Do Thrown Weapons Use Dex or Strength in 5e? Unpacking the Thrown Weapon Rules
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The short answer is: it depends. By default, thrown weapons use Strength for both the attack roll and damage roll. However, if a weapon has the Finesse property, you can choose to use Dexterity instead of Strength. This choice is made on a per-attack basis. The key is understanding the Thrown and Finesse properties and how they interact. Let’s dive into the details.
Understanding the Thrown Property
The Thrown property simply allows you to make a ranged attack with a melee weapon. It doesn’t inherently change the ability score used for the attack. Unless otherwise specified, melee weapons use Strength. So, a weapon like a javelin or a handaxe, which lacks the Finesse property, always uses Strength when thrown.
The Finesse Property: Your Key to Dexterity
The Finesse property is what unlocks the ability to use Dexterity with certain thrown weapons. If a weapon has both the Thrown and Finesse properties, you can choose to use either Strength or Dexterity for the attack and damage rolls. This is a powerful option, especially for characters with higher Dexterity scores than Strength scores.
Examples in Action
- Dagger: A dagger has both the Thrown and Finesse properties. You can throw it using Strength or Dexterity.
- Javelin: A javelin only has the Thrown property. You must throw it using Strength.
- Handaxe: A handaxe only has the Thrown property. You must throw it using Strength.
- Improvised Weapon: If you throw an improvised weapon, such as a chair, you use Strength since improvised weapons do not possess the finesse property.
When to Choose Strength vs. Dexterity
The decision to use Strength or Dexterity depends on your character build and stats.
- High Strength, Low Dexterity: If your Strength is higher than your Dexterity, you should generally use Strength for thrown weapon attacks.
- High Dexterity, Low Strength: If your Dexterity is higher than your Strength, you should generally use Dexterity for thrown weapon attacks, provided the weapon has the Finesse property.
- Specific Builds: Some character builds, like those focusing on ranged combat or dual-wielding daggers, might prioritize Dexterity regardless of their Strength score.
- Magic Items: Keep an eye out for magic items that might affect your ability scores or weapon attacks. A magic dagger that grants a bonus to Dexterity attacks, for instance, would make using Dexterity even more appealing.
The Impact on Damage
Remember, regardless of whether you use Strength or Dexterity for the attack roll, you still add your relevant ability modifier to the damage roll. A successful attack is only half the battle; you need to deal significant damage to defeat your enemies.
Proficiency Matters
You must be proficient in a weapon to effectively use it. If you attempt to throw a weapon you aren’t proficient with, you don’t add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll. This can significantly reduce your chances of hitting your target.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the “Thrown” property in 5e?
The Thrown property allows a character to make a ranged attack with a melee weapon. The range is listed in the weapon’s description (e.g., 20/60 feet for a dagger).
2. What is the “Finesse” property in 5e?
The Finesse property allows a character to use either Strength or Dexterity for the attack and damage rolls of a melee weapon. This choice is made on a per-attack basis.
3. Can you throw a javelin with Dexterity in 5e?
No, a javelin only has the Thrown property. You must use Strength when throwing it.
4. Can you throw a dagger with Strength in 5e?
Yes, a dagger has both the Thrown and Finesse properties, so you can use either Strength or Dexterity.
5. Do improvised thrown weapons use Dexterity?
No, improvised weapons do not possess the finesse property, so throwing them uses Strength.
6. Does throwing a weapon count as a melee or ranged attack?
Throwing a weapon counts as a ranged attack. Even if the weapon is normally used in melee, the act of throwing it makes it a ranged attack.
7. How does the Monk’s Martial Arts feature interact with thrown weapons?
The Monk’s Martial Arts feature allows them to use Dexterity instead of Strength for unarmed strikes and monk weapons. However, this only applies to melee attacks. When throwing a monk weapon that lacks the finesse property, the monk has to use Strength.
8. What happens if I am not proficient with a thrown weapon?
If you’re not proficient with a thrown weapon, you don’t add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll.
9. Does the Archery Fighting Style affect thrown weapon attacks?
The Archery Fighting Style grants a +2 bonus to attack rolls you make with ranged weapons. As thrown weapon attacks are ranged attacks, archery fighting styles does apply to thrown weapon attacks.
10. Are there any feats that specifically enhance thrown weapon attacks?
There isn’t a single feat that specifically enhances thrown weapon attacks. However, feats like Sharpshooter (which removes disadvantage for long range) and Fighting Initiate (which allows you to gain the Thrown Weapon Fighting Style from the fighter class) can greatly enhance a thrown weapon build.
11. Is it ever worth building a character primarily around thrown weapons?
Yes, with careful planning and the right character build, a character centered around thrown weapons can be viable and fun. Classes like Rogues (using daggers with Sneak Attack) or Fighters (using the Thrown Weapon Fighting Style) can excel with thrown weapons. Consider multiclassing for added versatility.
12. What fighting style works best with thrown weapons?
The Thrown Weapon Fighting Style, available to Fighters (and obtainable via the Fighting Initiate feat), is arguably the best. It allows you to draw a thrown weapon as part of the attack, which is crucial for making multiple attacks in a turn. It also add +2 to thrown weapons.
13. Do thrown weapons use ammunition?
Technically, no, but you need to have the weapon available to throw. After throwing a weapon, you need to retrieve it or have more of the same weapon readily accessible. This is similar to needing arrows for a bow.
14. How does Two-Weapon Fighting interact with thrown weapons?
The Two-Weapon Fighting rules normally require the weapons to be light, and the Thrown Weapon Fighting Style circumvents that issue entirely.
15. What are some good magic items for thrown weapon users?
- Dagger of Venom: A dagger that can deal extra poison damage.
- Weapon of Returning The thrown weapon immediately returns to the wielder after making the attack.
- Javelin of Lightning: A javelin that can be transformed into a bolt of lightning.
- Bracers of Archery: Provides proficiency with thrown weapons as well as advantage when wielding them.
Conclusion
Understanding the interplay between the Thrown and Finesse properties is crucial for effectively using thrown weapons in 5e. While Strength is the default ability score, Dexterity offers a viable alternative for characters with the right build and weapons. Experiment, optimize, and have fun exploring the possibilities of ranged combat with melee weapons!
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