Decoding the Dual Wielder Feat: Can You Unarmed Strike Your Way to Victory?
The short answer is no, the Dual Wielder feat does not inherently work with unarmed strikes in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. While unarmed strikes are considered melee weapon attacks, they are not considered weapons themselves, at least not in the way the Dual Wielder feat is intended. This means you can’t use the feat to satisfy the two-weapon fighting requirements using only unarmed strikes.
The Dual Wielder feat specifically enhances the ability to fight with two weapons, offering benefits like using non-light weapons and increasing AC. These benefits are tied to the act of wielding actual weapons, not simply making unarmed attacks. While a monk might seem to blur the lines, their unique class features operate independently of the Dual Wielder feat.
Delving Deeper: Unpacking the Rules
The core issue stems from the fundamental definition of two-weapon fighting. This combat style relies on wielding a light weapon in each hand. When you take the Attack action with a light weapon, you can use a bonus action to attack with a different light weapon you’re holding. The Dual Wielder feat expands upon this by allowing you to use weapons that aren’t light, and granting other boons.
Unarmed strikes, however, are categorized as melee weapon attacks but not as weapons in the specific sense needed to trigger two-weapon fighting. Think of it this way: your fist is the delivery method of the attack, not the weapon itself.
Monks: The Exception, Not the Rule
Monks often get brought into this discussion because they have specific class features, like Martial Arts, that allow them to make unarmed strikes as bonus actions. However, these features are entirely separate from the two-weapon fighting rules and the Dual Wielder feat. A monk’s ability to flurry of blows doesn’t suddenly make unarmed strikes qualify for the feat’s benefits for other classes.
The Illusion of Dual Wielding Without Weapons
While you can’t directly apply the Dual Wielder feat to unarmed strikes, certain character builds and roleplaying choices can create a similar feel. For example, a character could wield a dagger in one hand (qualifying for two-weapon fighting and the Dual Wielder feat) and make unarmed strikes with their free hand. This wouldn’t directly enhance the unarmed strike, but it would allow them to benefit from the feat’s other perks.
FAQs: Unarmed Strikes and Dual Wielding Explained
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between unarmed strikes and dual wielding in 5e:
1. Are Unarmed Strikes Considered Weapons?
No. Unarmed strikes are considered melee weapon attacks, but they are not weapons in the mechanical sense defined by the Player’s Handbook for features like Two-Weapon Fighting or the Dual Wielder feat.
2. Can I Use Two-Weapon Fighting With Unarmed Strikes?
Generally no. You cannot use two-weapon fighting as described in the Player’s Handbook by making two unarmed strikes, unless you have a specific class feature like a Monk with their Martial Arts ability which explicitly allows this.
3. Does the Dual Wielder Feat Allow Me to Use Unarmed Strikes in Place of Weapons?
No. The Dual Wielder feat enhances two-weapon fighting, but it requires you to be wielding actual weapons. Unarmed strikes do not qualify.
4. Can a Monk Use the Dual Wielder Feat to Enhance Their Unarmed Combat?
The benefit would be minimal. While a monk could take the Dual Wielder feat, the main benefit they’d receive is the +1 AC and potentially being able to wield a weapon like a shortsword in one hand along with their unarmed strikes. The Martial Arts feature is generally more potent for a monk’s unarmed combat.
5. If I’m Holding a Weapon in One Hand, Can I Still Make an Unarmed Strike?
Yes. You can make unarmed strikes even if you are wielding a weapon in the other hand. Unarmed strikes use your body, so you can still punch, kick, or headbutt while holding a sword.
6. Do Battle Master Maneuvers Work With Unarmed Strikes?
Yes, most Battle Master maneuvers work with unarmed strikes. Since unarmed strikes are melee weapon attacks, they qualify for maneuvers that require a weapon attack. However, maneuvers that explicitly require a weapon (like “Brace”) would not work.
7. Can I Cast Booming Blade or Green-Flame Blade With an Unarmed Strike?
No. Both Booming Blade and Green-Flame Blade specifically require you to make the attack with a weapon. Unarmed strikes do not qualify.
8. Am I Proficient With Unarmed Strikes?
Yes. Everyone is proficient with unarmed strikes. You add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll.
9. Can I Use Dexterity Instead of Strength for Unarmed Strikes?
Yes, you can use Dexterity instead of Strength for the attack and damage rolls of your unarmed strikes if you choose to. Monks are particularly well-suited for this.
10. Does Dueling Fighting Style Work With Unarmed Attacks?
No. The Dueling fighting style requires you to be wielding a melee weapon in one hand and no other weapons. Unarmed strikes are not considered weapons.
11. Do Natural Weapons Count as Unarmed Strikes?
Not always. Natural weapons are considered weapons in D&D. Natural weapon attacks do not count as Unarmed Strikes unless the specific creature description states otherwise.
12. Can Unarmed Strikes Be Considered Magic Weapons?
Normally no, unless you have a class feature that makes them so. Monk’s are an example of a class that gain the ability to treat their unarmed strikes as magical.
13. Can I Make an Unarmed Strike as Part of the Attack Action After Throwing a Weapon?
Yes. If you take the attack action to throw a dagger, you can still make an unarmed strike.
14. Can I Use an Unarmed Strike as an Opportunity Attack?
Yes. Since unarmed strikes are melee weapon attacks, they can be used for opportunity attacks.
15. Can I use Flurry of Blows with Monk weapons?
Yes, as long as the monk has the Monastic Weaponry class feat, they can use Flurry of Blows with melee monk weapons.
Conclusion: Know the Rules, Embrace the Flavor
While the Dual Wielder feat doesn’t directly empower unarmed strikes, understanding the nuances of the rules allows for creative character builds and roleplaying opportunities. Remember that D&D is as much about storytelling as it is about mechanics. Use the rules as a foundation, but don’t be afraid to explore unique character concepts that capture the essence of unarmed combat even within the existing framework.
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