What Classes Can Use a Greatsword?
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.
The classes that can use a greatsword include Ardents, Avengers, Barbarians, Battleminds, Fighters, Paladins, Rangers, Wardens, and Warlords, as these classes are proficient with all military melee weapons, including the greatsword. These classes can effectively wield a greatsword due to their strength and martial prowess, making them well-suited for dealing significant damage in combat.
Understanding Greatswords and Their Users
A greatsword is a military two-handed melee weapon in the heavy blade weapon group, requiring a certain level of strength and skill to handle effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a Bard Use a Greatsword?
Bards do not get proficiency with two-handed swords, but they can gain proficiency with a greatsword by taking the Weapon Master feat at 1st level, allowing them to choose the greatsword as one of the four weapons they gain proficiency with.
2. Can Sorcerers Use Greatswords?
Sorcerers can use greatswords, but they are discouraged from doing so due to their limited weapon proficiencies.
3. What Classes are Best for Greatswords in 5E?
Martial classes that focus on strength, such as Fighters, Paladins, and Barbarians, are the best options for using greatswords in 5E.
4. Can a Warlock Have a Sword?
Any Warlock, regardless of their patron, can become proficient with a greatsword, although Hexblade Warlocks can get the most out of the weapon.
5. Can You Tank with a Greatsword?
A greatsword can be used as a tank when looking to be tanky while also dealing damage, but it is not the most effective option.
6. Can a Rogue Wield a Longsword?
Rogues are proficient in all melee weapons, including longswords, and can use them effectively.
7. What Does a Greatsword Scale Off Of?
A greatsword relies on Strength and Dexterity and is currently the only weapon that evenly scales with two stats.
8. Did Knights Actually Use Greatswords?
Greatswords were primarily used by foot soldiers rather than knights and were often used to break through enemy lines or deliver devastating blows to enemy formations.
9. What is the Best Class for a Greatsword 5E?
The fighter class is an obvious choice for using a greatsword, as they are proficient in all martial weapons and can output significant damage.
10. How Heavy is a Greatsword?
A greatsword can weigh up to 4 or 5kg (10lb), making it slightly cumbersome due to its length.
11. Can a Paladin Wield a Greatsword?
Paladin characters can specialize in martial weapons, including greatswords, and use them effectively.
12. Is Excalibur a Longsword?
Excalibur is often portrayed as a longsword, but it is likely that King Arthur would have had a short blade similar to a Roman gladius.
13. Would a Longsword Break a Katana?
It is possible but highly unlikely for a longsword to break a katana, as the forces required to break a katana are often not great enough in combat.
14. What to Pair with a Greatsword?
Pairing a greatsword with a strength-scaling weapon, such as a War Hammer, Great Axe, or Hatchet, can make it one of the strongest weapons in the game.
15. Can a Greatsword Pierce Armor?
Swords, including greatswords, are not able to cut through plate armor unless it is of extremely low quality, making them less effective against heavily armored opponents.