What Class Uses a Greatsword? A Comprehensive Guide
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The greatsword, a symbol of power and devastating force, is a staple weapon in fantasy settings and historical accounts. Its imposing size and potential for high damage make it a desirable choice for many characters. However, not every class is equally suited to wield it. So, the direct answer is: Classes that use a greatsword effectively are those with proficiency in martial weapons and the strength to handle them. This generally encompasses classes like Fighters, Paladins, and Barbarians in systems like D&D 5e. But the question has nuances, and we need to delve into what makes each class fit to wield this behemoth of a blade. Let’s explore further.
Classes Best Suited for Greatswords
Fighters: Masters of Martial Prowess
Fighters are arguably the quintessential greatsword wielders. They have proficiency in all martial weapons, meaning they can wield a greatsword without penalty from the beginning. Beyond that, Fighters are masters of combat. They gain access to multiple attacks per round as they level up, meaning they can maximize the damage output of a high-damage weapon like a greatsword. Their flexibility and consistent output make them formidable greatsword users. They can often be built for versatility, focusing on other weapons, or go down a dedicated damage-focused path with a greatsword.
Paladins: Holy Warriors of Might
Paladins are another class ideally suited to greatswords. They also have proficiency in all martial weapons and gain access to powerful divine abilities. The combination of a greatsword’s raw power and a Paladin’s divine smites can result in devastatingly high damage on enemies. Paladins are more than just damage dealers; their healing and support capabilities complement their offensive abilities. They can be tanks with the potential to deal massive damage, especially during burst opportunities with smites and high-rolling attacks from a greatsword.
Barbarians: Rage-Fueled Berserkers
Barbarians are a natural fit for the greatsword for one very simple reason: their Rage. While raging, a Barbarian deals additional damage to all their melee attacks, making a high-damage weapon like a greatsword even more potent. This coupled with their ability to deal extra damage through critical hits makes them fantastic at causing massive damage. They are often built to rush in and attack with relentless ferocity, taking advantage of their high hit points and damage resistance. The greatsword helps them achieve their objective of delivering as much damage as possible.
Why Other Classes May Not Be Ideal
While these three excel, other classes, like Rangers, Monks, Rogues, or spellcasting classes, tend not to be optimized for greatsword use. Rangers are often more reliant on ranged attacks or dual-wielding. Monks focus on unarmed strikes, Rogues on finesse-based weapons, and spellcasters are often better served using their magical abilities. That being said, with multi-classing and character build choices, it is not impossible for these other classes to take advantage of a greatsword. But it would generally require dedication towards that build path.
Historical Context and Design
The greatsword was primarily the weapon of foot soldiers and mercenaries, such as the German Landsknechte, rather than knights. These soldiers relied on the greatsword’s reach and power to disrupt enemy formations and deliver heavy blows. The design of the greatsword emphasizes its two-handed nature, providing the leverage necessary to wield the weapon effectively. It is important to distinguish it from smaller swords like a longsword. A longsword was a favored weapon of knights, known for its speed and versatility. The greatsword, on the other hand, is designed for pure, concentrated power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best class for a greatsword in 5e?
Fighters, Paladins, and Barbarians are the best classes for using a greatsword in D&D 5e. Fighters are the most versatile, Paladins provide divine support, and Barbarians bring raw power to the table.
2. Is a greatsword better than a longsword?
It depends on the situation and your class. Greatswords are two-handed and offer higher raw damage potential. Longswords are versatile and can be used with one hand, allowing for a shield in the other. Mechanically, longswords are more reliable in terms of average damage, whereas a greatsword’s strength comes from high critical hits and high damage multipliers.
3. Can you dual-wield greatswords?
No, you cannot dual-wield greatswords. They are two-handed weapons. Dual-wielding is restricted to light weapons and requires the Dual Wielder feat.
4. Is a claymore a greatsword?
Yes, a claymore is a type of greatsword. Specifically, it refers to the large, two-handed sword used in the Scottish Highlands.
5. Are greatswords historically accurate?
Yes, greatswords were used historically, particularly by foot soldiers and mercenaries such as the Landsknechte. They were effective in breaking through enemy lines and delivering devastating blows.
6. Can a greatsword cut through armor?
While not a sure thing, greatswords could theoretically cut through armor. There are historical accounts of people cleaving through plate armor, though these may be exaggerated. The effectiveness depended on the quality of the armor and the power of the swing.
7. Is 2d6 better than 1d12 for damage?
Statistically, 2d6 is more consistent, while 1d12 has a higher damage potential. 2d6 will lead to more moderate outcomes, while 1d12 has higher variance and lower chances of landing the most potent results. Greatswords use 2d6, which means more often than not, they’ll have high damage outcomes compared to a Greataxe.
8. What are the benefits of using a greatsword?
The primary benefits are high raw damage potential and greater range than smaller swords. The greatsword is able to do more damage on each strike, making it a powerful option for damage focused characters.
9. Why are greatswords two-handed?
Greatswords are two-handed because of their size and weight. This two-handed grip allows for the leverage and control needed to wield the weapon effectively.
10. Can you create a one-handed greatsword style?
No, a one-handed greatsword style would be highly ineffective. The weapon is designed to be wielded with two hands for proper leverage and control. Its top-heavy nature means swinging it with one hand would be difficult and inaccurate.
11. Who are the best greatsword users in fantasy?
In fantasy games, characters like Guts from Berserk and certain Elden Ring builds are often associated with greatswords due to their strength and combat prowess.
12. What is the Favonius Greatsword good for?
The Favonius Greatsword in Genshin Impact is good for a support or a character that focuses on battery recharge. It can help allies charge their bursts faster.
13. Why is the greatsword sometimes considered one of the best melee weapons?
The greatsword is often considered one of the best melee weapons because of its high damage output, potential for critical hits, and versatility in the hands of specific classes. In D&D 5e, the 2d6 damage dice make it very reliable for consistent, high-average damage.
14. What are the drawbacks of a greatsword?
The main drawbacks of a greatsword are that it requires two hands to wield, making it unsuitable for use with shields or dual-wielding and small or tiny characters can’t use it.
15. Is Excalibur a greatsword?
Excalibur is generally portrayed as a longsword, not a greatsword. Historically, the swords of that era were smaller and designed for more agile combat.