Can You Make an Unarmed Strike While Wielding a Two-Handed Weapon?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can make an unarmed strike while wielding a two-handed weapon in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition! This surprising flexibility stems from the nature of unarmed strikes themselves and the rules governing weapon usage.
While the image of a heavily armored warrior gracefully kicking an opponent while hefting a greatsword might seem a bit incongruous, it’s entirely within the rules. Let’s delve into the mechanics and explore the nuances of this fascinating combat option.
The Fundamentals: Unarmed Strikes and Two-Handed Weapons
What Constitutes an Unarmed Strike?
An unarmed strike is defined as a punch, kick, head-butt, or other forceful blow made without a weapon. Crucially, the rules state that you can use any part of your body to deliver this strike. It deals bludgeoning damage equal to 1 + your Strength modifier. The key here is the “any part of your body” stipulation. Your hands might be occupied with gripping the hilt of a two-handed weapon, but you can still deliver a swift kick, knee, or even a well-placed headbutt.
Two-Handed Weapon Restrictions: In Combat and Out
The two-handed property means a weapon requires two hands when you attack with it. Between attacks, you can indeed hold a two-handed weapon in one hand. Imagine a fighter momentarily adjusting their grip on their greatsword to free a leg for a kick, or a barbarian briefly resting their axe on a shoulder before delivering a headbutt. This momentary shift is all that’s needed to execute the unarmed strike.
The Monk Exception: A Master of Unarmed Combat
While anyone can make an unarmed strike, the Monk class truly elevates this combat style. Monks gain significant benefits to their unarmed attacks, often dealing more damage than other characters. Monks can deliver these deadly strikes even while wielding a monk weapon, opening up interesting combat combinations.
Strategic Implications and Roleplaying Opportunities
This ability to combine two-handed weapons and unarmed strikes offers a wealth of strategic options. Imagine:
- A Paladin wielding a greatsword, cleaving through enemies, then delivering a swift kick to knock an opponent prone.
- A Barbarian smashing foes with a greataxe, followed by a brutal headbutt to finish them off.
- A Fighter using a two-handed weapon for powerful attacks, then employing an unarmed strike to disarm an opponent.
Furthermore, this mechanic allows for creative roleplaying. A character known for their brutal efficiency could seamlessly transition between weapon strikes and unarmed blows, showcasing their raw power and combat prowess. A character may be built around such a skill using some of the educational principles from the Games Learning Society. This adds depth to the combat encounters and brings the character to life.
FAQs: Unarmed Strikes and Two-Handed Weapons
1. Can I use Two-Weapon Fighting with an Unarmed Strike and a Two-Handed Weapon?
No, you cannot. Two-Weapon Fighting typically requires two light weapons, and unarmed strikes don’t count as weapons. However, even if you had the Dual Wielder feat (which removes the “light” requirement), you still wouldn’t gain the +1 AC since you are not holding a weapon in each hand.
2. Do Natural Weapons count as Unarmed Strikes?
Not always. Natural weapon attacks (claws, bites, etc.) do not count as Unarmed Strikes unless specifically stated otherwise. The Sage Advice Compendium clarifies that while natural weapons are weapons, they don’t inherently qualify as unarmed strikes for rules purposes.
3. Can I use Hunter’s Mark with an Unarmed Strike?
Yes, you can. Although an unarmed strike is not a weapon in the strictest sense, you are making weapon attacks with unarmed strikes. This makes it eligible for spells like Hunter’s Mark.
4. Does Dueling apply to Unarmed Strikes?
No, the Dueling Fighting Style does not apply to unarmed strikes. It specifically requires wielding a melee weapon in one hand and no other weapons. Unarmed strikes aren’t weapons, so they don’t benefit from this style.
5. Can I Rage and use Unarmed Strikes?
Absolutely! While Raging, you gain your Rage bonus to damage to unarmed strikes. Your unarmed strikes count as melee weapon attacks for the purposes of class features and feats, even if you are using Dexterity.
6. Can an Unarmed Strike do Negative Damage?
No. According to the Player’s Handbook, it is possible to deal 0 damage with a penalty, but never negative damage.
7. Can I Unarmed Strike with a Shield?
Yes, you can still make an unarmed strike with a shield. Since unarmed strikes can be made with any part of your body, you can still make an unarmed strike even if your hands are occupied with a weapon or a shield.
8. Does Dueling Count for Two-Handed Weapons?
The Dueling fighting style doesn’t preclude the use of a two-handed weapon. You can still use a two-handed weapon as you normally would. However, when you do so you do not gain the bonus provided by Dueling as you no longer meet the prerequisite.
9. Can I use Flurry of Blows with a Weapon?
For monks with Monastic Weaponry, yes. This feature allows monks to use monk weapons with abilities that normally require unarmed attacks, like Flurry of Blows.
10. Can I Use Maneuvers with Unarmed Strikes?
Yes, with some limitations. Most maneuvers work with unarmed strikes as they are melee weapon attacks. However, maneuvers that specifically require a weapon, such as Brace, are exceptions.
11. Can an Unarmed Strike be a Grapple or Shove?
While grappling and shoving are unarmed combat actions, they don’t count as unarmed strikes for the purpose of rules. They are separate mechanics.
12. Does One-Handed Affect Unarmed Strikes?
No. Perks that enhance unarmed combat are Fists of Steel, Poison Talons, and Necromage. One-Handed tree perks only affect equipped one-handed weapons.
13. Can I use Unarmed Strike with a Kick?
Yes, an unarmed strike can be a punch, kick, head-butt, or similar forceful blow.
14. Does Unarmed Count as a Light Weapon?
No. An Unarmed Strike is not a light weapon, so it can’t be used with Two Weapon Fighting.
15. Can an Unarmed Strike be Finesse?
No. Unarmed attacks are not finesse.
In conclusion, the ability to seamlessly integrate unarmed strikes into your combat repertoire while wielding a two-handed weapon adds depth and dynamism to your character’s fighting style. It’s a testament to the flexibility of the rules and the boundless creativity that D&D encourages. Experiment with different combinations, roleplay the transitions, and watch your character become a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
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