Mastering the Mundane: A Deep Dive into Simple Weapons in D&D

What counts as a simple weapon in D&D? In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, simple weapons represent the armaments most easily accessible and wielded, often without specialized training. These are the tools of commoners, farmers, and those without martial prowess. From clubs and daggers to light crossbows and darts, simple weapons offer a basic level of offense suitable for various characters, especially those who may lack the extensive combat training necessary for martial weapons. Understanding this category is crucial for building diverse characters and engaging with the game’s core mechanics.

Understanding Weapon Proficiencies

In D&D, proficiency with a weapon dictates your ability to effectively use it in combat. Proficiency in a weapon type adds your proficiency bonus to your attack rolls, making you more accurate and effective in hitting your targets. Classes often dictate starting proficiencies, with some classes like fighters starting with martial weapon proficiency while others, like wizards, are limited to simple weapons. This restriction represents the character’s background and training.

Melee vs. Ranged Simple Weapons

Simple weapons are further divided into melee weapons and ranged weapons. Melee weapons are used in close combat, typically within 5 feet of your target, while ranged weapons allow you to attack targets at a distance.

Simple Melee Weapons Include:

• Club: A basic bludgeoning weapon, easily crafted and readily available.
• Dagger: A versatile weapon, suitable for both melee and throwing.
• Greatclub: A larger, two-handed version of the club, dealing more damage.
• Handaxe: A light axe, useful for both chopping and throwing.
• Light Hammer: A small hammer, often used for construction as well as combat.
• Mace: A bludgeoning weapon with a weighted head.
• Quarterstaff: A long wooden pole, often used for defense and offense.
• Sickle: A curved blade, typically used for harvesting but also effective as a weapon.
• Spear: A simple thrusting weapon, capable of both melee and ranged attacks when thrown.
• Unarmed Strike: Every character is considered proficient with unarmed strikes.

Simple Ranged Weapons Include:

• Dart: A light projectile, thrown with a flick of the wrist.
• Light Crossbow: A ranged weapon that launches bolts with mechanical assistance.
• Sling: A ranged weapon that uses a pouch to hurl stones or other projectiles.

The Importance of Simple Weapons

While martial weapons often boast higher damage dice and more specialized properties, simple weapons play a crucial role in D&D for several reasons:

• Accessibility: Simple weapons are readily available and often inexpensive, making them ideal for starting characters or those with limited resources.
• Proficiency: Certain classes, such as clerics, rogues, and wizards, are proficient only with simple weapons, making them an integral part of their character builds.
• Versatility: Despite their simplicity, many simple weapons offer versatility. The dagger, for example, can be used in melee combat or thrown as a ranged attack.
• Improvised Weapons: Objects that aren’t weapons can be used as such. At the DM’s discretion, some of these improvised weapons could be considered simple weapons. A stick or a stone can be a simple weapon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a pistol a simple weapon in D&D?

Generally, no. Pistols, along with other firearms, are not typically included in the standard D&D ruleset. However, some Dungeon Masters (DMs) may introduce firearms as part of their homebrew settings or campaigns. In such cases, firearms might be classified as martial weapons. Some homebrew rulesets classify Pistols as martial weapons and Blunderbuss, Arquebus, and Caliver as simple weapons.

2. Are shortswords simple weapons?

Yes! In more recent editions, shortswords have been reclassified as simple weapons. This change broadens the weapon options available to classes with simple weapon proficiency. So it is considered a simple weapon.

3. What are the most common simple weapons?

The most common simple weapons are those easily accessible and recognizable. These include clubs, daggers, and quarterstaffs. These weapons are frequently wielded by commoners and are often readily available in most settings.

4. What counts as a ranged weapon in D&D?

A ranged weapon is any weapon used to attack a target at a distance. These weapons are designed to project a projectile, such as an arrow, bolt, or dart, towards a target beyond melee range.

5. Does any simple weapon include ranged attack options?

Yes! Darts, light crossbows, and slings are all simple weapons that are classified as ranged weapons. Additionally, weapons like the dagger and spear can be thrown, allowing for ranged attacks despite primarily being melee weapons.

6. Is a light crossbow a simple weapon?

Yes, a light crossbow is classified as a simple weapon in D&D. This makes it a viable ranged option for classes that are proficient with simple weapons, such as wizards and clerics.

7. Is a stick considered a simple weapon?

Yes, in most cases a stick would be considered a simple weapon, specifically a club. Depending on its size and how it is used, the DM might also rule it as an improvised weapon.

8. Are bows simple weapons?

No. Only the shortbow is a simple weapon. Longbows are martial weapons, requiring more training and skill to use effectively.

9. Why would I choose a shortsword over another simple weapon?

A shortsword offers a balance of damage and versatility. It deals a respectable amount of slashing damage and is relatively lightweight and easy to handle. It provides a reliable option for classes with simple weapon proficiency who prefer a bladed weapon.

10. Are fists (unarmed strikes) considered simple weapons?

Unarmed strikes are not considered a weapon for the purpose of spells, features, fighting styles, or traits. However, unarmed strikes count as a “weapon attack” ONLY when an attack is made.

11. What is the range of a simple ranged weapon like a dart?

The typical range for a dart is 20/60. This means you can attack targets within 20 feet without disadvantage, and you can attack targets up to 60 feet away, but with disadvantage.

12. What is the strongest simple weapon?

The strongest one-handed simple weapon in terms of damage dice is likely the spear due to its versatile nature. It deals 1d6 piercing damage and can be thrown. When considering two-handed weapons the greatclub with 1d8 deals the most damage.

13. Is it okay to “dry fire” a light crossbow?

Never dry fire a crossbow. This means shooting it without an arrow properly loaded. Dry-firing can damage the crossbow and potentially cause injury.

14. Is a club a good weapon choice?

While simple, a club can be a useful weapon, especially for characters who lack other options. It’s readily available, inexpensive, and deals bludgeoning damage, which can be effective against certain types of creatures.

15. What can the Games Learning Society teach me about D&D?

The Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, studies games such as Dungeons and Dragons as complex systems of learning. The Games Learning Society studies how these games teach collaboration, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and creativity. They explore how these skills can be applied in educational and professional settings, making D&D and other games valuable tools for personal and intellectual growth.

Simple weapons are a foundational element of D&D combat, providing accessible and versatile options for characters of all backgrounds. By understanding the nuances of these armaments, players can make informed choices about their character’s equipment and maximize their effectiveness in the heat of battle.