Do Thrown Weapons Have Disadvantage at Close Range?
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.
Thrown weapons do have disadvantage at close range in certain situations, specifically when a hostile creature is within 5 feet of the attacker and is not incapacitated, but this disadvantage is due to the proximity of the hostile creature, not the distance to the target. The range of a thrown weapon can vary, with an improvised thrown weapon typically having a normal range of 20 feet and a long range of 60 feet, and the rules for thrown weapons state that if a weapon has the thrown property, you can throw the weapon to make a ranged attack.
Understanding Thrown Weapons and Their Rules
To understand the rules surrounding thrown weapons and their use in close combat, it’s essential to delve into the specifics of how they function and the circumstances under which they incur disadvantage.
Thrown Weapons in Close Combat
In close combat, when using thrown weapons, the primary factor that determines disadvantage is the presence of hostile creatures within a certain radius, not the distance to the target itself. The Combat section of the PHB clarifies that aiming a ranged attack is more difficult when a foe is next to you, but this difficulty, or disadvantage, is specifically tied to the presence of an unpacified hostile creature within 5 feet of the attacker.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following FAQs aim to provide comprehensive insights into the mechanics of thrown weapons, their application in various scenarios, and how they compare to other types of attacks and weapons.
-
Do Ranged Weapons Have Disadvantage at Close Range? Ranged weapons can have disadvantage at close range, but this is contingent upon the presence of a hostile, non-incapacitated creature within 5 feet of the attacker, not inherently due to the close range itself.
-
What is the Range of a Thrown Weapon? The range of a thrown weapon can vary; for example, an improvised thrown weapon has a normal range of 20 feet and a long range of 60 feet.
-
What is the Rule for Thrown Weapons? If a weapon has the thrown property, you can throw the weapon to make a ranged attack, using the same ability modifier for the attack roll and damage roll as you would for a melee attack with that weapon.
-
Does Firebolt Have Disadvantage at Close Range? Usually, yes, all ranged attacks (including spells like Firebolt) are at disadvantage if there is a hostile creature within 5 feet who can see you and is not incapacitated.
-
Does Eldritch Blast Have a Minimum Range? Eldritch Blast has a range of 120 feet, which can be extended to 300 feet with the Eldritch Spear invocation, and further modified by other abilities or feats.
-
Do Thrown Weapons Count as Ranged Weapons? Thrown weapons do not count as ranged weapons in all contexts; they are considered melee weapons being used to make a ranged attack.
-
Can You Sharpshooter a Thrown Weapon? Yes, a thrown weapon still counts as a ranged weapon attack for the purposes of Sharpshooter, allowing you to ignore half and three-quarter cover and avoid disadvantage under certain conditions.
-
What Determines the Effective Range of a Weapon? The effective range of a weapon is determined by factors such as the type of projectile, weather conditions, and the freshness of the powder charge.
-
How Do You Roll with Disadvantage? When rolling with disadvantage, you roll a second d20 and use the lower of the two rolls.
-
Do Thrown Weapons Benefit from Sharpshooter? Yes, thrown weapons benefit from Sharpshooter in that they don’t incur disadvantage and can ignore certain types of cover.
-
Is a Sharpshooter Better than a Sniper? The terms sharpshooter and sniper refer to different levels of proficiency and specialization in shooting, with a sniper being an expert in camouflage, stealth, and precision shooting.
-
Do Thrown Weapons Use STR or DEX? Thrown weapons add your Strength modifier to damage, similar to melee weapons.
-
Do Thrown Weapons Get Rage Damage? Strictly speaking, throwing a weapon like a handaxe does not benefit from Rage because it is considered making a ranged weapon attack with a melee weapon.
-
Is a Bow Considered a Ranged Weapon? Yes, a bow is considered a ranged weapon, characterized by its requirement for ammunition (arrows) to operate.
-
Does Archery Affect Thrown Weapons? While thrown weapons don’t count as ranged weapons for features like the Fighter’s Archery Fighting Style, they can still benefit from being on high ground and are penalized by being on low ground.
By understanding the nuances of thrown weapons and their interactions with various rules and abilities, players and Dungeon Masters alike can enhance their gameplay experience, ensuring that combat encounters are both challenging and rewarding. Whether in the heat of battle or in the strategic planning stages, grasping the intricacies of thrown weapons and their functionality at close range can significantly impact the outcome of adventures in the world of D&D.