What is the Best Weapon for Dual Wielding in D&D?

The question of the “best” weapon for dual wielding in D&D 5th Edition (5e) isn’t as straightforward as picking the highest damage dice. It’s a nuanced issue tied to class, feats, and the specific situation you find yourself in. However, if we are looking for the most effective combination while considering common restrictions, the best overall weapons for dual wielding in D&D are two shortswords, two scimitars, or a shortsword and scimitar. This recommendation is due to their light property, which enables basic dual-wielding without needing specific feats, and their relatively solid damage output.

Understanding Dual Wielding Mechanics

Before diving into specific weapon choices, it’s essential to understand the mechanics of dual wielding in 5e. The core rule allows you to use a bonus action to make an attack with a light melee weapon you’re holding in your other hand, after you have taken the attack action. This is also known as Two-Weapon Fighting. Note that you do not add your ability modifier to the damage roll of the off-hand attack, unless it’s a negative modifier.

However, a critical limitation is the “light” property requirement. Without additional feats or class features, you must wield two light weapons to dual wield effectively. This is why heavier weapons like longswords, war picks, and rapiers, although they offer a higher damage dice (1d8), cannot be used with the basic dual wielding rule.

The Importance of Feats and Class Features

The Dual Wielder feat drastically changes the landscape. This feat allows you to dual wield weapons that aren’t light, and it provides a +1 bonus to AC while dual-wielding. With this feat, you could use two longswords or even two rapiers. However, acquiring feats involves an opportunity cost by replacing a regular ability score increase and is typically not acquired until later levels. Some classes have class features that enhance dual wielding, such as the ranger’s Hunter’s Mark and the rogue’s Sneak Attack. A high Dexterity score enhances dual wielding for those classes that focus on those attributes.

Why Shortswords and Scimitars Reign Supreme

The simplicity and effectiveness of using two shortswords, two scimitars, or one of each for dual wielding lies in their 1d6 damage dice and their light property. Here is a breakdown:

• Availability: These weapons are readily available and considered martial weapons.
• Damage: The 1d6 damage dice is respectable, especially when combined with the two-weapon fighting rules.
• Light Property: This allows for dual wielding right from level 1, without needing a feat.
• Versatility: These weapons are good all-around choices for many classes that can make use of melee weapons.

For a typical low level character who would like to dual wield, the combination of two of these weapons is simple and effective.

Other Weapon Considerations

While shortswords and scimitars are generally the best choice without feats, other weapons can be viable with the Dual Wielder feat:

• Longswords: Offer a 1d8 damage dice and are a solid option with the Dual Wielder feat for classes focusing on Strength.
• Rapiers: Also offer a 1d8 damage dice, but can only be used by those with proficiency and are better suited to classes focused on Dexterity.
• Daggers: Although they offer a smaller damage die (1d4), their light property makes them readily available. However, their damage is often outclassed by short swords and scimitars and they may not be as effective of a long-term choice.

Class Synergy

The effectiveness of dual wielding also heavily depends on your character’s class. Classes that synergize well with dual wielding include:

• Fighters: Their fighting styles, especially Two-Weapon Fighting, and extra attacks can make dual wielding more potent. Battle Masters can also use their maneuvers with each attack, including the bonus attack from two-weapon fighting.
• Rangers: Hunter’s Mark and other class features work particularly well with multiple attacks.
• Rogues: Sneak attack can be applied to either the main attack or the bonus action attack.
• Barbarians: With a focus on Strength and the Dual Wielder feat, they can deal heavy damage with weapons like two longswords.
• Paladins: Divine smite can enhance attacks with either of their weapons.

Is Dual Wielding Really That Effective?

The effectiveness of dual wielding is often debated. The truth is that while it can provide a great increase to damage, it is not without its downsides. Here are some points to consider:

• Action Economy: Using your bonus action for an extra attack is great if you don’t have other uses for it. However, some classes use their bonus action for other important abilities.
• Feat Investment: The Dual Wielder feat is crucial for using more powerful combinations, which costs you an ASI at some point.
• Accuracy: While more attacks can be made, the accuracy is dependant on the attack roll, and more attacks does not necessarily equate to more hits.

In summary, dual wielding is very effective in the right circumstances, especially at lower levels when a bonus action attack adds a good increase to a characters damage output. However, as levels progress and class features and feats increase, it becomes more of a specific build consideration.

Final Thoughts

The best weapon for dual wielding in D&D isn’t one single weapon, but rather a selection of versatile weapons that are easy to obtain. For most cases, two shortswords or two scimitars will be your best starting option due to their light property and respectable damage. However, with feats and class features, you can make many other weapon combinations effective as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can anyone dual wield in D&D 5e?

Yes, anyone can dual wield using the core rules of two-weapon fighting, provided they use two light melee weapons.

2. What is the Dual Wielder feat?

The Dual Wielder feat allows you to dual wield non-light weapons, provides a +1 bonus to AC while wielding two weapons, and lets you draw or stow two weapons at once.

3. Can you dual wield with a longsword and dagger?

Not without the Dual Wielder feat. A dagger is light, but a longsword is not.

4. What are the best classes for dual wielding?

Classes with martial focus like Fighters, Rangers, Rogues, Barbarians and Paladins are best suited to dual wielding.

5. Can a rogue dual wield 5e?

Yes, and rogues benefit significantly, as they can apply Sneak Attack to either their main or off-hand attack.

6. Do you add your ability modifier to off-hand damage?

No, you do not add your ability modifier to the damage roll of your off-hand attack, unless that modifier is negative.

7. Can you dual wield greatswords in D&D 5e?

No, greatswords are two-handed weapons and cannot be dual wielded.

8. What are light weapons in D&D 5e?

Light weapons include daggers, clubs, maces, light hammers, shortswords, and scimitars.

9. What are the best weapons for a dual-wielding barbarian?

With the Dual Wielder feat, a barbarian could use two longswords or even two war picks for maximum damage, as these are Strength-based weapons.

10. Why would players choose to use lower damage weapons?

Lower-damage weapons like daggers or short swords can be ideal for dual wielding, especially at low levels, without having to take a feat for other higher damage options. Also, some situations may call for a smaller, less intimidating weapon.

11. Is dual wielding effective in a real-world fight?

According to historical research, dual wielding is often impractical due to the difficulty of coordinating two weapons effectively.

12. Does light armor help with dual wielding?

Light armor may not directly enhance dual-wielding, but it often provides a Dexterity-based AC bonus, making it a good choice for dual-wielders that rely on dexterity.

13. Can you dual wield whips?

Not by default. Whips are not light weapons and would require the Dual Wielder feat.

14. Are Thunder Gauntlets light weapons?

No, Thunder Gauntlets are not light weapons.

15. What races are good for dual-wielding?

Any race is viable for dual wielding, but those with bonuses to Strength or Dexterity are typically preferred, such as Humans or Elves. Orcs and Redguard are good choices for Strength and Stamina builds.