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Can Swashbuckler Rogues Dual Wield? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is: yes, Swashbuckler rogues can absolutely dual wield. However, it’s not quite as simple as just grabbing two swords. This article dives deep into the mechanics of dual wielding for Swashbucklers in D&D 5e, addressing not only the “can” but also the “how” and the “should”. We’ll explore the rules, the advantages, the limitations, and some common misconceptions, along with providing a host of frequently asked questions to solidify your understanding.

Dual Wielding Mechanics for Rogues

Before focusing specifically on Swashbucklers, it’s important to understand how dual wielding works in 5th Edition D&D. Anyone can attempt to dual wield, regardless of their class or subclass. The core rule is that if you take the Attack action with a light melee weapon, you can use a bonus action to attack with a different light melee weapon that you are holding in your other hand.

Here are the key aspects to remember:

Light Weapons: Both weapons must have the light property. Common examples include daggers, shortswords, and scimitars. Rapiers, despite being finesse weapons, are not light and cannot be used in this basic dual-wielding scenario.
Bonus Action: The off-hand attack requires a bonus action. This is significant because rogues often rely on their bonus action for other crucial abilities like Cunning Action (Dash, Disengage, or Hide).
No Ability Modifier to Damage: Unlike the primary attack, your off-hand attack does not add your ability modifier to damage, unless you possess the Two-Weapon Fighting Style feature, which rogues do not normally get.
Sneak Attack: You can only trigger Sneak Attack once per turn. Whether it’s through your main hand or your off-hand attack. That is why a lot of rogues want to maximize one attack and make it a Sneak Attack.

Swashbuckler Specifics: Fancy Footwork and Dual Wielding

Now, let’s focus on the Swashbuckler subclass. The Swashbuckler’s Fancy Footwork feature is particularly interesting in the context of dual wielding. This ability allows you to move away from a target without provoking an attack of opportunity after hitting them with a melee attack.

The combination of dual wielding and Fancy Footwork can make a Swashbuckler a very mobile and dangerous combatant:

The Hit-and-Run Tactic: A Swashbuckler can attack with their main hand, and if it hits can then step away without provoking an opportunity attack. If using two weapons and the Swashbuckler hits with their first weapon, then hits with the second weapon, they can then move away.
Bonus Action Conflict: Remember that using the off-hand attack in dual-wielding consumes your bonus action, which competes with Cunning Action for the rogue. In many cases, you can’t utilize Cunning Action and use an off-hand attack. This often leads to the Swashbuckler using their bonus action for other abilities.
Single Combat Focus: Swashbucklers are designed to excel in single combat rather than overwhelming multiple enemies with a flurry of attacks. Thus a single Sneak Attack with high damage tends to be better than dual wielding.

Is Dual Wielding Good for Swashbucklers?

The effectiveness of dual wielding on a Swashbuckler is a matter of context:

Pros: Dual wielding gives you a second chance to land your Sneak Attack in a turn if your first attack fails. Sometimes you need to hit twice on one person to take down a troublesome foe. It is not always the most optimal use of your action, but it can be useful.
Cons: Consuming a bonus action on an off-hand attack can prevent the Swashbuckler from using Cunning Action, which is core to the rogue’s mobility and survivability. It is important to remember to use Cunning Action to Disengage or Hide to make the best use of a Rogue’s toolkit. Also, not adding the modifier to the damage for the off hand attack can be undesirable.
Alternative: Many Swashbucklers find it more effective to use their bonus action to Disengage (using Cunning Action) or Hide and get an advantage on the next turn. In most cases, that option will end up doing more damage than a second attack without damage modifier on the first turn.

The need for dual wielding relies on the character build and the situation. If you are using your Cunning Action to hide or disengage, then dual wielding won’t be a good option. If you only hit with your first attack, then dual wielding is a good option. Ultimately, a good player will choose their best option depending on their situation, which is why it is useful to have many abilities in your toolkit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a Swashbuckler use a shield while dual wielding?

No. To dual wield using the typical rule set, you need to hold a light weapon in each hand. Thus, you can’t use a shield if you want to dual wield this way. However, it is possible to use a shield by not dual wielding.

2. What are the best weapons for a dual-wielding Swashbuckler?

Light weapons are a must. Shortswords and daggers are the most common options for a Swashbuckler. Remember, rapiers are not light weapons, and are not ideal for classic dual-wielding.

3. Can a Swashbuckler throw a dagger as an off-hand attack?

Yes. If you have a dagger in one hand, you can throw it as your main attack, draw a new dagger, and throw it as a bonus action off-hand attack, so long as you did not use your bonus action already.

4. Does the Dual Wielder feat help Swashbucklers?

Yes, the Dual Wielder feat provides several benefits:

It allows you to use non-light weapons for dual wielding (like rapiers).
It grants you a +1 bonus to AC while dual wielding.
You can draw or stow two weapons as one free object interaction, rather than just one.
With the Dual Wielder feat, you can deal more damage than with the normal dual wielding rules.

5. Can a Swashbuckler use a single rapier effectively?

Absolutely. A single rapier paired with your Fancy Footwork can be a very effective build for a Swashbuckler. This frees up your bonus action for Cunning Action or other abilities.

6. Is it better to dual wield or focus on one attack with Sneak Attack?

Generally, focusing on a single Sneak Attack attack is better than a dual wield attack due to not adding the ability modifier on an off-hand attack. However, if you don’t hit with the first attack then a dual wield option could be valuable.

7. Does the Swashbuckler’s mobility reduce the need for dual wielding?

Yes. The Swashbuckler’s Fancy Footwork feature offers great mobility, often making the extra attack from dual wielding less crucial. A good Swashbuckler will know when to move away and when to double down.

8. Can a Swashbuckler multi-class to enhance dual wielding?

Yes. Dipping into a class like Fighter can provide the Two-Weapon Fighting style, adding your modifier to the damage on your off-hand attack. Another multiclass would be Hexblade Warlock for utilizing Charisma instead of Dexterity for attacking.

9. Are there any magic items that help with dual-wielding for a Swashbuckler?

Yes, certain magic items, like +1 weapons or those with special properties, can enhance dual wielding or any fighting style for a Swashbuckler.

10. Does Sneak Attack apply to both attacks in a dual wield scenario?

No. Sneak Attack can only be applied once per turn, whether it’s with your main hand or off-hand attack. The goal should be to land the Sneak Attack on the most effective attack, not on all attacks.

11. Does the number of attacks a Swashbuckler makes per turn increase as they level up?

No, unlike some other martial classes, Swashbucklers do not gain additional attacks as part of their Rogue class progression.

12. How important is Strength for a Swashbuckler who dual wields?

Strength is typically not an important stat for a Swashbuckler. You use Dexterity for finesse weapons and Charisma for the subclass. Dexterity should be the highest.

13. Should a Swashbuckler focus on increasing their Dexterity or Charisma first?

Most Swashbuckler players increase their Dexterity first, as it directly impacts damage and many other abilities. Charisma is useful for abilities related to being a Swashbuckler, but it does not have as broad of an impact.

14. Is a Swashbuckler with one weapon less effective than dual-wielding?

No. A Swashbuckler with one weapon can be very effective, especially when utilizing Cunning Action for increased mobility and stealth. It will depend on the situation.

15. What role does a dual-wielding Swashbuckler play in a party?

A dual-wielding Swashbuckler serves as a mobile and opportunistic damage dealer, capable of darting in and out of combat while potentially delivering a second blow when required. They are also capable of sneaking around the battle to hide or attack with an advantage, making them valuable to any party.

Conclusion

While the temptation to dual wield as a Swashbuckler is understandable, it’s crucial to understand the mechanics and limitations. While dual wielding can offer a second chance to land a Sneak Attack, it competes with other essential features like Cunning Action. Evaluate your build, your situation and make the best choice based on what’s most effective, and not simply the most visually appealing. By using your abilities effectively, you can make a capable and versatile Swashbuckler who can dominate on the battlefield.

Can Swashbuckler rogues dual wield?