What Classes are Best for Two Weapon Fighting?
Two weapon fighting is a versatile combat style that allows players to wield two weapons at once, increasing their damage output and versatility in combat. While any class can utilize two weapon fighting, some classes are better suited for this playstyle than others. In this article, we’ll explore the top classes for two weapon fighting in D&D 5e.
Rogues: The Original Two-Wielders
Rogues have always been known for their ability to dual wield, and for good reason. With their high dexterity score and access to sneak attack, rogues can deal massive damage with two weapons. They also have access to abilities like cunning action, which allows them to use their bonus action to take an extra attack or disengage from combat. Rogues are the ultimate two-wielders and are an excellent choice for players who want to master this playstyle.
Fighters: The Melee Masters
Fighters are the melee specialists of D&D 5e, and their access to fighting styles like dueling and martial arts makes them a natural fit for two weapon fighting. Fighters can take advantage of their high strength score to deal massive damage with two weapons, and their access to abilities like action surge allows them to take an extra attack on their turn. Fighters are a great choice for players who want to focus on melee combat and make the most of their two weapons.
Barbarians: The Furious Frenzy
Barbarians are known for their rage ability, which increases their damage output and resistance to damage. When combined with two weapon fighting, barbarians can become almost unstoppable in combat. Their ability to enter a rage and deal increased damage with their two weapons makes them a formidable opponent, and their access to abilities like furious fusion allows them to take advantage of their rage to deal even more damage. Barbarians are a great choice for players who want to play a more aggressive and in-your-face character.
Rangers: The Skilled Shooters
Rangers are skilled hunters and marksmen, and their access to ranged attacks makes them a natural fit for two weapon fighting. With their high dexterity score and access to abilities like hunter’s mark, rangers can deal massive damage from a distance with their two weapons. Rangers are a great choice for players who want to focus on ranged combat and take advantage of their two weapons to deal more damage.
Multiclass Options
While the above classes are excellent choices for two weapon fighting, there are also some multiclass options that can enhance this playstyle. For example, a fighter/rogue multiclass can combine the martial prowess of a fighter with the sneakiness of a rogue. A barbarian/fighter multiclass can combine the fury of a barbarian with the martial skills of a fighter. These multiclass options can add even more versatility and depth to your character’s abilities.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose the right weapons: When it comes to two weapon fighting, it’s important to choose the right weapons. Look for weapons with high damage output and a low chance of missing. Daggers and shortswords are excellent choices for two weapon fighting, as they have a high critical hit range and can deal massive damage.
- Use your bonus action: As a two-weapon fighter, you have access to a bonus action that can be used to take an extra attack or disengage from combat. Make sure to use this ability wisely to get the most out of your combat.
- Focus on mobility: Two weapon fighting requires a high degree of mobility, as you’ll need to be able to move around the battlefield to get into position and attack. Focus on abilities that increase your speed and mobility, such as the rogue’s cunning action or the fighter’s mobility feats.
- Use your surroundings: When fighting with two weapons, it’s important to use your surroundings to your advantage. Look for cover and concealment to reduce the enemy’s accuracy and increase your own.
Conclusion
Two weapon fighting is a versatile and exciting playstyle that can be played by any class in D&D 5e. By choosing the right class, focusing on mobility and using your surroundings to your advantage, you can make the most of this playstyle and deal massive damage to your enemies. Whether you’re a rogue, a fighter, a barbarian, or a ranger, two weapon fighting is an excellent way to add some excitement to your combat and make your character stand out.
Table: Two Weapon Fighting Classes
| Class | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Rogue | High dexterity score, access to sneak attack, cunning action | Low strength score, limited martial prowess |
| Fighter | High strength score, access to fighting styles, action surge | Low dexterity score, limited agility |
| Barbarian | High strength score, rage ability, furious fusion | Low dexterity score, limited agility, limited ranged combat |
| Ranger | High dexterity score, access to ranged attacks, hunter’s mark | Limited melee combat, limited martial prowess |
Bullets List: Tips and Tricks
• Choose the right weapons
• Use your bonus action wisely
• Focus on mobility
• Use your surroundings to your advantage
• Take advantage of your class features and abilities