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Do Glaives Work with Polearm Master? A Deep Dive into D&D’s Combat Feats

Yes, absolutely! Glaives are explicitly listed as one of the weapons that work with the Polearm Master feat in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e). This feat grants you a bonus action attack and an opportunity attack when enemies enter your reach, dramatically enhancing your combat effectiveness. Now, let’s delve into why this combination is so potent and explore some frequently asked questions.

Understanding Polearm Master and Glaives

The Polearm Master feat is a game-changer for martial characters, transforming their ability to control the battlefield and deal consistent damage. The feat’s core benefit is that you can make a bonus action attack with the opposite end of your polearm (using a d4 damage die) after taking the Attack action with that weapon. Furthermore, it also grants you an opportunity attack when a creature enters your reach, forcing them to reconsider their movement.

Glaives, with their reach property and d10 damage dice, become incredibly dangerous in the hands of someone with Polearm Master. The reach allows you to strike enemies from a safe distance, while the d10 provides substantial damage output. When combined with the feat, you gain a reliable bonus action attack, significantly increasing your damage per round.

The combination of the Polearm Master feat and weapons like Glaives can be especially effective for characters trying to control zones on the battlefield. Being able to make opportunity attacks against enemies that get within your weapon’s reach is invaluable for classes such as fighters and paladins. For those interested in exploring how game mechanics like these influence learning and strategy, the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) provides excellent resources.

The Power of Reach and Damage

Glaives and halberds are often considered the best weapons to pair with Polearm Master for pure damage output. This is primarily due to their d10 damage dice and the fact that they qualify for the Great Weapon Master feat (more on that later). The reach property lets you maintain distance from enemies, reducing the likelihood of being targeted yourself.

However, it’s crucial to remember the downside: glaives and halberds are two-handed weapons, preventing you from using a shield. This can be a significant drawback, especially in campaigns with high enemy damage output. So, deciding whether or not the benefits outweigh the downside comes down to what you’re looking for in your character’s role.

Great Weapon Master Synergy

The Great Weapon Master feat is a natural complement to Polearm Master when using a glaive or halberd. Great Weapon Master provides two main benefits:

On a critical hit or when you reduce a creature to 0 hit points with a melee attack on your turn, you can make one melee attack as a bonus action.
Before you make a melee attack with a heavy weapon that you are proficient with, you can choose to take a -5 penalty to the attack roll. If the attack hits, you add +10 to the attack’s damage.

The first ability lets you make even more attacks after big moments, and the second ability lets you trade accuracy for tremendous damage output. This synergy amplifies your damage potential considerably, making you a formidable threat on the battlefield.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 FAQs to further clarify the ins and outs of using glaives with the Polearm Master feat:

What weapons are compatible with the Polearm Master feat? The Polearm Master feat works with glaives, halberds, quarterstaffs, and spears.
Is a glaive considered a polearm for the Polearm Master feat? Yes, a glaive is a polearm and explicitly listed as one of the weapons that work with the Polearm Master feat.
Does the Great Weapon Master feat work with a glaive? Yes, because glaives are heavy weapons, they qualify for the Great Weapon Master feat.
Can I use a shield with a glaive when I have the Polearm Master feat? No, glaives are two-handed weapons, so you cannot wield a shield while using one.
Does the bonus action attack from Polearm Master use the same ability modifier as the primary attack? Yes, the bonus action attack uses the same ability modifier (typically Strength) as the primary attack.
If an enemy enters my reach and I make an opportunity attack, does that use my reaction for the round? Yes, making an opportunity attack consumes your reaction for the round.
Can I combine Polearm Master with other feats effectively? Absolutely! Sentinel and Great Weapon Master are excellent choices to pair with Polearm Master.
What happens if I miss my opportunity attack granted by Polearm Master? If you miss your opportunity attack, the creature can move past you without further penalty.
Is there a specific class that benefits most from the Polearm Master feat with a glaive? While any martial class can benefit, Fighters and Paladins often excel due to their combat proficiencies and potential for high Strength scores.
Does the Polearm Master feat stack with other similar feats or abilities? No, the benefits of Polearm Master do not stack with other feats or abilities that grant similar effects, unless explicitly stated.
If I have multiple attacks, can I use the bonus action attack from Polearm Master after each attack? No, the bonus action attack from Polearm Master can only be used once per turn, after you take the Attack action.
Does Polearm Master work with spells like Green Flame Blade? No, casting spells like Green Flame Blade is considered a “Cast a Spell” action, not an “Attack” action, so it does not trigger the bonus action attack from Polearm Master.
How important is positioning when using a glaive with Polearm Master? Positioning is crucial. Use your reach to maintain distance and control the battlefield. Encourage your party members to protect your flanks.
What are some drawbacks to using a glaive with Polearm Master? The main drawbacks are being unable to use a shield and the need to invest in two feats (Polearm Master and potentially Great Weapon Master) to maximize its effectiveness.
Are there any magic items that specifically enhance the Polearm Master/glaive combination? Yes, various magic items that enhance melee attacks, such as weapons with increased damage or those granting advantage on attack rolls, can significantly benefit this combination. The GamesLearningSociety.org highlights creative approaches to adapting game elements, including magic items, in educational contexts.

Conclusion

Using a glaive with the Polearm Master feat is a powerful and effective strategy in D&D 5e. The combination provides excellent damage output, battlefield control, and synergy with other feats like Great Weapon Master and Sentinel. While it does have some drawbacks, the benefits often outweigh the costs for characters focused on maximizing their martial prowess. So, grab your glaive, master your polearm, and dominate the battlefield!

Do glaives work with polearm master?