Great Axe vs. Great Sword for Barbarians: Which Reigns Supreme?

For the raging warrior known as the Barbarian, weapon choice is paramount. Two iconic weapons stand out: the brutal greataxe and the versatile greatsword. But which is superior for a Barbarian seeking to unleash their primal fury? The answer isn’t a simple one-size-fits-all, as both have unique strengths. For maximizing raw damage potential, especially on critical hits, the greataxe edges out the greatsword. However, this doesn’t mean the greatsword should be dismissed entirely. Let’s delve into the nuances to understand why.

The Core Difference: Damage Dice

The core difference lies in their damage dice. A greataxe wields a 1d12 damage die, while a greatsword uses 2d6. This difference has a significant impact on damage distribution. The greataxe has a higher potential for both maximum and minimum damage on any single roll – 1 and 12 respectively. Conversely, the greatsword rolls two dice, resulting in a tighter range of damage outcomes. This means that on average the greatsword will be slightly more consistent.

Damage Averages

• Greataxe (1d12): Averages 6.5 damage.
• Greatsword (2d6): Averages 7 damage.

However, averages don’t tell the whole story. As you can see, the average damage is pretty close with the greatsword having a very slight lead. But this is before considering the factors that make these weapons shine.

Barbarian Features and Weapon Synergy

The true difference emerges when we consider how Barbarian features interact with these weapons. The Barbarian’s Brutal Critical feature, which adds an additional damage die on a critical hit, works exceptionally well with the greataxe. Since the greataxe uses a d12, a crit with brutal critical adds another d12, resulting in a large increase in potential damage. The greataxe becomes extremely dangerous in the hands of a barbarian.

The Case for the Greatsword

The greatsword offers more consistent damage due to its 2d6 damage dice. This makes it less subject to variance, dealing relatively predictable damage with each attack. However, it also benefits less from Brutal Critical, as while adding another 2d6 when you crit will always do a lot, it is not as impactful as another d12. However, this consistent damage can be beneficial in prolonged fights. Another important thing to note is that the Great Weapon Fighting Style increases the advantage of the greatsword, because the great weapon fighting allows you to reroll either or both damage die that roll a 1 or 2, and it is much easier to hit a 1 or 2 on 2d6 then 1d12.

Race and Weapon Choice

Racial traits also factor into the equation. The Half-Orc’s Savage Attacks feature, adding an extra damage die on a critical hit, makes the greataxe a prime choice. Much like the Brutal Critical, the Savage Attacks feature benefits more from a d12 due to the larger maximum potential and maximum added value. Orc and Half-Orc Barbarians benefit the most from the Greataxe.

Which is Best? When to Pick Each Weapon

Here’s a breakdown of when to favor one weapon over the other:

• Choose the Greataxe when:

  • You prioritize maximum damage potential on single hits.
  • You have Brutal Critical, Savage Attacks, or similar critical hit damage bonuses.
  • You enjoy the thrill of high-risk, high-reward damage.
  • You’re playing a Half-Orc Barbarian.

• Choose the Greatsword when:

  • You want more consistent damage output.
  • You have the Great Weapon Fighting style to benefit from rerolling lower damage dice.
  • You prefer more predictable combat scenarios.
  • You want a more versatile weapon choice in the long run, since it has a slightly higher average damage.

The Final Verdict

While the greatsword has higher damage averages, when you consider all the barbarian-specific perks and interactions, the great axe is the clear favorite for a Barbarian. In conclusion, a barbarian will almost always perform better when using the greataxe. If you want a weapon that does good consistent damage with no fuss, the greatsword is a good choice. But, if you really want to take full advantage of your barbarian and its features, the greataxe should be your go to.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some commonly asked questions to further clarify the greataxe vs. greatsword debate for Barbarians:

1. Can Barbarians use Greataxes? Absolutely. Barbarians are proficient with all martial melee weapons, including the greataxe.

2. Do Barbarians start with a Greataxe? While the default equipment lists a greataxe, a Barbarian can choose to start with any martial melee weapon, such as a greatsword.

3. Why do Barbarians often favor Greataxes? The Greataxe’s larger damage die and synergy with Brutal Critical makes it a damage powerhouse for Barbarians. It allows them to do incredible critical hit damage.

4. Does Great Weapon Fighting style make the Greatsword better? Yes, the ability to reroll 1s and 2s on damage dice does improve the greatsword’s average damage and consistency.

5. Is a Greatsword more reliable than a Greataxe? Yes, the greatsword is more reliable due to its 2d6 damage dice resulting in a smaller range of possible outcomes, leading to a more consistent damage output, while the greataxe has higher highs and lower lows.

6. Which weapon is better for a crit focused build? The greataxe is superior for a crit-focused build due to its higher damage die, which yields more significant damage increases when combined with brutal critical.

7. What is the average damage of a Greataxe vs. Greatsword? The greataxe averages 6.5 damage (1d12), while the greatsword averages 7 damage (2d6). However, these are not the most important factors.

8. Do racial traits affect weapon choice for Barbarians? Yes, racial traits like the Half-Orc’s Savage Attacks synergize exceptionally well with the Greataxe.

9. Can Barbarians use other two-handed weapons besides axes and swords? Yes, Barbarians can use any martial melee weapon they’re proficient with, such as halberds, mauls, or great hammers.

10. Is a greatsword viable for Barbarians? Yes, a greatsword is viable and offers a consistent damage option, especially if you have a great weapon fighting style. However, the greataxe will generally be better.

11. What is the best weapon to pair with a greatsword? A ranged weapon, such as a bow, is often recommended to provide ranged options for a greatsword focused build.

12. Can a Barbarian dual-wield weapons? Yes, Barbarians can dual-wield but they require the dual wielder feat in order to properly dual-wield weapons that are not considered “light”, which is more often than not.

13. Can Barbarians use rage in heavy armor? No, Barbarians can not rage while wearing heavy armor as the rage feature is not usable while wearing it.

14. Are there any legendary versions of the great axe or greatsword? Yes, several legendary weapons such as Gurt’s Greataxe and various legendary greatswords are available.

15. Should I use a greatsword if I have the Great Weapon Fighting style? While the great weapon fighting style is better suited for a greatsword, the great axe is still a superior choice due to the raw damage increase it has due to its unique damage dice.

By considering these factors, Barbarians can make informed decisions about their weapon choices, optimizing their effectiveness on the battlefield. The greataxe often comes out as the superior choice for its raw power and synergy with Barbarian abilities. Yet, the versatility and consistency of the greatsword should not be entirely dismissed, particularly when considering specific builds or situations.