How Do You Attack with Two Weapons in 5E?
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, attacking with two weapons can be a powerful and exciting strategy. However, it can be confusing to know how to do it correctly. In this article, we’ll break down the rules and provide examples to help you master the art of dual wielding.
Dual Wielding Basics
To dual wield, you need to have two one-handed weapons. These can be light or heavy weapons, as long as they are both one-handed. You can use any combination of weapons you like, as long as they meet the requirements.
How to Attack with Two Weapons
To attack with two weapons, you need to take the Attack action on your turn. You can then make one attack with each hand, using the rules for one-handed weapons. You can use your main hand for one attack and your off-hand for the other, or you can use both hands for one attack each.
Extra Attack
If you have the Extra Attack feature, you can make an additional attack with one of your weapons. This feature is typically granted to fighters and paladins at level 5. You can use your main hand for one attack, your off-hand for another, and then use your Extra Attack to make a third attack with either hand.
Two-Weapon Fighting
Two-Weapon Fighting is a fighting style that allows you to add your ability modifier to the damage of your off-hand attack. This can be a powerful way to increase your damage output, especially if you have a high ability score.
Dual Wielding and Multiattack
If you have the Multiattack feature, you can make multiple attacks with your weapons. You can use your main hand for one attack, your off-hand for another, and then use your Multiattack to make additional attacks with either hand.
Table: Dual Wielding and Extra Attack
| Weapon 1 | Weapon 2 | Extra Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Main Hand | Off-Hand | +1 Attack |
| Main Hand | Off-Hand | +1 Attack |
| Main Hand | Off-Hand | +1 Attack |
Example: Dual Wielding with Extra Attack
Let’s say you’re a fighter with the Extra Attack feature. You’re wielding a longsword in your main hand and a short sword in your off-hand. On your turn, you take the Attack action and make one attack with your longsword. Then, you use your Extra Attack to make another attack with your short sword. You can use your main hand for one attack, your off-hand for another, and then use your Extra Attack to make a third attack with either hand.
Conclusion
Attacking with two weapons in 5E can be a powerful and exciting strategy. By understanding the rules and features that govern dual wielding, you can increase your damage output and become a more formidable opponent. Remember to always follow the rules and use your abilities wisely to get the most out of your dual wielding.