Mastering the Art of Thrown Weapon Fighting in D&D 5E
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 weapon fighting in D&D 5E is a unique combat style that allows characters to engage enemies at a distance using weapons typically associated with melee combat. It’s a versatile option that can be surprisingly effective, though it requires a nuanced understanding of the rules to maximize its potential.
At its core, thrown weapon fighting involves making a ranged attack with a weapon that has the thrown property. This means you can hurl a weapon like a handaxe, dagger, or javelin at an enemy, using your Strength or Dexterity modifier depending on the weapon and any relevant feats or class features. The mechanics follow the standard rules for ranged attacks, including accounting for cover, range penalties, and disadvantage.
The true depth of thrown weapon fighting, however, lies in the specific character builds and choices that can enhance its effectiveness. These include feats, fighting styles, and class features that can significantly boost damage, accuracy, and overall utility. It’s an area where careful planning and creative character design can lead to a formidable and interesting combat style.
Understanding the Fundamentals
The Thrown Property
The thrown property is what allows a weapon to be used in this way. If a weapon has the thrown property, it can be used to make a ranged attack. The range listed next to the property indicates the weapon’s normal range and long range. Attacks beyond the normal range suffer disadvantage, and attacks beyond the long range are impossible.
Ability Modifiers
When making a thrown weapon attack, you typically use the same ability modifier you would use for a melee attack with that weapon. This means if you’re throwing a handaxe (a melee weapon with the thrown property), you’ll use your Strength modifier for both the attack and damage rolls. Some ranged weapons with the thrown property, like darts, use Dexterity.
Making the Attack
The attack roll is calculated as 1d20 + your relevant ability modifier + your proficiency bonus (if proficient with the weapon). Compare the result to the target’s Armor Class (AC). If the attack roll equals or exceeds the AC, you hit.
Damage
If you hit, you roll the weapon’s damage dice and add the relevant ability modifier. For example, a handaxe deals 1d6 slashing damage, so you would roll 1d6 and add your Strength modifier.
Enhancing Thrown Weapon Fighting
Several features and choices can significantly enhance thrown weapon fighting:
-
Fighting Style (Thrown Weapon Fighting): This fighting style, available to Fighters, Rangers, and Paladins, allows you to draw a weapon that has the thrown property as part of the attack you make with the weapon. This removes the action economy issue of drawing a weapon each turn. Plus, when you hit with a ranged attack using a thrown weapon, you gain a +2 bonus to the damage roll.
-
Feats: Feats like Sharpshooter can be used to ignore half and three-quarters cover, and prevent long range attacks from imposing disadvantage, but the -5 to hit for +10 to damage does not apply. Dual Wielder allows you to draw two one-handed weapons at once, speeding up the early turns of combat, but this does not apply to darts since darts are ranged weapons.
-
Class Features: Some classes have features that synergize well with thrown weapons. For example, a Rogue’s Sneak Attack damage can be applied to thrown weapon attacks.
Common Thrown Weapons
- Dagger: A simple, readily available weapon that deals 1d4 piercing damage.
- Handaxe: A versatile weapon that deals 1d6 slashing damage.
- Javelin: A simple weapon that deals 1d6 piercing damage and has a longer range than daggers or handaxes.
- Dart: A ranged weapon with the thrown property that deals 1d4 piercing damage and uses Dexterity.
- Light Hammer: A simple weapon that deals 1d4 bludgeoning damage.
- Net: While not dealing damage, a net is a ranged weapon that can restrain a target.
Strategic Considerations
- Action Economy: The Thrown Weapon Fighting style addresses the action economy problem of drawing weapons. Without it, drawing a weapon each turn can severely limit your effectiveness.
- Ammunition: Unlike bows or crossbows, thrown weapons require you to retrieve them or carry a large supply. Consider carrying multiple weapons or using a returning weapon magic item if your DM allows.
- Positioning: Maintaining distance is crucial for thrown weapon fighters. Use cover and movement to your advantage to avoid being caught in melee.
- Versatility: Thrown weapon fighting offers a unique blend of melee and ranged capabilities. You can engage enemies at a distance while still wielding a melee weapon for close-quarters combat.
Thrown weapon fighting is a viable and engaging combat style in D&D 5E. By understanding the rules, leveraging feats and fighting styles, and considering strategic factors, you can create a character that excels at throwing weapons and dominating the battlefield. For more insights into the broader gaming community and research, consider visiting the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
The GamesLearningSociety.org is great.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the Archery fighting style apply to thrown weapons?
No, the Archery fighting style does not apply to thrown weapons. Archery specifically grants a bonus to attack rolls made with ranged weapons, and while thrown weapons are used to make ranged attacks, they are not classified as ranged weapons for this purpose.
2. Does the Dueling fighting style apply to thrown weapons?
Yes, the Dueling fighting style can apply to thrown weapons, specifically melee weapons with the thrown property, according to official rulings. The key is that you are wielding the weapon in one hand when you make the attack.
3. Can I use Two-Weapon Fighting with thrown weapons?
Yes, Two-Weapon Fighting can be used with thrown weapons, but with limitations. You must be using light weapons in both hands. Darts cannot benefit from two-weapon fighting. You can throw one of the light thrown weapons as an action, then throw the second light thrown weapon as a bonus action.
4. Do thrown weapons use Strength or Dexterity?
Thrown weapons use the same ability modifier as they would for a melee attack. This generally means Strength for most thrown melee weapons like handaxes and javelins. However, some ranged weapons with the thrown property, such as darts, use Dexterity.
5. Can I throw a weapon that doesn’t have the thrown property?
Yes, but it is considered an improvised weapon. Improvised weapons use Dexterity for attack and damage rolls and deal 1d4 damage.
6. Can I use Sharpshooter with thrown weapons?
Yes, a thrown weapon still counts as a ranged weapon attack. A player still does not get disadvantage from long range, and they still ignore half and three-quarter cover. It does not however count as an attack with a ranged weapon so you can’t take the -5 penalty to hit in exchange for the +10 to damage.
7. Do thrown weapons get Rage damage?
Throwing a melee weapon is technically “making a ranged weapon attack with a melee weapon.” So strictly speaking it does not benefit from Rage bonus damage.
8. What is the range of a thrown weapon?
The range of a thrown weapon is listed in its properties. For example, a handaxe has a range of 20/60, meaning a normal range of 20 feet and a long range of 60 feet. Improvised thrown weapons have a range of 20/60 as well.
9. Can I use a javelin in melee?
Yes, a javelin is a melee weapon that can also be used as a ranged weapon. You can use it as a melee weapon without disadvantage.
10. Does the Thrown Weapon Fighting style stack with other damage bonuses?
Yes, the +2 damage from the Thrown Weapon Fighting style stacks with other damage bonuses, such as Sneak Attack or Hunter’s Mark.
11. Do I need to be proficient with a thrown weapon to use it effectively?
Yes, you need to be proficient with a thrown weapon to add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll. Without proficiency, you make the attack roll at a significant disadvantage.
12. Can I dual wield thrown weapons?
Yes, you can dual wield thrown weapons as long as they have the light property, following the rules for Two-Weapon Fighting. This allows you to throw one weapon as an action and another as a bonus action.
13. Can I use Reckless Attack with thrown weapons?
No, Reckless Attack only grants advantage on melee weapon attacks using Strength. Because throwing a weapon results in a ranged weapon attack, it doesn’t qualify for Reckless Attack.
14. Do thrown weapons count as ranged weapons for all features?
Not always. While thrown weapons are used to make ranged attacks, they are not always classified as “ranged weapons” for the purpose of certain features and abilities. Always check the specific wording of the feature.
15. What are some good character builds for thrown weapon fighting?
Rogue (Assassin or Thief) and Fighter (Battle Master or Champion) can both be effective. The Rogue’s Sneak Attack and the Fighter’s Action Surge and combat maneuvers combine well with thrown weapons. A Ranger with the Thrown Weapon Fighting style can also be effective with thrown weapons.