Decoding the Dice: What’s the Average Damage of 2d6 with Great Weapon Fighting?
The burning question for many Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) enthusiasts, particularly those wielding mighty greatswords, is: what is the average damage of a 2d6 roll when using the Great Weapon Fighting Style (GWFS)? The answer, after considering the rerolling mechanic, is approximately 8.33. This is a crucial bit of information for players looking to maximize their damage output. Let’s break down how we arrive at this number and why it matters.
Understanding the Mechanics
Before diving into the specifics, let’s recap how GWFS works. This fighting style, available to fighters and paladins, allows you to reroll any damage die that shows a 1 or a 2 when wielding a melee weapon with two hands. Critically, you must use the new result, even if the new roll is also a 1 or 2. This seemingly simple rule significantly impacts the average damage of weapons, especially those using multiple dice like 2d6.
The Base Average of 2d6
Without GWFS, the average damage of 2d6 is straightforward. Each d6 averages 3.5 (calculated by (1+2+3+4+5+6)/6). Therefore, 2d6 averages 7 (3.5 + 3.5). This is the baseline we need to compare with GWFS.
Calculating the Impact of GWFS on 2d6
Now comes the tricky part. With Great Weapon Fighting, we must account for the probability of rolling a 1 or 2 and the subsequent reroll. Let’s consider the possibilities:
- Initial Roll of 1: If any of the d6 rolls a 1, we must reroll it. A reroll of one die averages 3.5, as mentioned above.
- Initial Roll of 2: If any of the d6 rolls a 2, we must reroll it. A reroll of one die averages 3.5.
The calculation is more complex than simply adding a flat value. It requires a weighted average, taking into account all possible combinations and probabilities. The most accurate calculation shows us that:
- The average result for the first die becomes approximately 4.472 when rerolling 1’s and 2’s.
- The average result for the second die becomes approximately 4.472 when rerolling 1’s and 2’s.
- Therefore, the average damage of 2d6 with Great Weapon Fighting is approximately 8.33 (4.166 + 4.166)
This number is considerably higher than the base 7, which is very impactful in combat.
Why is this Important?
Understanding the actual average damage of weapons with various fighting styles is fundamental to strategic character building. Knowing that 2d6 with GWFS results in an average damage of 8.33 helps players assess the effectiveness of this style compared to others, like Dueling or Two-Weapon Fighting. It allows you to make more informed choices when selecting your fighting style. For classes like Fighters and Paladins who often rely on melee combat, this knowledge is essential for maximizing their combat potential and ensuring they are making the right choices for optimal effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions regarding Great Weapon Fighting, damage, and weapon choices:
1. How does Great Weapon Fighting compare to other fighting styles?
Great Weapon Fighting (GWFS) primarily boosts the average damage of weapons that use multiple damage dice, like a greatsword (2d6). Other styles like Dueling grant a flat +2 damage bonus with a one handed weapon, while Archery adds +2 to ranged attacks. The best choice depends on your character’s weapon preference and overall playstyle. While dueling is a reliable flat bonus, GWFS scales better with multi-dice weapons such as the greatsword.
2. Does Great Weapon Fighting apply to all two-handed weapons?
Yes, Great Weapon Fighting applies to any melee weapon that you are wielding with two hands. This includes weapons with the two-handed property, as well as versatile weapons (like longswords) when used in two hands.
3. Is a greatsword better than a greataxe with Great Weapon Fighting?
While a greataxe (1d12) has a higher maximum damage, a greatsword (2d6) offers more consistent average damage. With Great Weapon Fighting, the greatsword’s average goes up to 8.33, whereas the greataxe goes to roughly 7.33. The greatsword is also less likely to roll low, so it’s generally considered a more reliable choice for consistent damage output.
4. Does Great Weapon Fighting affect critical hits?
Yes, Great Weapon Fighting applies to the damage dice rolled for a critical hit, meaning you can reroll 1s and 2s on those dice. For example, a critical hit with a greatsword (normally 4d6) now benefits from the reroll mechanic on all four dice.
5. What is the average damage of a longsword with Great Weapon Fighting?
When used with two hands, a longsword deals 1d10 damage. With Great Weapon Fighting, the average damage of a longsword increases from 5.5 to around 6.67.
6. How much damage does a maul do with Great Weapon Fighting?
A maul deals 2d6 damage, so it’s the same as the greatsword, meaning a maul with GWFS will have an average damage of 8.33.
7. Is it possible to get a +1 bonus to a weapon in D&D?
Yes, it is possible to find or create magical weapons with bonuses. A +1 weapon adds 1 to your attack rolls and 1 to your damage rolls. Such weapons are considered uncommon or rare depending on the DM.
8. Can you combine Great Weapon Fighting with other feats?
Absolutely. Feats like Great Weapon Master (GWM) and Savage Attacker can combine with GWFS. GWM is a damage increasing feat that has trade offs and can synergize really well with GWFS. Savage Attacker allows a full reroll of a weapons damage dice once a turn, which combines well to increase your damage output and also makes it less likely to get very low damage results.
9. What is the best fighting style for a paladin?
For paladins, Defense, Dueling, and Great Weapon Fighting are popular options. Defense adds AC while Dueling is great for single weapon and shield fighting. Great Weapon Fighting maximizes damage output for those paladins that prefer to wield greatswords, or other two-handed weapons. The best choice depends on your chosen build and playstyle.
10. Can Great Weapon Fighting be used on versatile weapons?
Yes, versatile weapons, such as longswords, can benefit from Great Weapon Fighting when used with two hands. This provides an increase to the damage dice and lets you benefit from the fighting style.
11. Is Great Weapon Fighting as good as Dueling?
Dueling provides a flat +2 damage, which can be good for a single weapon user, while Great Weapon Fighting increases damage output by roughly +1.3 damage for a greatsword. Dueling is better for one handed fighting, while GWFS is best for two handed combat.
12. What stats are best for a fighter using Great Weapon Fighting?
Strength is the most important for a fighter, as it increases your attack and damage. Constitution is also important for health, and Dexterity is good for light armor. Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma are your dump stats.
13. Can you use a shield while using a greatsword?
No, a greatsword is a two-handed weapon and it is not possible to hold a shield and a greatsword at the same time. This means you should be choosing between the offense and defense provided by your weapons.
14. Is two-weapon fighting viable?
Two-weapon fighting can be viable, especially with feats like Dual Wielder and the Two Weapon Fighting style. However, it often requires more resources and can be less effective against heavily armored opponents than simply using a two-handed weapon.
15. Does Great Weapon Fighting increase a character’s chance to hit?
No, Great Weapon Fighting only affects damage rolls. It does not improve the attack roll or the likelihood of hitting an opponent. This means that getting more attacks per round is key to getting consistent damage output.
Conclusion
Understanding the average damage of 2d6 with Great Weapon Fighting is essential for any D&D player aiming to optimize their combat effectiveness. The approximately 8.33 average damage it provides is a considerable increase over the base 7 damage, making it a strong choice for classes who are looking to use two-handed weapons and maximize damage output. Armed with this knowledge and a solid understanding of how it works, players can make more informed choices when creating and playing their characters.