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Does Two-Weapon Fighting Count as One Attack? The Expert’s Guide

The answer is nuanced, depending on the edition of the game and the specific mechanics being used. In most editions of Dungeons & Dragons, including 5th Edition (5e), two-weapon fighting does not count as a single attack in the traditional sense. While it allows you to make an additional attack, it relies on specific conditions and action economy, primarily using either the Attack Action and a Bonus Action, or integrating the off-hand attack into the Attack Action itself (as with One D&D). Therefore, it’s more accurate to say two-weapon fighting provides a means to add an attack rather than consolidate attacks into one. This article delves into the intricacies of this combat style, exploring its mechanics, advantages, and disadvantages, while answering frequently asked questions to give you a complete understanding.

Understanding Two-Weapon Fighting Mechanics

Two-weapon fighting is a combat style that allows a character to wield two weapons simultaneously, typically one in each hand. The core of this style revolves around using the Attack Action to attack with one weapon and then using another action, usually a Bonus Action, to attack with the other weapon. However, modern iterations of the rule set have adjusted this paradigm. Understanding how it works in different editions of D&D is crucial.

Two-Weapon Fighting in 5th Edition (5e)

In 5e, the standard two-weapon fighting rules state that when you take the Attack Action and attack with a light melee weapon that you’re holding in one hand, you can use a bonus action to attack with a different light melee weapon that you’re holding in the other hand. Here are the key elements:

Attack Action: You must first take the Attack Action to attack with a weapon held in one hand.
Light Weapons: Both weapons must be light to qualify for this fighting style unless you have a specific feat like Dual Wielder.
Bonus Action: The attack with the second weapon requires the use of your bonus action. If you don’t have a bonus action available, you cannot make the second attack.
Ability Modifier: You don’t add your ability modifier (like Strength or Dexterity) to the damage of the bonus action attack, unless that modifier is negative.

Two-Weapon Fighting in One D&D (Playtest)

One D&D, the current playtest for the next evolution of D&D, has revised the two-weapon fighting rules. The significant change is the removal of the Bonus Action requirement. Anyone can use two light weapons and make an extra attack with one when taking the Attack Action. The off-hand does not add your Strength or Dexterity to damage. In practice, this has the effect of providing a free off-hand attack, regardless of how many other attacks you have from other features (like Extra Attack).

Dual Wielder Feat

The Dual Wielder feat significantly enhances two-weapon fighting. It provides the following benefits:

AC Bonus: You gain a +1 bonus to AC while wielding a separate melee weapon in each hand.
Non-Light Weapons: You can use two-weapon fighting even when the one-handed melee weapons you are wielding aren’t light.
Drawing Weapons: You can draw or stow two one-handed weapons when you would normally be able to draw or stow only one.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Two-Weapon Fighting

While the concept of wielding two weapons might seem formidable, it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

Additional Attack: The primary advantage is the ability to make an additional attack, potentially increasing your damage output per round, especially at lower levels.
Increased Chance to Hit: More attacks mean more opportunities to hit, which can be beneficial against enemies with high AC or when you need to land a critical hit.
Feat Synergies: Feats like Dual Wielder enhance the style, addressing some of its limitations and increasing its effectiveness.

Disadvantages

Bonus Action Dependency: In 5e, the reliance on a bonus action can conflict with other abilities or spells that also require a bonus action, limiting your tactical flexibility.
Damage Reduction: Not adding your ability modifier to the off-hand attack damage reduces its overall impact unless you invest in feats or class features to offset this.
Weapon Restrictions: The limitation to light weapons unless you have the Dual Wielder feat can restrict your weapon choices.
Action Economy: In certain scenarios, other fighting styles, like those using great weapons, might provide better damage output with fewer action constraints.

Is Two-Weapon Fighting Viable?

Whether two-weapon fighting is “viable” depends on your definition and campaign context. With the right character build and feats, it can be a competitive damage option, especially in the early to mid-levels. However, it often requires more investment (feats, specific class features) than other fighting styles to remain effective at higher levels. The One D&D playtest material appears to be attempting to bridge the viability gap, and make the style more accessible.

For players looking for a balance between offense and defense, two-weapon fighting, especially with the Dual Wielder feat, can offer a unique playstyle. It can be particularly effective for classes that rely on multiple attacks, such as Rogues looking to proc Sneak Attack, or Fighters with multiple attacks per action. It allows characters to showcase their agility and tactical prowess by creating additional attack opportunities.

In conclusion, while it requires careful consideration of the trade-offs, it remains a viable and enjoyable option for players who appreciate its unique mechanics and aesthetic. For more insights into the evolving dynamics of gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Two-Weapon Fighting give you an extra attack?

Yes, two-weapon fighting allows you to make an additional attack, but the mechanic of how the attack is made is edition-dependent. In 5e, this additional attack is made using a bonus action. In One D&D, it is a free attack integrated directly into the Attack Action.

2. Is two-weapon fighting one action?

No, two-weapon fighting involves more than one action. In 5e, it involves the Attack Action plus a Bonus Action. In One D&D, it involves only the Attack Action, but it does not consolidate multiple actions into one, rather it is more accurately a modification of the Attack Action.

3. How many attacks do you get with dual wielding?

The number of attacks you get with dual wielding depends on your level and class features. At its base, two-weapon fighting allows for one attack with your primary hand and one additional attack with your off-hand weapon, potentially modified by class abilities such as Extra Attack at level 5.

4. What are the disadvantages of dual wielding?

Disadvantages include the reliance on bonus actions, the damage reduction on the off-hand attack, the weapon restrictions, and the potential for other fighting styles to provide better damage output with fewer action constraints.

5. What is the new rule for two-weapon fighting in One D&D?

The primary change is the removal of the bonus action requirement. Players can make an extra attack with a light weapon when taking the Attack Action, without needing to use their bonus action.

6. Can you throw a weapon with two-weapon fighting?

Yes, if you make an attack with a light melee weapon as your action, you can make a bonus action attack (in 5e) with a light melee weapon in your other hand, and throwing the weapon counts for that purpose.

7. Do unarmed strikes count for two-weapon fighting?

No, unarmed strikes are not weapons and do not have the light property. Therefore, they cannot be used for two-weapon fighting, unless a specific class feature or feat allows it.

8. What is the advantage of two-weapon fighting?

The primary advantage is the additional attack, which increases your chances to hit and potentially increases your overall damage output. The Dual Wielder feat also provides a +1 bonus to AC.

9. What is the attack bonus in two-weapon fighting 5e?

The attack bonus in two-weapon fighting is the same as any other attack, calculated using your ability modifier (Strength or Dexterity) plus your proficiency bonus. The key difference is that the damage for the off-hand attack typically doesn’t include your ability modifier.

10. Does the second hit in two-weapon fighting take a bonus action?

Yes, in 5e, the second hit in two-weapon fighting takes a bonus action, unless modified by specific class features or feats.

11. What is the difference between Duelist and two-weapon fighting?

The Duelist fighting style provides a damage bonus when wielding a single one-handed weapon, while two-weapon fighting allows you to attack with two weapons, offering more attack opportunities but often with reduced damage on the off-hand attack.

12. How do you make two-weapon fighting work in 5e?

To make two-weapon fighting work effectively, choose a class that benefits from multiple attacks, such as a Rogue or Fighter, and consider taking the Dual Wielder feat to mitigate some of the style’s limitations. Managing your bonus action economy is also important.

13. Can you cast a spell while wielding two weapons?

Yes, you can cast spells while wielding two weapons, provided you meet the spell’s component requirements. Two-weapon fighting does not inherently interfere with spellcasting.

14. Why don’t people dual wield swords?

Dual wielding, while appearing spectacular in fantasy, can be less practical in realistic combat scenarios. The need to coordinate two weapons simultaneously can reduce efficiency, and a shield often provides better defense.

15. Was dual wielding katanas a thing?

Yes, there are at least two kenjutsu ryu [swordfighting lineages] that teach dual wielding katanas. While not very popular, it requires a great deal of upper body strength and exceptional mental presence. Learn more about game-based learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Does two weapon fighting count as one attack?