The Best Weapon for a Halfling: A Comprehensive Guide
Figuring out the ideal weapon for a halfling character in Dungeons and Dragons can be a delightful puzzle. Halflings, with their small stature and inherent agility, often defy the expectations placed on warriors of larger builds. So, what is the absolute best weapon for a halfling? The answer isn’t as straightforward as a single weapon type, but rather a carefully considered selection based on class, playstyle, and the halfling’s innate strengths. However, if forced to choose, the rapier and the hand crossbow stand out for their effectiveness, versatility, and synergy with a halfling’s natural abilities.
Why These Weapons Shine
The rapier and the hand crossbow both offer key advantages for a halfling. The rapier is a finesse weapon, meaning you use your Dexterity modifier rather than Strength for attack and damage rolls. This is a crucial point, as halflings typically boast a higher Dexterity score than Strength. A higher Dexterity translates into more accurate and potent attacks. The rapier’s piercing damage type also fits well with a more mobile and tactical fighting style, allowing a halfling to quickly maneuver in and out of combat while still delivering precise strikes.
The hand crossbow, similarly, leverages a halfling’s dexterity. Also classified as a ranged finesse weapon, it also benefits from the dexterity modifier, improving accuracy. Furthermore, it offers a potent ranged option, keeping the halfling safe from dangerous melee engagements. This combination of finesse and range is particularly valuable, making the hand crossbow an excellent choice for halfling adventurers.
Class Considerations
While the rapier and hand crossbow are top contenders, the ‘best’ weapon also depends heavily on the class a halfling is playing:
- Rogue: A halfling Rogue is a natural fit for both the rapier and hand crossbow. Their Sneak Attack ability pairs exceptionally well with these weapons, maximizing damage output from both melee and ranged attacks. Finesse weapons like rapiers are a cornerstone of the Rogue’s combat style.
- Bard: A halfling Bard also benefits from finesse weapons. The rapier offers a more melee option when cantrips are not ideal, while the light crossbow provides a solid ranged choice.
- Ranger: Halfling Rangers can benefit from either, with the crossbow and rapier being a solid combination, especially for builds that incorporate melee combat.
- Fighter: A fighter halfling can utilise rapiers and short swords. They can also use hand crossbows.
- Barbarian: Surprisingly, a halfling barbarian using a battleaxe or short sword can be quite formidable. While heavy weapons are out due to disadvantage, they can take a versatile weapon in two hands for slightly more damage and still benefit from their rage.
The Limitations of Size
It is crucial to acknowledge the limitations that a halfling’s size imposes. They are considered Small creatures, and this comes with a key restriction: they suffer disadvantage on attack rolls with heavy weapons. This eliminates polearms, greataxes, greatswords, and any weapon designated as “heavy”. This significantly reduces the available weapon pool but also drives halfling character creation towards weapons that are more agile.
Other Viable Options
While the rapier and hand crossbow are highly recommended, other weapons can be suitable depending on the halfling’s specific build. Some of these include:
- Shortswords: Another finesse option, the shortsword is a decent alternative to the rapier. While not as powerful as the rapier, it is still a viable choice.
- Short Bow: A simple and effective ranged weapon for halflings that don’t want the higher cost of a hand crossbow or the reloading.
- Whips: For halflings focusing on battlefield control, a whip can be a powerful option. Being a finesse option, they can make good use of it.
- Battleaxes and Longswords: Despite the need to use them two-handed, battleaxes and longswords can still be used by halflings, making them versatile choices.
The Importance of Rerolling 1s
One of the most defining aspects of halfling characters is their Lucky trait, which allows them to reroll a 1 on an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw. When playing with this rule, it is important to remember that when this happens the player must take the rerolled value. However, this makes halflings more reliable than other races when attacking.
FAQs: Halfling Weaponry and Combat
1. Can halflings use heavy weapons?
No, halflings suffer disadvantage on attack rolls with heavy weapons. These weapons are simply too bulky and unwieldy for a small creature to use effectively.
2. Can a halfling use a longsword?
Yes, a halfling can use a longsword but the versatility of the weapon might not be of value. When used two handed, a halfling still is able to use longswords and battleaxes to their full damage potential, but if used with a shield then they use a d8 instead of d10.
3. Can a halfling use a scimitar?
Yes, a halfling can use a scimitar. It functions identically to a shortsword, dealing the same damage.
4. Can halflings use polearms?
No, polearms have the heavy property, which means that a halfling will suffer disadvantage when using them.
5. Do halflings get disadvantage with heavy weapons?
Yes, halflings automatically get disadvantage on attack rolls when wielding a weapon that has the heavy property.
6. Can halflings use two-handed weapons?
Yes, but with some restrictions. If the two handed weapon is a heavy weapon they get disadvantage. However, they can use versatile weapons like longswords and battleaxes in two hands without penalty, even if it is normally a heavy weapon.
7. Can halflings use bows?
Yes, halflings can use bows, but only short bows and not longbows. The hand crossbow is also a good ranged option.
8. Can halflings roll 1s?
Yes, halflings can roll 1s. However, their Lucky ability allows them to reroll a 1 on an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw. They must take the rerolled value, regardless of the outcome.
9. Can a halfling use a battleaxe?
Yes, a halfling can wield a battleaxe and when used in two hands, they will benefit from the d10 damage.
10. What is the best weapon for a halfling bard?
The best weapon for a Halfling Bard is a combination of the rapier for melee and the light crossbow or hand crossbow for ranged attacks.
11. How much can a halfling lift?
At a minimum, a halfling can carry 40 pounds before becoming encumbered. This maximum increases with additional Strength.
12. Can halflings use shields?
Yes, halflings can use shields, however, they should be using smaller-sized ones for optimal effect.
13. Can a halfling be a barbarian?
Yes, a halfling barbarian can be very effective, using versatile weapons to their advantage.
14. What are the best mounts for Halflings?
Wolves or dogs are practical mounts for halflings, as they can navigate dungeons easily and climb better than hooved creatures. Smaller dinosaurs can also be used in certain settings.
15. What weapons are good for a halfling?
The best weapons for a halfling generally fall into the categories of finesse and ranged. These include rapiers, shortswords, short bows, whips, and hand crossbows. Versatile weapons such as longswords and battleaxes can also be used with two hands.