D&D Weapons 5e Guide: Choose the Right Weapon for Your Character

When it comes to adventuring in Dungeons & Dragons 5e, your weapon isn’t just a tool, it’s part of your identity. Whether you're a greatsword-wielding barbarian or a rogue with a dagger in each hand, choosing the right weapon can define how your character fights, survives, and shines in combat.

This guide to D&D weapons 5e breaks down the types of weapons available, their mechanics, special properties, and how to pick the perfect one based on your class, fighting style, and playstyle. Whether you're new to the game or optimizing your next build, let's sharpen your weapon knowledge!

What Are Weapons in D&D 5e?

In D&D 5e, weapons are categorized into two main types:

• Simple weapons – Easy to use, available to most classes

• Martial weapons – Require training, often deal more damage or have special features

Each weapon has key stats that affect gameplay:

• Damage dice (e.g., 1d8)

• Damage type (bludgeoning, piercing, slashing)

• Properties (like finesse, versatile, or heavy)

Your proficiency with a weapon determines whether you add your Proficiency Bonus to attack rolls. Using weapons you're not proficient with? You’ll struggle to hit.

Weapon Categories and Examples

Here’s a breakdown of the main weapon categories in D&D weapons 5e.

Simple Melee Weapons

Weapon	Damage	Properties
Club	1d4	Light
Dagger	1d4	Finesse, light, thrown
Greatclub	1d8	Two-handed
Mace	1d6	—
Quarterstaff	1d6	Versatile (1d8)

Best For: Clerics, druids, warlocks, and casters who may not rely on weapons but need a basic melee option.

Simple Ranged Weapons

Weapon	Damage	Properties
Light crossbow	1d8	Loading, two-handed
Shortbow	1d6	Two-handed
Sling	1d4	Ammunition

Best For: Casters or lightly armored characters who want to attack from a distance.

Martial Melee Weapons

Weapon	Damage	Properties
Longsword	1d8	Versatile (1d10)
Greatsword	2d6	Heavy, two-handed
Rapier	1d8	Finesse
Battleaxe	1d8	Versatile (1d10)
Warhammer	1d8	Versatile (1d10)

Best For: Fighters, paladins, barbarians—anyone looking for heavy-hitting melee options.

Martial Ranged Weapons

Weapon	Damage	Properties
Longbow	1d8	Ammunition, two-handed
Heavy crossbow	1d10	Heavy, loading, two-handed
Hand crossbow	1d6	Light, loading

Best For: Rangers, rogues, fighters—especially those focusing on Dexterity-based combat.

Weapon Properties Explained

Understanding weapon properties in D&D 5e helps you use your gear to full advantage.

• Finesse: Use Dexterity instead of Strength for attacks and damage (e.g., rapier, dagger).

• Versatile: Can be wielded one- or two-handed for different damage (e.g., longsword).

• Light: Good for dual-wielding (e.g., scimitar, shortsword).

• Heavy: Not suitable for Small creatures; greatswords, mauls.

• Reach: Adds 5 feet to your melee range (e.g., whip, glaive).

• Thrown: Can be thrown (range in parentheses), like javelins or handaxes.

• Loading: Slows down attacks; usually for crossbows.

• Two-Handed: Requires both hands to wield (e.g., greatsword, longbow).

Best Weapons by Class

Fighter

Fighters have access to all weapons, making them one of the most flexible classes. Popular choices include:

• Greatsword for high damage

• Longsword + Shield for defense

• Polearms with reach and opportunity attack synergy

Rogue

Rogues benefit from finesse weapons that trigger Sneak Attack:

• Rapier for single-weapon finesse

• Shortsword or dagger for dual-wielding

Barbarian

Barbarians favor weapons with high base damage:

• Greataxe (1d12) synergizes with Brutal Critical

• Maul or greatsword for consistent 2d6 damage

Ranger

Rangers often use:

• Longbow for ranged attacks

• Two shortswords or scimitars for dual-wield builds

Paladin

Paladins tend to balance defense and offense:

• Warhammer or longsword + shield

• Greatsword for smite-heavy builds

Magic Weapons and Weapon Upgrades

Once your campaign reaches mid-levels, you may come across magic weapons. These often grant:

• +1 to +3 to attack and damage rolls

• Extra damage types (fire, necrotic, radiant)

• Unique abilities (Sunblade, Vorpal Sword, Flame Tongue)

Keep an eye out for class-specific weapons too—like a Pact Weapon for Warlocks or Hexblade’s Curse-enhanced weapons.

Optimizing Weapon Selection

Here are a few practical tips to pick the right weapon:

1. Check your class proficiencies. Don’t grab a glaive if you can’t hit with it!

2. Play to your stats. High Dexterity? Use finesse weapons. High Strength? Go big with heavy hitters.

3. Use magic weapons when you can—mundane gear won’t cut it forever.

4. Think about combat flow. Do you need reach, versatility, or one-shot damage?

Homebrew and Exotic Weapons

Some tables allow homebrew or exotic weapons like whips with extra effects, firearms, or cultural weapons (e.g., katanas or chakrams). Check with your DM before building around one!

You can also reskin standard weapons for flavor without changing stats. A longsword could be a hooked blade or bone axe, as long as the numbers stay the same.

Conclusion: Gear Up for Glory

Choosing the right weapon in D&D 5e is more than picking a sword or a bow—it’s about optimizing your playstyle, embracing your character’s identity, and making every attack count. Whether you're hurling daggers from the shadows or charging in with a greataxe, the world of D&D weapons offers something for every hero.

What’s your favorite weapon to use in your campaign—and why? Share your go-to weapon in the comments below!