers or longswords.
5. **Consider the Dual Wielder Feat:** As early as possible, prioritize taking the Dual Wielder feat. This feat is essential for maximizing the damage output of your dual wielding build and opens up the use of more powerful weapons.
6. **Fighting Style (Fighter and Ranger):** If you are playing a Fighter or Ranger, choose the *Two-Weapon Fighting* fighting style. This fighting style allows you to add your ability score modifier to the damage of your off-hand attack **before** you get the Dual Wielder feat, partially alleviating the initial damage penalty.
7. **Leveling Up:** As you level up, continue to prioritize feats and abilities that enhance your attack rolls, damage output, and survivability. Consider feats like *Savage Attacker* (for maximizing damage dice rolls) or *Tough* (for increased hit points).
8. **Magic Items:** Look for magic items that enhance your weapon attacks, such as weapons with bonus damage, or items that grant additional attacks or other combat benefits.
## Advanced Dual Wielding Tactics and Strategies
Once you have the basic mechanics down, here are some advanced tactics and strategies to consider:
* **Positioning:** Positioning is crucial for any martial character, but it’s especially important for dual wielders. Try to position yourself so that you can attack multiple enemies or take advantage of flanking opportunities to gain advantage on your attack rolls.
* **Action Economy:** Be mindful of your action economy. Since you’re using a bonus action for your off-hand attack, you’ll need to carefully consider how you use your other actions. Avoid actions that compete with your bonus action attack, such as using certain spells or abilities.
* **Combining with Other Features:** Look for ways to combine dual wielding with other class features or abilities. For example, a Battle Master Fighter can use maneuvers with both their main-hand and off-hand attacks, while a Rogue can apply Sneak Attack damage to either attack.
* **Using Advantage:** Advantage on attack rolls is incredibly valuable, as it significantly increases your chance of hitting. Look for ways to gain advantage, such as flanking, using spells or abilities that grant advantage, or exploiting enemy vulnerabilities.
* **Critical Hits:** With more attacks comes a greater chance of scoring critical hits. Some features, like the Champion Fighter’s Improved Critical, enhance your critical hit range, further increasing your damage output.
* **Damage Types:** Consider the damage types of your weapons. Some enemies are resistant or immune to certain damage types, so it’s helpful to have weapons with different damage types available.
* **Poisons:** Rogues can use poisons to add extra damage or inflict conditions on their enemies. Applying poison to both weapons can double the chances of poisoning your target.
* **Buffs and Debuffs:** Utilize spells, abilities, or items that buff your attack rolls, damage, or defenses, or debuff your enemies’ AC or saving throws. This can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness.
* **Environmental Awareness:** Be aware of your surroundings and use them to your advantage. You can use cover to protect yourself, push enemies into hazards, or create obstacles to hinder their movement.
* **Synergies with Party Members:** Coordinate with your party members to maximize your combat effectiveness. Work together to flank enemies, create openings for attacks, and provide support to each other.
## Feat Alternatives and Considerations
While the Dual Wielder feat is generally considered essential for optimal dual wielding, there are alternative feats to consider, depending on your character build and playstyle:
* **Fighting Initiate:** If you aren’t a fighter or ranger, this feat gives you access to a fighting style. Taking the *Two-Weapon Fighting* style will allow you to add your ability modifier to the bonus action attack, closing the damage gap before you can select the Dual Wielder feat.
* **Savage Attacker:** This feat lets you reroll the damage dice of one weapon attack per turn, potentially maximizing your damage output. It’s especially useful for classes that rely on smaller damage dice or have features that add extra dice to their attacks.
* **Lucky:** This feat grants you three luck points that can be used to reroll attack rolls, saving throws, or ability checks. It’s a versatile feat that can help you avoid critical failures or turn the tide of battle in your favor.
* **Tough:** This feat grants you +2 hit points per level, significantly increasing your survivability. It’s a good choice for characters who are often in melee combat and need to withstand more damage.
* **Mobile:** This feat increases your movement speed and allows you to move away from enemies after making an attack without provoking opportunity attacks. It’s useful for characters who need to be agile and avoid getting bogged down in melee combat.
* **Weapon Master:** This feat grants you proficiency with four weapons of your choice. It’s useful for characters who want to expand their weapon options or gain proficiency with specific weapons for thematic reasons.
* **Resilient:** This feat grants you proficiency in a saving throw of your choice and increases the corresponding ability score by +1. It’s useful for characters who want to shore up their weaknesses in specific saving throws.
## Multiclassing for Dual Wielding
Multiclassing can open up new possibilities for dual wielding builds, but it’s important to carefully consider the trade-offs. Here are a few multiclass options to consider:
* **Fighter/Rogue:** This combination can create a deadly dual wielding assassin. The Fighter provides Extra Attack and fighting styles, while the Rogue provides Sneak Attack damage and expertise in skills like Stealth and Acrobatics.
* **Ranger/Rogue:** Similar to the Fighter/Rogue combination, this multiclass combines the Ranger’s martial prowess with the Rogue’s skills and Sneak Attack damage. The Ranger’s spells and abilities can also enhance your combat effectiveness.
* **Barbarian/Fighter:** This multiclass combines the Barbarian’s rage damage and resilience with the Fighter’s Extra Attack and fighting styles. It can create a powerful and durable dual wielding warrior.
* **Monk/Rogue:** This less-conventional multiclass combines the Monk’s martial arts abilities with the Rogue’s Sneak Attack damage and skills. It can create a unique and versatile dual wielding character.
## Magic Items for Dual Wielding
Magic items can significantly enhance your dual wielding capabilities. Here are some examples of magic items that are particularly useful for dual wielders:
* **Weapons with Bonus Damage:** Magic weapons that deal extra damage, such as *flaming swords* or *frost brand weapons*, are always beneficial. The extra damage applies to both your main-hand and off-hand attacks.
* **Weapons with Special Effects:** Some magic weapons have special effects, such as the ability to inflict conditions like paralysis or poison. These effects can greatly enhance your combat control.
* **Armor with AC Bonus:** Armor that provides a bonus to AC is essential for any martial character, especially those who are often in melee combat.
* **Items that Grant Additional Attacks:** Some magic items, such as the *haste* spell (often granted through potions or scrolls), can grant you an additional action each turn, allowing you to make even more attacks.
* **Items that Enhance Attack Rolls:** Items that grant a bonus to attack rolls, such as the *amulet of accuracy*, can significantly increase your chance of hitting enemies.
* **Items that Enhance Damage:** Items that grant a bonus to damage, such as the *belt of giant strength*, can further increase your damage output.
* **Luck Blade**: A weapon that grants you the luck ability, enabling the manipulation of attack rolls, saving throws, or ability checks. The weapon is also +1, providing small but significant boost to the attack rolls.
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes that players make when dual wielding in 5e:
* **Forgetting the Light Weapon Requirement:** Make sure that both weapons you are wielding are classified as light weapons, unless you have the Dual Wielder feat.
* **Forgetting the Ability Score Modifier Penalty:** Remember that you don’t add your ability score modifier to the damage of your off-hand attack unless you have the Dual Wielder feat or the Two-Weapon Fighting fighting style.
* **Wasting Bonus Actions:** Be mindful of your bonus action economy and avoid actions that compete with your off-hand attack.
* **Ignoring Positioning:** Positioning is crucial for any martial character, so don’t neglect it when dual wielding.
* **Not Utilizing Advantage:** Look for ways to gain advantage on your attack rolls to increase your chance of hitting enemies.
* **Underestimating Feat Value:** Prioritize feats that enhance your attack rolls, damage output, or survivability.
* **Choosing the Wrong Weapons:** Choosing weapons with similar damage type might result in reduced effectiveness if the enemies are resistant to that damage.
## Conclusion
Dual wielding in 5e can be a fun and effective combat style, especially when optimized with the right feats, class features, and tactics. By understanding the core rules, overcoming the limitations, and utilizing advanced strategies, you can unleash the fury of a dual wielding character and dominate the battlefield. Remember to prioritize the Dual Wielder feat, choose a class that synergizes well with dual wielding, and be mindful of your action economy and positioning. With practice and careful planning, you can create a formidable dual wielding warrior that strikes fear into the hearts of your enemies.