Can You Throw a Weapon That Doesn’t Have the Thrown Property in 5e?
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Yes, you absolutely can! In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, the rules explicitly state that you can throw a weapon even if it doesn’t possess the thrown property. However, there are crucial differences in how these throws are treated compared to weapons designed for throwing. Let’s dive into the details.
Improvised Weapons: Turning Melee into Missiles
When you hurl a weapon lacking the thrown property, it falls under the category of an improvised weapon. This means a few key things:
- Damage: Instead of using the weapon’s standard damage die, it deals a flat 1d4 damage. This represents the awkwardness and ineffectiveness of throwing an object not designed for flight.
- Proficiency: Unless your Dungeon Master (DM) rules otherwise (perhaps you have a background or feat that grants proficiency), you are not proficient with this attack. This means you don’t add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll, making it harder to hit your target.
- Ability Score: You typically use your Strength modifier for the attack roll and damage roll, as throwing is generally a feat of strength. However, the DM might allow Dexterity if the weapon is light and the situation warrants it.
- Range: The range is usually up to the DM’s discretion, but generally, expect a short range due to the weapon’s poor aerodynamics. A good starting point would be a range of 20/60 feet, but the DM could adjust based on the weapon’s size and weight.
Thrown Weapons: Purpose-Built Projectiles
Weapons with the thrown property are a different beast entirely. These weapons (like daggers, handaxes, and spears) are specifically designed to be thrown, and thus benefit from the following:
- Standard Damage: You use the weapon’s normal damage die, rather than the 1d4 for improvised weapons. This makes them significantly more effective in combat.
- Proficiency: You are proficient with these weapons if your class grants proficiency with simple or martial weapons (depending on the weapon).
- Ability Score: You use the same ability score you would use for a melee attack with the weapon. For example, you could throw a dagger using Strength or Dexterity since it has the finesse property.
- Range: They have a defined range, allowing you to attack targets at a reasonable distance.
Why Would You Throw a Non-Thrown Weapon?
Even with the reduced damage and lack of proficiency, there are still situations where throwing a weapon lacking the thrown property is a viable option:
- Desperation: When disarmed, or out of ranged ammunition, throwing your sword might be better than doing nothing.
- Flavor: A character might throw a mundane object (like a tankard) to distract an enemy or trigger a specific event.
- Creativity: A clever player might use the environment and throw a loose object, hoping to knock something down or set off a chain reaction.
The key is to talk to your DM. They have the final say on whether a specific throw is possible and how it’s resolved.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Thrown Weapons
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the rules surrounding thrown weapons in 5e:
1. Does the Sharpshooter feat apply to thrown weapons?
Yes and no. The first two benefits of Sharpshooter (ignoring half and three-quarters cover, and eliminating disadvantage for long range) do apply to all ranged attacks, including those made with thrown weapons. However, the third benefit (the -5 to hit / +10 damage) only applies to ranged weapons; thrown weapons are not ranged weapons.
2. Can I throw a longsword?
Yes, as an improvised weapon. It will deal 1d4 damage, and you likely won’t be proficient. The DM might also impose disadvantage on the attack roll due to the weapon’s unwieldiness.
3. What about a greataxe?
Similar to a longsword, you can throw it as an improvised weapon with 1d4 damage. Due to its size and weight, the DM might rule that only characters with high Strength can attempt such a throw, and potentially impose disadvantage.
4. Can I use the Archery fighting style with thrown weapons?
No. The Archery fighting style specifically benefits ranged weapons. Despite being used at range, thrown weapons are not classified as ranged weapons.
5. Does Thrown Weapon Fighting affect thrown weapons?
Yes. The Thrown Weapon Fighting Style allows you to draw a weapon that has the thrown property as part of the attack you make with the weapon. In addition, when you hit with a ranged attack using a thrown weapon, you gain a +2 bonus to the damage roll.
6. How does throwing an enemy work?
Throwing an enemy involves grappling them first. Then, if the target weighs less than half your Drag, Push, Lift capacity, you can attempt to throw them. The attack roll is treated as if you are throwing an improvised weapon, dealing 1d4 damage (likely bludgeoning) to the target where they land. The DM will determine the distance and any secondary effects of the throw.
7. Can I throw a dagger as a bonus action?
Yes, if you have a feature that allows you to make an attack as a bonus action. The thrown property itself doesn’t grant a bonus action attack, but features like Two-Weapon Fighting or certain class abilities would enable this.
8. Can I throw a weapon with Strength or Dexterity?
By default, throwing weapons uses Strength. However, if the weapon also has the finesse property (like a dagger), you can choose to use either Strength or Dexterity for the attack roll and damage roll.
9. Are thrown weapons considered ranged weapons?
This is a tricky point. Technically, thrown weapons are not ranged weapons for the purpose of certain feats and abilities (like the Archery fighting style or the third bullet point of Sharpshooter). However, they do make ranged attacks, meaning they benefit from features that apply to ranged attack rolls (like ignoring cover with Sharpshooter).
10. What’s the “Yeet Score?”
The “Yeet Score” is a playful, non-official term that represents how far you can throw something, and is equal to: Strength Modifier + Size Modifier.
11. Can I throw a Shadow Blade?
The Shadow Blade spell states that if you drop or throw the weapon, it dissipates. However, you can use a bonus action to make it reappear in your hand. This implies you can throw it (even if it’s short-lived).
12. Can I throw a handaxe as a bonus action and then retrieve it?
If you’re an Eldritch Knight, the Weapon Bond feature allows you to summon your bonded weapon as a bonus action. Thus, you could throw a handaxe and then immediately summon it back to your hand as a bonus action.
13. What is considered a thrown weapon?
A thrown weapon is any weapon that has the thrown property. Common examples include daggers, darts, handaxes, javelins, light hammers, spears, and nets.
14. Can you throw an improvised weapon with Dexterity?
While generally you throw a improvised weapon with Strength, the DM can rule that the attack can use Dexterity instead of Strength if the weapon is light and small.
15. Is there any specific feat that benefits thrown weapons?
While the Sharpshooter feat can be used to ignore half and three-quarters cover, the Tavern Brawler feat makes you proficient with improvised weapons, including thrown ones.
D&D thrives on player creativity and DM interpretation. Don’t be afraid to explore the possibilities of throwing unconventional items, but always remember to communicate with your DM to ensure a balanced and enjoyable experience for everyone at the table. To further your game mastery and learn more about the art of game design and its potential for learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.