Can You Dual Wield Longswords in 5e? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is yes, you can dual wield longswords in 5e, but it comes with a caveat. While the rules don’t explicitly forbid wielding two longswords, doing so effectively requires a specific feat: the Dual Wielder feat. Without this feat, you are restricted by the standard rules for two-weapon fighting. Let’s delve deeper into how dual wielding works in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, focusing on longswords.
The Basics of Two-Weapon Fighting
In 5e, the standard rule for two-weapon fighting allows you to make an additional attack as a bonus action on your turn, but this comes with a few limitations. First, both weapons must be light weapons. Think shortswords, daggers, and scimitars. Second, you don’t add your ability modifier to the damage of the bonus action attack, unless you have a specific class feature or feat that states otherwise.
A longsword, however, is not a light weapon. It has the versatile property, meaning you can wield it in one hand or two, but it is not considered “light.” This is where the Dual Wielder feat comes into play.
The Role of the Dual Wielder Feat
The Dual Wielder feat (PHB 165) changes the game significantly for those wanting to wield weapons other than light ones in each hand. This feat grants you several benefits:
- You can use two-weapon fighting even when the one-handed melee weapons you are using aren’t light.
- You gain a +1 bonus to AC while wielding a melee weapon in each hand.
- You can draw or stow two one-handed weapons when you would normally be able to draw or stow only one.
By taking this feat, you unlock the ability to dual wield weapons that don’t have the light property, such as longswords, rapiers, or battleaxes. This allows for more versatile combat options and opens up unique character builds.
Dual Wielding Two Longswords
With the Dual Wielder feat, you can now confidently wield two longswords. On your turn, you can attack with one longsword using your attack action, and then you can use a bonus action to attack with the other longsword. Remember, even with the feat, you still do not add your ability modifier to the damage of the bonus action attack unless you have a specific rule stating otherwise.
Character Builds That Benefit
Several character classes can effectively utilize dual wielding. Those with classes emphasizing melee combat like Fighters, Rangers, Rogues, Paladins, and Barbarians tend to work best with two-weapon fighting.
- Fighters can gain additional attacks through class features, potentially making multiple attacks on their turn, including their bonus action attack.
- Rangers can use their Hunter’s Mark or other abilities to increase their damage output.
- Rogues benefit from being able to deal sneak attack damage more often, since they have an additional opportunity to hit an enemy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you dual wield a longsword and a shortsword?
Yes, you can. If you take the Dual Wielder feat, you can dual wield a longsword and a shortsword, since the feat removes the restriction of having to only use light weapons for two-weapon fighting.
2. What classes can dual wield effectively?
Classes that excel in melee combat with physical weapons such as Fighters, Rangers, Rogues, Paladins, and Barbarians tend to work best with dual wielding.
3. Can rogues dual wield longswords?
Yes, with the Dual Wielder feat, a Rogue can wield two longswords. While Rogues don’t typically have high Strength scores, this can work if you want to maximize raw damage output with those weapons. Otherwise, the Rogue can use any weapon for the main hand and a small weapon for offhand as long as you don’t use your bonus action for anything else.
4. Is it possible to dual wield with just the normal rules, without a feat?
Yes, but only if you use light weapons. You could dual wield a pair of shortswords, or a shortsword and a dagger, for instance.
5. Can a longsword be used with two-weapon fighting normally?
No. Without the Dual Wielder feat, you cannot use a longsword for two-weapon fighting due to its lack of the light property. You’re only allowed to dual wield with light weapons if you don’t have that feat.
6. Does a longsword use Strength or Dexterity for attacks?
By default, a longsword uses Strength for attack rolls. There are some exceptions to this rule, like class features or magic items, but standard longswords use Strength.
7. What are the best weapons to dual wield in 5e?
With the Dual Wielder feat, longswords and rapiers are often considered among the best weapons for dual wielding. They provide a good balance of damage and reach.
8. Can you make multiple attacks per turn dual wielding?
Yes. With the standard rules, you attack with your attack action using your main hand, and use your bonus action to attack with your off-hand weapon. Fighters in particular can do this multiple times per turn as they gain additional attack actions.
9. Can a Hexblade Warlock dual wield?
Yes, a Hexblade can dual wield effectively. They can use Charisma for their attacks with their chosen pact weapon, as well as any other weapon they choose to use. So they can potentially use their pact weapon and another weapon in the off-hand.
10. Are there any races that are better at dual wielding?
While no race is exclusively better for dual wielding, some races have traits that compliment melee combat. For example, the Grung is a lesser-known option, because of their poisonous skin which can do additional damage with piercing weapons.
11. What is the versatile property on a longsword?
The versatile property of a longsword means you can wield it with one hand, dealing 1d8 damage, or two hands for 1d10 damage. This makes it adaptable to different combat situations.
12. Is a longsword a finesse weapon?
No, a longsword is not a finesse weapon by default. This means it uses Strength for attack and damage rolls. There are some instances of special or magic weapons that may be finesse, but normal ones are not.
13. Why would a rogue use a longsword?
Rogues typically prefer finesse weapons to take advantage of their sneak attack feature, but a Rogue using a longsword will do more damage on average than a Rogue using a dagger or shortsword. They have proficiency with them, and they are simple weapons. So this can work if you don’t want to use your bonus action to hide.
14. Is it realistic to dual wield longswords?
Historically, dual wielding longswords wasn’t a very common practice. While people may have carried multiple swords, it isn’t recorded that they fought with both at the same time, except in some cases like Japanese dual-wielding.
15. Is the Zweihander a longsword?
Early Zweihänders were larger versions of longswords, but they are typically considered greatswords because of their larger size and requirements.
Conclusion
Dual wielding longswords in 5e is a viable combat strategy thanks to the Dual Wielder feat. While it’s not something you can do with the base rules, this feat opens up a number of interesting combat builds that can significantly increase a character’s damage output. It’s important to understand the mechanics of two-weapon fighting and the benefits this feat provides to truly make the most of this style. So, if you’ve been itching to live out that dual longsword fantasy, grab that feat and get to slashing!