Can You Throw a Weapon That Doesn’t Have the Thrown Property in D&D 5e?
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Yes, you absolutely can throw a weapon that doesn’t have the thrown property in D&D 5e, but it comes with some specific rules and limitations. When you do so, it’s considered using the weapon as an improvised weapon. This means it doesn’t behave exactly like a typical thrown weapon, like a dagger or javelin. Instead, you use it as an improvised thrown weapon with its own unique characteristics. Let’s explore the details of this common and often misunderstood aspect of combat in D&D 5e.
Understanding Improvised Thrown Weapons
The core rule is simple: if you throw a melee weapon that does not have the thrown property, it deals 1d4 damage. Furthermore, as an improvised thrown weapon, it has a normal range of 20 feet and a long range of 60 feet. This means you’re not likely to achieve the same distances as a purpose-built ranged weapon.
Damage and Range
The reduction to 1d4 damage is significant. A greatsword, which typically deals 2d6 damage in melee, will only deal 1d4 damage when thrown as an improvised weapon. This reflects the fact that you’re not using the weapon in the way it was designed. The ranges of 20 feet normal and 60 feet long are also important to keep in mind, as they impact your ability to hit targets at different distances. Remember, at long range, you have disadvantage on the attack roll.
How it Works in Practice
Imagine a scenario where your fighter, armed with a longsword, finds themselves disarmed at a distance. Instead of closing the gap immediately, they decide to hurl their longsword at an opponent. In this case, the fighter makes a ranged attack roll using their Strength modifier (since it’s a melee weapon) and, if they hit, deals 1d4 damage, not the usual damage of a longsword. The fighter’s proficiency with longswords won’t apply to the damage roll but still applies to the attack roll, unless the longsword is used as an improvised weapon, since the attack will then be treated as an improvised weapon attack.
Improvised Weapon Rules
An improvised thrown weapon attack follows the general rules for an improvised weapon. It’s essentially a weapon attack with an object that doesn’t have proper properties. When using an item as an improvised weapon, you treat it as similar to an actual weapon. An important note: if an improvised weapon is similar to an actual weapon, it can be treated as such, otherwise it’s just an improvised weapon.
Proficiency and Attack Rolls
If you are proficient in the type of weapon you are throwing as an improvised weapon, you can add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll, but proficiency does not apply to damage rolls. However, if you do not possess the relevant proficiency, you don’t add your proficiency bonus.
Advantage and Disadvantage
Like any other ranged weapon attack, you can have advantage or disadvantage on your attack roll. Factors such as cover, hiding, and other conditions can affect the success rate of your improvised thrown attack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does throwing a weapon count as a ranged attack?
Yes. Like melee weapon attacks, which covers things like unarmed attacks, and is not the same as “an attack with a melee weapon”, ranged weapon attacks include thrown weapons. A melee weapon with the thrown property allows it to be used in ranged weapon attacks.
2. Can you use the Sharpshooter feat with a thrown weapon?
Yes, a thrown weapon still counts as a ranged weapon attack and is not affected by the disadvantage for attacking in long range, and can ignore half and three-quarter cover. However, it does not count as an attack with a ranged weapon so you cannot use Sharpshooter’s -5 penalty to hit in exchange for +10 to damage.
3. What happens if you don’t have proficiency with a weapon?
You can still use the weapon, but you do not add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll. This applies to both melee and ranged weapon attacks.
4. Can you use a shield as a weapon?
While shields are primarily defensive items, in D&D 5e, you can treat a shield as an improvised weapon. However, similar to other improvised weapons, you would only deal 1d4 damage, and you cannot combine it with special shield features or use shield master to make attack rolls as a bonus action. You do get the AC bonus when using a shield.
5. Can you use Reckless Attack with a thrown weapon?
No. The Reckless Attack ability grants advantage on melee weapon attacks using strength, and using the thrown property makes an attack a ranged weapon attack.
6. Does Rage damage apply to thrown weapons?
Technically, throwing a weapon like a handaxe is “making a ranged weapon attack with a melee weapon.” Strictly speaking, rage does not benefit from damage bonuses, as it applies to melee weapon attacks. It is up to the individual DM to decide if they will rule in favor of the attacker or not.
7. Can you throw an opponent?
Yes, but it’s a complex process. You must first follow the official rules for grappling. The second condition for throwing is that you can only throw an opponent that weighs max. half your Drag, Push, Lift capacity. The attack roll will be made as if you throw an improvised weapon.
8. Can you throw a weapon with the thrown property and gain the benefits?
Yes, a melee weapon with the thrown property can benefit from the bonuses and feats of the corresponding class.
9. Does a dagger count as a ranged weapon?
A dagger is a melee weapon that has the thrown property and can therefore be used as a ranged weapon and can therefore be used in both melee and ranged attack.
10. Does a javelin count as a ranged weapon?
A javelin is a melee weapon that can be used as a ranged weapon, and can be used as both.
11. What happens if you wear armor you are not proficient in?
If you wear armor that you lack proficiency with, you have disadvantage on any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll that involves Strength or Dexterity, and you can’t cast spells.
12. If you get proficiency twice, do the bonuses stack?
No. Instead, you gain expertise with that skill, which means your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make with it, even if you are not already proficient in that skill or tool.
13. Does proficiency apply to damage?
While the bonus can be added to attacks, saves, and ability checks, it cannot be added to damage or healing throws.
14. Can you attack while wielding a shield as a bard?
The bard has shield proficiency and is not required to wield a weapon, just a shield and instrument.
15. What is an “illegal throw-in?”
This isn’t D&D-related, but a throw-in can be called illegal if a player lifts a foot while throwing or does not throw from behind the head and complete the motion of a throw-in. This is from real-life sports.
Conclusion
While it’s not the most effective way to deal damage, the ability to throw a non-thrown melee weapon as an improvised weapon provides tactical flexibility in combat. Remember the limitations – the 1d4 damage and 20/60-foot range – but don’t underestimate the power of improvisation when you need a ranged option in a pinch. This also emphasizes that it is a ranged attack, not an attack with a ranged weapon. Understanding these rules will help you use all the resources at your disposal in your D&D adventures, even your trusty, but not-so-ranged, melee weapons.