Can You Throw a Sword in 5e? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, you can throw a sword in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, but it’s generally a terrible idea unless you’re in a very specific situation. While the rules technically allow it, the mechanics and consequences are rarely favorable. You’ll be using the sword as an improvised weapon, which means significantly reduced damage and a potential disadvantage on your attack roll. Let’s dive into the specifics of why and when you might consider such a desperate act, and the rules that govern it.
The Improvised Weapon Rule: Your Green Light (and Red Flags)
The core rulebook states that if a character throws a melee weapon that doesn’t have the thrown property, it’s treated as an improvised weapon. This has several key implications:
- Damage: You’ll deal only 1d4 damage, regardless of the sword’s usual damage dice. This is a far cry from the typical 1d8 or 1d10 damage of a longsword or greatsword.
- Range: Improvised thrown weapons have a normal range of 20 feet and a long range of 60 feet. Attacking beyond the normal range imposes disadvantage on the attack roll.
- Proficiency: Unless your DM rules otherwise, you are not proficient with your sword as an improvised weapon. This means you won’t add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll, further decreasing your chances of hitting.
- Ability Modifier: The DM decides which ability score is used for the attack roll and damage roll. While you might argue for Strength given the heft of a sword, the DM could reasonably rule that Dexterity is more appropriate for a ranged attack, or even impose a penalty due to the awkwardness of the throw.
Why It’s Usually a Bad Idea
The combination of low damage, potential disadvantage, and lack of proficiency makes throwing a sword a generally poor tactical choice. You’re better off keeping the sword in hand for melee attacks, especially if you have any fighting styles or feats that enhance your close-quarters combat abilities. Losing your primary weapon can also leave you vulnerable in a fight.
When It Might Be Acceptable (Circumstantially)
Despite the drawbacks, there might be a few rare situations where throwing a sword could be justifiable:
- Desperate Measures: If you’re disarmed, have no other weapons, and are facing a retreating enemy just within range, a thrown sword might be your only option to inflict any damage.
- Creative Roleplaying: If your character has a specific quirk or fighting style that involves throwing weapons unexpectedly, it could be a memorable moment, even if not the most efficient.
- Environmental Advantage: If an enemy is perched on a ledge or otherwise inaccessible to melee attacks, throwing a sword might be worth the risk, although other ranged options would almost always be superior.
- Distraction: Maybe you don’t intend to hit with it, but need to cause a distraction. The sound of a sword clattering off stone might be enough to create an opening for an ally.
Rule of Cool vs. Optimization
Ultimately, the decision to throw a sword comes down to balancing rule of cool with optimization. If you’re playing a character who prioritizes style over efficiency, or if the situation calls for a daring and unexpected move, then go for it. Just be aware of the potential consequences and don’t expect to deal massive damage.
FAQs: Throwing Weapons and Improvised Attacks in 5e
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding thrown weapons, improvised weapons, and related rules in D&D 5e:
Can you throw any weapon in D&D 5e?
Yes, but not all weapons are designed for throwing. Melee weapons without the thrown property can be thrown as improvised weapons, incurring a 1d4 damage penalty and potential disadvantage on the attack roll.
What weapons have the thrown property in 5e?
Daggers, clubs, shortspears, spears, darts, javelins, throwing axes, light hammers, tridents, and nets (and, depending on the setting, shuriken) all possess the thrown property and are designed for ranged attacks.
What ability modifier do you use when throwing a weapon?
For weapons with the thrown property that are also melee weapons, you typically use the same ability modifier as you would for a melee attack with that weapon (usually Strength). Darts are an exception; being ranged weapons, they use Dexterity to attack and deal damage.
Does Strength affect thrown weapon damage?
Yes, the Strength modifier is typically added to the damage roll of thrown weapons, except for splash weapons or those that specify otherwise. Darts do not use Strength, instead using Dexterity for attack and damage.
Can you throw a dagger with Strength in 5e?
Yes. Daggers have the finesse property, so you can use either Strength or Dexterity for both melee and ranged attacks when thrown.
What is the range of a thrown improvised weapon?
The normal range of an improvised thrown weapon is 20 feet, and the long range is 60 feet. Attacking beyond the normal range imposes disadvantage on the attack roll.
How does proficiency work with improvised weapons?
You are generally not proficient with improvised weapons unless your DM rules otherwise. This means you don’t add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll.
Can you dual wield thrown weapons in 5e?
Yes, the Two-Weapon Fighting rule allows you to throw two weapons in a turn, provided both weapons are light and you take the Attack action. Note that you can normally only draw one weapon per turn as your “interact with an object” action, so continually throwing two weapons each turn is difficult without specific feats or abilities.
Can you use Two-Weapon Fighting with thrown weapons?
Yes, Two-Weapon Fighting can be used with thrown weapons. To do so, you need to take the Attack action with a light melee weapon with the thrown property. You can then make an attack with a second light melee weapon that has the thrown property as a bonus action.
Can you throw a net in 5e?
Yes, nets have the thrown property. They are a ranged weapon, so Dexterity is used for attack rolls.
What happens if you miss when throwing a weapon?
When you miss with a thrown weapon, the weapon typically lands on the ground. The DM may determine its exact location based on the circumstances of the throw. Some DMs might even introduce a mechanic where a missed weapon has a small chance of breaking.
Are there any feats that improve throwing weapons?
The Tavern Brawler feat can improve unarmed strikes and improvised weapons. Some DMs may also allow feats like Sharpshooter to apply to thrown weapons, though this is not strictly RAW.
Can you throw a rapier in 5e?
Yes, but it would be an improvised weapon, dealing 1d4 damage. It’s generally not advisable unless you have no other options.
What’s the difference between a thrown weapon and a ranged weapon?
A thrown weapon is a melee weapon with the thrown property, like a spear or dagger, that can be used for ranged attacks. A ranged weapon, like a bow or crossbow, is designed solely for ranged attacks. A weapon, like a dart, can be both.
Can you retrieve a thrown weapon?
Yes, you can typically retrieve a thrown weapon after combat, provided you know where it landed. Depending on the situation, retrieving a weapon during combat might require an action, bonus action, or free action at the DM’s discretion.
Conclusion
While technically possible, throwing a sword in 5e is generally not a tactically sound move. It sacrifices damage and accuracy for the sake of a potentially dramatic, but ultimately inefficient, action. However, in desperate situations or for the sake of roleplaying, it can be a memorable and engaging choice. Remember to consider the rules for improvised weapons and consult with your DM to determine the specifics of the situation. Always prioritize safety… or, at least, character survival! And remember, if you’re looking for more information on games and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.