What is the Best Simple Weapon for a Bard in D&D 5e?

The short answer to “What is the best simple weapon for a bard?” is: It depends. There isn’t a single, universally “best” option, as the ideal choice varies based on your bard’s playstyle, subclass, and the specific situation. However, for a general, non-martial Bard focusing on spellcasting, the light crossbow is often considered the most effective simple weapon due to its range and damage output. Other simple weapon options, like the shortbow and sling, also have their merits, depending on your needs and strategy. Let’s dive into why the light crossbow is often favored and explore the other options in detail.

The Case for the Light Crossbow

Why It Often Takes the Top Spot

The light crossbow stands out for a few key reasons:

• Superior Range: With a range of 80/320 feet, it significantly outranges melee weapons and even the shortbow. This allows a bard to engage in combat while maintaining a safe distance, a crucial aspect when considering the bard’s often more fragile nature.
• Decent Damage: Dealing 1d8 piercing damage, the light crossbow provides a solid damage output among simple weapons, particularly when the bard isn’t focused on melee combat. While not the highest damage, it is consistent and reliable.
• Simplicity: As a simple weapon, the light crossbow requires no special training, making it readily available for any Bard from level 1. This contrasts with martial weapons that might require feats or specific subclass choices.

When the Light Crossbow Might Not Be the Best

While generally excellent, the light crossbow isn’t always the perfect fit:

• Loading Property: The Loading property means you can only fire one shot per action, which can be a drawback in longer fights, especially for Bards without Extra Attack. This can limit its effectiveness against quickly moving targets.
• Not Finesse: The light crossbow relies on dexterity but does not have the Finesse property. If you find your dexterity score to be low, a Finesse melee weapon may be a better choice.
• No Special Utility: The light crossbow offers no special utility abilities such as the reach of a spear or the ability to use thrown ammo like the sling.

Alternatives: Shortbow, Sling, and Others

While the light crossbow is a popular choice, other simple weapons have their advantages:

The Shortbow

• Pros: The shortbow provides a decent range (80/320 ft) and damage (1d6 piercing). What sets it apart from the light crossbow is that it does not have the Loading property. This means you can attack more than once with it if you have the Extra Attack feature or if you have other bonus action attack options. It can also be a suitable choice for a bard trying to keep enemies at bay.
• Cons: It deals less damage than the light crossbow (1d6 vs 1d8).

The Sling

• Pros: The sling can be useful if your Dungeon Master makes special rulings on ammunition. The range is quite good at 30/120ft. and deals 1d4 bludgeoning damage, which can be useful against creatures resistant to piercing damage.
• Cons: The damage is the lowest of the simple ranged weapons.

Other Options

• Darts: Darts are a unique simple weapon because of the thrown property. The range is very short however, at 20/60ft.
• Simple Melee Weapons: Although this article focuses on ranged simple weapons, simple melee weapons such as the mace, shortsword, quarterstaff, and sickle can also be beneficial for a bard depending on the situation.

Making the Best Choice for Your Bard

Ultimately, the best simple weapon for your bard depends on the following factors:

• Your Bard’s Subclass: If you are a College of Valor bard, you have proficiency in martial weapons. You won’t need to rely on simple weapons. However, you may still want to have a light crossbow as a secondary ranged option.
• Your Playstyle: Do you prefer to stay at range or be more hands-on in the battle? Consider how your bard operates in combat. A light crossbow is suitable for a ranged strategy, while a shortbow could work if you have Extra Attack from another source.
• Your Party Composition: Consider how your weapon choice complements the rest of your party.
• Specific Campaign Needs: Adapt your choice based on enemy resistances and common terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are Bards proficient with all simple weapons?

Yes, Bards are proficient with all simple weapons, which includes both melee and ranged options. This is true from the first level.

2. Can a bard use a hand crossbow?

Yes, bards are proficient in hand crossbows, making it an option for a ranged weapon. However, it has the loading property and may not be the best choice overall for Bards that do not have ways of getting additional attacks.

3. Does a bard’s choice of weapon impact their spellcasting?

No, the choice of weapon does not impact a bard’s spellcasting directly. You can cast spells effectively regardless of what weapon you’re holding. However, you need a free hand to perform a spell’s somatic component unless you have the War Caster feat.

4. Can a bard get Extra Attack with a simple weapon?

No, a bard does not get Extra Attack from their base class. Certain subclasses, like the College of Valor, and other multiclass options can provide this feature. Without Extra Attack, the light crossbow’s limitations may outweigh the benefits for some.

5. What is the best melee weapon for a bard if I prefer melee combat?

The rapier is often considered the best melee option for Bards due to its Finesse property, allowing you to use your Dexterity modifier for attacks. However, it is not a simple weapon. If you want to use simple weapons, then a shortsword may be the best option.

6. Should I pick the light crossbow as my default weapon for all bards?

While it’s a good option for many, no, you should not default to the light crossbow for every bard. Consider your specific build and playstyle, and choose a weapon that best suits your needs.

7. What does the “Loading” property of the light crossbow mean?

The Loading property means that you can only make one attack per action with that weapon, regardless of whether you have any additional attacks.

8. Can a bard use shields?

Yes, Bards can use shields. This is essential for improving defense, as Bards typically wear light or medium armor.

9. Can a bard use weapons from other classes if they multiclass?

If your bard multiclasses into a class with martial weapon proficiency (like a Fighter or Paladin), you’ll gain proficiency with those weapons. However, you will not gain all of the proficiencies of the class you multiclass into.

10. Is there any feat that helps a bard use weapons more effectively?

The Weapon Master feat grants proficiency in four weapons of your choice and is often used by classes that do not naturally gain proficiency with the martial weapons they want. The Sharpshooter feat can improve a bard’s ranged attack, but it comes with the tradeoff of adding a -5 penalty to attack rolls.

11. Does the damage type of my simple weapon matter?

Yes, the damage type of your simple weapon can matter depending on the enemies you face. Some creatures may be resistant to or vulnerable to certain damage types (piercing, bludgeoning, slashing).

12. What is the best way for a bard to deal damage?

While weapons can contribute to damage, bards are primarily damage dealers through their spells. Use weapons strategically to supplement your spellcasting.

13. Should I bother with weapons if I focus on spellcasting?

Yes, you should still have a reliable weapon, even if your focus is spellcasting. It provides options for combat, especially at low levels when spell slots are limited.

14. Does my background affect my simple weapon choice?

While your background can provide additional proficiencies, it usually won’t impact your choice of standard simple weapons as a bard. Your background can affect the style of weapon you would carry, however. For example, a pirate character might want a cutlass.

15. Are thrown weapons a good choice for bards?

Thrown weapons like darts are an option, but their limited range and lower damage can make them less effective compared to ranged weapons like the light crossbow or shortbow for most Bards.

Conclusion

In the end, the “best” simple weapon for a bard is the one that best suits your specific needs and playstyle. The light crossbow is a solid, reliable choice, but be sure to consider the shortbow, sling, and other options based on your preferred combat strategy. And always remember that a bard’s true strength lies in their versatility and spellcasting! Choose your weapon wisely, and enjoy your journey as a charismatic adventurer.