Simple Weapons 5e | D&D Mechanics Overview

Published on January 15, 2024, last updated on February 9, 2024

Explore why sometimes simplicity is best in our D&D 5e Simple Weapons Guide, featuring optimization tips for druids, monks, and more.

Dungeons & Dragons Simple Weapons

The means by which a character defends himself plays a major role in determining his build, fighting style, and effectiveness. But the vast world of D&D is filled with a variety of adventurers wielding a variety of weapons. Not all adventurers are burly barbarians wielding two-handed great axes. Sometimes a well-placed dagger is all a keen-eyed rogue needs.

This guide aims to delve into the world of 5e’s simple weapons, providing insight into how they work, how to use them, and their strategic importance in your adventures.

What are simple weapons in 5e?

Simple weapons in D&D 5e are easy to use and obtain. They are basic weapons that most characters can use effectively, regardless of class or skill level. Unlike martial weapons, which often require specialized training, simple weapons are a great choice for characters who aren’t primarily focused on combat, such as spellcasters or support roles.

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

Weapon Cost Damage Weight Traits Type Club 1 sp 1d4 bludgeoning 2 lbs. Light Easy Melee Dagger 2 gp 1d4 piercing 1 lb. Subtle, light, thrown Easy Melee Great club 2 sp 1d8 bludgeoning 10 lbs. Two-handed Easy Melee Hatchet 5 gp 1d6 slashing 2 lbs. Light, thrown Easy Melee Javelin 5 sp 1d6 piercing 2 lbs. Thrown Easy Melee Light Hammer 2 gp 1d4 bludgeoning 2 lbs. Light, thrown Easy Melee Mace 5 gp 1d6 bludgeoning 4 lbs. – Easy Melee Quarterstaff 2 sp 1d6 bludgeoning 4 lbs. Multi-purpose (1d8) Easy Melee Scythe 1 gp 1d4 slashing 2 lbs. lbs Light Simple Melee Spear 1 gp 1d6 piercing 3 lbs Thrown, versatile (1d8) Simple melee Light crossbow 25 gp 1d8 piercing 5 lbs Ammo (range 80/320), loaded, two-handed Simple ranged Darts 5 cp 1d4 piercing 1/4 lbs Subtle, thrown Simple ranged Shortbow 25 gp 1d6 piercing 2 lbs Ammo (range 80/320), two-handed Simple ranged Sling 1 sp 1d4 bludgeoning – ammo (range 30/120) Simple ranged

Simple and melee weapons

The main difference between improvised and combat weapons is in their ease of use and damage potential. Improvised weapons are designed to be easy to use, making them ideal for characters who are not primarily focused on physical combat. Improvised weapons are also significantly cheaper than combat weapons.

Martial weapons, on the other hand, typically offer higher damage output and more diverse combat functionality, but require specific proficiency granted by class, subclass, race, or feat.

What is the simplest weapon?

The best simple weapons will vary depending on your build, but in general, these are the most powerful simple weapons. These weapons usually hold their own when compared to melee weapons, as they excel due to specific mechanics.

Quarter Staff

The champion of simple weapons. This simple weapon deals 1d6 impact damage (but can deal 1d8 damage when two-handed). It works with Polearm Master and is a popular choice for monks. The reason this weapon is slightly better than a spear, even though the spear can be thrown, is because it allows for a shillelagh build (see below) and works with the Crusher feat, which is slightly better than the spear’s Piercer feat. It is also cheaper at 2 sp compared to the spear’s 1 gp.

spear

A close runner up. Spears are another solid and simple weapon that are versatile and can be used by polearm masters. If you want to use the throwing property of spears, I recommend buying a couple to have on hand so you don’t end up without a weapon after your spear goes off and you fall off the edge of a cliff.

dagger

Daggers are great for infiltration, can be used for sneak attack damage for Rogues, and have a subtlety trait that makes them useful in stealthy agility builds. Overall, most builds should have a dagger tucked away in their belt for emergencies.

Light Crossbow

These ranged weapons rival the damage of the combat weapon longbow, making them useful for any ranged build that may not be able to acquire combat weapon proficiency, plus the limit of only being able to fire once per turn imposed by the loaded trait can be easily negated by the Crossbow Expertise feat.

What is the best build for a simple weapon?

Shirelag Build

Druids and some rangers are prime candidates when it comes to using the shillelagh cantrip. The spell transforms a simple club or quarterstaff into a powerful weapon that uses the caster’s Wisdom modifier on attack and damage rolls, avoiding the need for high Strength. Since druids and rangers both value Wisdom when casting spells and both have relatively easy access to spells (it’s on the druid spell list and rangers can access it with the druid-fighter fighting style), this spell can be used to create a powerful spell-casting SAD (single ability dependent) martial artist.

Monk

Monks are a prime example of a class that excels with simple weapons. Their Martial trait allows them to use simple melee weapons and daggers as monk weapons, which means they have benefits such as applying Dexterity instead of Strength to attack and damage rolls. This greatly expands the range of weapons a monk can use, allowing them to choose weapons such as spears and quads for thrown options and versatility, while still benefiting from the monk’s abilities.

Ranged Rogue

Rogues do not gain proficiency with combat weapons, so if they are going for a ranged build, they should usually choose a shortbow or light crossbow. For Rogues, the crossbow is usually the best choice, as it deals high damage, they can only attack once per turn, and the reloading property doesn’t hinder them.

Embrace Simplicity

D&D 5e’s simple weapons may not be as sturdy or fearsome as matrimonial weapons, but they offer a unique blend of accessibility, versatility, and strategic depth. Whether you’re a wizard who needs a backup option, a rogue looking for a trusty weapon to hide up your sleeve, or a druid looking to club down some pro-oil lobbyists, these weapons are what you need for your armed attacks.

They’re a testament to the idea that sometimes simplicity is key.