Multi-purpose Weapons 5e | Arcane Eye

Dungeons & Dragons Multipurpose Weapons

There are times when two hands are better than one hand. There are times when one hand and a shield is appropriate. When wielding a versatile weapon in D&D, you can choose to hold the weapon with two hands for extra damage, or keep one hand free to cast a spell or wield a shield.

Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the versatile weapons in D&D 5e.

What are multipurpose weapons in 5e?

Versatile weapons in D&D 5e are a category of melee weapons that can be used with either one or two hands. The main feature of these weapons is the ability to change grips during combat, allowing you to switch between one-handed and two-handed attacks depending on the situation.

When wielded with two hands, a weapon’s damage is scaled by a damage die – for example, a longsword normally deals 1d8 slashing damage, but when wielded with two hands it deals 1d10 slashing damage.

According to the core rules of D&D 5e, weapons that are considered versatile are:

Weapon Cost Damage Weight Characteristics Type Longsword 15 gp 1d8 slashing 3 lbs. Versatile (1d10) martial melee Battleaxe 10 gp 1d8 slashing 4 lbs. Versatile (1d10) martial melee Warhammer 15 gp 1d8 bludgeoning 2 lbs. Versatile (1d10) martial melee Quarterstaff 2 sp 1d6 bludgeoning 4 lbs. Versatile (1d8) Simple melee Spear 1 gp 1d6 piercing 3 lbs. Thrown (range 20/60), versatile (1d8) Simple melee

Multi-purpose weapons vs. heavy weapons

Versatile heavy weapons accommodate a variety of combat styles in D&D 5e. Versatile weapons like the longsword and quarterstaff are flexible because characters can switch between one-handed and two-handed grips. This adaptability makes them ideal for builds that want to balance offense and defense, especially those that also use a shield.

Heavy weapons like greataxes and greatswords must be wielded with two hands and are designed to deal maximum damage. These weapons are best suited to the hands of characters who prioritize pure power over versatility and often benefit from features such as dueling, great weapon fighting, protected fighting style, and the great weapon master feat.

What is the most versatile weapon?

Choosing the best utility weapon in D&D 5e will depend heavily on your character’s build, strategy, and proficiency. That said, certain utility weapons stand out above the rest due to their universal usefulness.

These versatile weapons may not deal the most damage out of any one weapon, but they offer a good balance of flexibility and power, and their unique properties allow them to rival even some melee weapons.

Warhammer

While the longsword may be the default weapon of choice for many classes, the warhammer is really the quintessential all-purpose weapon. With a damage range of 1d8 (1d10 when used two-handed), it’s a solid choice for fighters, paladins, and any class that can smoothly switch between attack and defense. Its versatility is further enhanced when combined with feats such as Crusher, which is an advantage over the longsword’s Slasher feat, and Shield Master, depending on the wielder’s style.

spear

Just as importantly, spears are prized for their thrown properties and versatility (1d6/1d8 damage), making them an excellent choice for characters who want to remain effective at both close and medium ranges, and are often used in conjunction with the Polearm Master feat, which allows for attacks of opportunity when an opponent comes within range.

Quarter Staff

A simple but surprisingly effective weapon, the quarterstaff can deal 1d6 bludgeoning damage (1d8 two-handed), making it a powerful weapon for spellcasters such as clerics and druids who can use the shillelagh in their spell abilities, and its compatibility with the polearm master makes it a versatile choice for characters looking to maximize their action economy.

Changing grips during combat

When wielding a multi-use weapon, you might need to switch from one-handed to two-handed mid-combat to attack a prone enemy, or re-equip a shield if you’re surrounded.

There’s nothing in the Utility Weapon properties that suggests any mechanics for this, but we can glean some information from the “Other Activities on Your Turn” section that describes combat in 5e.

You can also interact with a single object or feature of the environment for free while moving or taking an action – for example, you can open a door while walking towards an enemy while moving, or draw a weapon as part of the same action you use to attack.

Chapter 9: Combat – Basic Rules

Since you can draw your weapon as part of an attack action, it makes sense that you can also draw and stow your shield as part of an attack action.

However, you can’t put away your shield, attack, then bring it back out to get the +2 AC bonus.

If you want to interact with a second object, you must use an action.

Chapter 9: Combat – Basic Rules

What’s the best build for a multi-purpose weapon?

Sword and Shield Melee Build

Using a sword and shield means holding a one-handed weapon in one hand and a shield in the other. This playstyle focuses on defense while dealing a decent amount of melee damage. Using a versatile weapon with these builds allows you to increase your damage output when needed. For example, you may have a prone enemy that you can attack with advantage. But if you need to tank for your party, you can raise your shield to increase your AC.

Martial Spellcaster

Casting spells can be difficult with both hands occupied with a sword and shield, if you don’t want to spend resources on a warcaster you can use a multi-purpose weapon to deal more damage while attacking with your weapon and keep your hands free when you want to cast spells.

The art of versatility

D&D 5e utility weapons offer a unique combination of flexibility and power, making them a valuable choice for adventurers who value the ability to adapt to changing combat scenarios. Whether you’re a frontline warrior looking for a balance of offense and defense or a tactical warrior looking to maximize your combat options, utility weapons are an attractive armament choice.