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Dual Wielder 5E Feat [Increase Your Attack Options In DnD]

Dual Wielder 5E Feat
  Written By: Ashish Arya
Updated On: 10/27/2023
Est. Reading: 10 minutes

Welcome to the thrilling world of Dungeons & Dragons, specifically, the uncharted territories of a Dual Wielder 5E. If you’re seeking an adrenaline-pumping playing style that empowers you to go all out on your opponents with twice the firepower, then you’ve hit the jackpot with this blog post.

In this vast universe of fantasy roleplay, the exciting feature of wielding two weapons at once might just become your favored strategy.

Armed with two lethal utensils, you command the battlefield and keep foes second-guessing their tactics. Like every chosen path in D&D, mastering the art of dual-wielding requires strategic insights and an understanding of its unique mechanics. Are you ready to embrace your inner warrior?

What is Dual Wielder 5E?

Dual Wielder 5E is a feature of the popular role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). This specific ability gives your character the advantage of handling two weapons at once.

Dual Wielder 5E takes your combat skills to the next level, amplifying both your offensive and defensive tactics. This feat opens up dynamic strategies, making encounters significantly engaging and exhilarating.

Whether you’re bracing for an intense battle or enjoying some swashbuckling fun, understanding this fantastic mechanic undoubtedly enriches your D&D experience.

To make the most out of it, you’ll need to get well-acquainted with your weapons, identify effective synergies with other classes and feats, and craft a tactically sound plan.

How Does Dual Wielder Work?

Are you intrigued by Dual Wielder 5E and want to know exactly how it works? Great! This feature is a delight for D&D enthusiasts who love to be in the thick of the action.

How Does Dual Wielder Work?

With skill and strategy, you can double your chances of success and redefine your gaming experience.

Harnessing the power of Dual Wielder means you will:

  • Get a +1 bonus to AC when wielding a separate melee weapon in each hand: By arming yourself with two weapons instead of one, you bolster your Armor Class (AC) – making it tougher for enemies to land successful hits. The added protective measure means your character can withstand attacks better while adding extra offensive firepower on your turn.
  • Use non-light weapons in two-weapon fighting: Typically, two-weapon fighting restricts players to use light weapons only. But as a Dual Wielder, you break free from this constraint. You can wield larger, non-light weapons—swinging a Warhammer and longsword together sounds exciting, right?
  • Draw or stow two weapons at once as a free action: In essence, you get to optimize your time during combat. Normally, drawing or sheathing another weapon requires action. As a Dual Wielder, you can simultaneously draw or stow two weapons at no extra cost.

Executing this dual-wielding prowess allows more flexibility during encounters and adds variety to combat scenarios.

Each character class brings unique abilities that can synergize well with the Dual Wielder feature. For instance, Fighters with their exceptional Extra Attack could wield two longswords and attack three times in one round.

Once with their primary hand weapon, second with their off-hand weapon (courtesy of Dual-Wielding), and another time thanks to Extra Attack.

Also Read: Shield 5E 2024 [Protection Capability, Range, And Casting Time]

Is Dual Wielder Good?

Yes, indeed, the Dual Wielder is a fantastic feat in the expansive world of D&D 5E. This skill not only dramatically elevates the excitement quota but also provides your character an edge in skirmishes. When utilized smartly, it can change the entire dynamic of a battle.

See, most folks are mesmerized by the visuals of two blades dancing in perfect tandem, dealing out damage twice as fast. It’s pretty hard not to be.

But what often slips beneath the radar is the added shield that this feat offers — an increment on your Armor Class (AC) by one when you’re dual-wielding, even when you’re facing off against multiple opponents simultaneously. Now, that’s how you make a good defense a great offense.

Which 5e Classes Make the Most of Dual Wielder?

Before you gear up and dual-wield, keep in mind that this epic feat isn’t for every class. It requires serious strategic gameplay and knowledge of its workings.

Which 5e Classes Make the Most of Dual Wielder?

Certain classes can maximize this ability, allowing for dynamic gameplay and inclining the odds in their favor. Let’s take a closer look at which classes can really strut their stuff with Dual Wielder 5E.

Artificer

As crafters of magical innovation, Artificers might not be your first guess when considering dual-wielding classes. However, they hold excellent potential with this feat.

Suppose you choose certain subclasses like the Battlesmith, who conjures a powerful Steel Defender to assist in combat. In that case, you can efficiently use one weapon to attack while dedicating the other to grant a bonus action for the defender’s attack or even healing touch.

Also, they make weaponry better through artifice; imagine two magical weapons at once – double trouble! Skillful use of Dual Wielding offers some unexpected yet nifty strategies during combat.

Also Read: Artificer 5E Guide 2023 [Level Up Your D&D Gameplay]

Barbarian

Unleashing fury with dual weapons sounds just about right for a Barbarian! Notably, Barbarians will love Dual Wielder 5E because it adds +1 AC while carrying two melee weapons, which is beneficial since their rage mode prevents casting spells for increased defense.

With their Reckless Attack feature granting an Advantage on attacks during your turn but also a disadvantage on incoming attacks until your next turn, having added defenses comes in handy.

Imagine going berserk with two weapons! It’s undoubtedly visually impressive and instigates panic among enemies: psychological warfare matters too.

Bard

Everyone knows a Bard as the charming entertainer who brightens up even the darkest dungeons with music and wit. Yet when charm doesn’t cut it anymore, pulling out dual rapiers could do the trick.

Swords Bards, a college dedicated to sword-fighting techniques, can make excellent use of Dual Wielder 5E. It grants an increase in potential damage output and increases your Armor Class (AC) when wielding two weapons.

Being able to draw or sheathe two weapons simultaneously ensures the quick transition from joyful entertainer to serious combatant – keeping enemies on their toes.

Cleric

Clerics are usually known for their healing abilities and spiritual powers. But don’t be fooled; they can swing a weapon or two when the need arises.

The War domain Clerics can unlock great potential with Dual Wielder 5E, allowing them to balance out the line between close-quarter combat and magical support for the team.

Using double weapons can actually help in warding off enemies trying to interrupt your supportive actions towards your allies or in times when spell slots run dry. It’s certainly an unconventional path for a cleric, yet an interesting one to explore.

Read More: Hex 5E In D&D 2024 [Effect, Duration, And Strategic Use]

Druid

Druids find themselves closer to nature and animals than metallic weaponry. A subclass of druids known as “Circle of Spores” breaks that stereotype by having additional poison damage that applies to every melee attack – a perfect way to utilize Dual Wielder 5E.

With two weapons in your grip, you’re dealing twice the spore damage on successful hits. The combination of earthly wisdom and sturdy dual-wielding might seem strange at first glance, but it poses an intriguing fighting style indeed.

Fighter

Fighters are a class practically made for Dual Wielder 5E. This battle-hardened class thrives on offensive versatility and survival, which dual-wielding enhances greatly by increasing their overall damage output and AC when using two weapons.

Fighters also get the highest number of Ability Score Improvement (ASI) compared to other classes – plenty of opportunities to pick up Dual Wielder without compromising vital stat growth.

With relentless prowess and an impressive array of dominating attacks, fighters can turn dual-wielding into a remarkably efficient method of enemy annihilation.

Monk

Monks follow fluid movement patterns and swift strikes, making them potentially good at dual-wielding with their natural proficiency in simple melee weapons, including shortswords.

They add their ability modifier (Dexterity or Strength) into damage rolls for each weapon attack due to their Martial Arts feature. This gain becomes twice as nice while wielding two weapons.

Keep in mind that the Dual Wielder’s draw/stow advantage might conflict with the Monk’s class feature since they rely more on unarmed strikes.

Paladin

Paladins, as holy warriors, embrace Dual Wielder with a distinct advantage. Imagine combining their Smite ability – a massive radiant damage booster – with dual-wielding prowess.

That’s right, you’ll be swinging two smite-charged swords into your enemies for divine justice. Let’s not forget the bonus to the armor class that makes you an even more formidable force on the battlefield. Paladins can truly turn divine power into an action-packed spectacle of blades and radiant energy.

Also Read: Paladin 5E Class Guide DnD [Abilities, Roles, & Strategies]

Ranger

Embracing nature and excelling in combat, Rangers are practically built for dual-wielding techniques. The class’s Hunter archetype offers Colossus Slayer, which deals an extra 1d8 damage when your opponent isn’t at full health.

There is a tremendous payoff when wielding two weapons. Also, using a bonus action to attack with a second weapon means you could potentially deal this extra damage twice in a single turn.

Combined with their superior mobility and tracking abilities, Dual Wielder Rangers rapidly shift the balance of combat in their favor.

Rogue

Scoundrels of stealth and masters of misdirection, Rogues can harness the potency of dual-wielding exceptionally well. Thanks to their Cunning Action feature, you can disengage after striking an opponent with your first weapon, only to attack from behind with your second weapon as a bonus action.

This technique is highly beneficial when combined with Sneak Attack land that surprises hit for major damage and then smoothly steps out of reach.

Sorcerer

At first glance, a Sorcerer’s dual-wielding weapons might raise eyebrows. But mix this offbeat style with metamagic options like Quickened Spell (allowing casting as a bonus action), and suddenly you’re attacking physically while also conjuring damaging spells. This potent combination offers immense flexibility, letting you adapt to enemies’ weaknesses quickly.

Warlock

Dual Wielder 5E offers captivating possibilities for the Warlock class. By choosing the Hexblade patron at level 1, your Warlock can wield weapons using Charisma instead of Strength or Dexterity.

With Pact of the Blade at level 3 allowing any summoned weapon to be considered ‘bound,’ dual-wielding becomes impressively feasible for Warlocks without much physical prowess but plenty of charisma!

Wizard

A wizard flourishing swords might seem outlandish! But remember, D&D’s allure is its limitless possibilities. A Bladesinger wizard from the School of Sword Dancing brings this vision to life, granting unique spells as bonus actions.

The Dual Wielder feat works wonders here, offering wizards a defensive boost and extraordinary capacity for melee attack, giving a new whirl to the term ‘sword magic.’

Explore More: Hellish Rebuke 5E D&D 2024 [Damage, Range, & Vital Aspects]

Dual Wielder 5E: Discover Its Prime Applications

Unleashing the true potential of Dual Wielder 5E becomes easier once unveiled its best applications. Essentially, realizing how and when to use it plays a pivotal role in enhancing your gameplay.

Of course, while almost any class can opt to dual wield, some classes naturally lend themselves better to this tactic. Let’s dive into one such example where dual-wielding truly shines- Fighters.

Fighters

Fighters – their name does them justice as they are undisputedly among the best candidates for the dual wielder playstyle. This is primarily due to fighters having a wide range of weapons within their mastery and frequent attacks.

The kick here is that your fighter could be launching two attacks in every action from level one itself if you choose Dual Wielder 5E. They indeed double down on attacks at a speed that leaves opponents reeling.

And as for agile light weapons? Say goodbye because those restrictions no longer bind you! You’ve got the freedom now to pair up weapons that demand attention- swords, axes, or even two war hammers if you’re feeling particularly audacious!

Fighters gain Ability Score Improvements (ASIs) right from the get-go to level 4. You can utilize these ASIs to increase your skill or strength for improved strikes or quickly nab the Dual Wielder feat.

Doing so not only broadens your opportunity for powerful hits but also provides that defensive edge with a boosted Armor Class (AC). Indeed, fighters armed with flame tongues in both hands make dual-wielding a spectacle not easily forgotten.

What is the Dual Wielder 5E Least Effective For?

In the thrilling realm of Dungeons & Dragons, every character class offers unique strengths and weaknesses.

What is the Dual Wielder 5E Least Effective For?

While the Dual Wielder 5E aspect can be immensely potent for some classes, it may not provide comparable benefits to others.

So, which class finds the least effectiveness in using this particular mechanism? If you’re a Rogue enthusiast, let me break it down for you.

Rogues

Rogues are master skirmishers known for their stealthy operations and precise attacks. A common misconception could be that dual-wielding will double the Rogue’s already impressive damage output. Upon closer inspection, we find that this notion is quite far from reality.

In D&D 5E, Rogues mainly rely on devastating Sneak Attacks for enormous damage inflow rather than regular weapon attacks.

Having an extra weapon doesn’t amplify their primary mode of attack but instead undermines it by diverting Attack Actions away from Sneak Attack opportunities.

A key aspect that makes the Rogue class agile and evasive is its bonus actions. These actions allow them to hide or disengage effectively during battle scenarios.

Dual wielding consumes bonus actions to make an additional attack, jeopardizing a Rogue’s survivability in combat by limiting these effective stunts.

Remember that gaining feats at all makes more sense for classes like Fighter or Ranger, who have extra Ability Score Improvement (ASI) opportunities and directly benefit from additional attacks granted by two-weapon fighting.

That isn’t to say you can’t experiment with a dual-wielding Rogue; in fact, D&D encourages creativity above all else. Recognize that being a jack of all trades might lead you to be a master of none sometimes; focusing on class strengths can lead to far more spectacular results.

FAQs about Dual Wielder 5E

Can I wield two weapons as a dual wielder in any class in D&D 5e?

Yes, you can wield two weapons across all classes, but the effectiveness of this style of combat varies depending on the class.

Is there a limit on the type of weapons I can dual-wield in D&D 5e?

Typically, you can only dual-wield light melee weapons unless you have the Dual Wielder feat, which allows for non-light melee weapons, too.

Can I attack with both weapons during my turn?

As a dual wielder, you can attack with your off-hand weapon as a bonus action after using your action to attack with the main weapon.

Does being able to draw or stow two weapons simultaneously provide a major advantage?

Absolutely! In fast-paced battles, being able to stow and draw two weapons simultaneously keeps you ahead and ready for every potential skirmish.

Does using two weapons affect movement speed or abilities like dodging?

No, wielding two weapons doesn’t affect your movement speed or other abilities like dodging; however, it uses up your bonus action, which may restrict certain tactical maneuvers.

Author

  • Ashish Arya

    I'm a tech enthusiast and lifelong gamer, hailing from the beautiful city of Chandigarh. My passions range from immersing myself in worlds like GTA V, COD, SIMS, Roblox and Minecraft to exploring the latest innovations in laptops and technology. Armed with a Bachelors Degree in Computer Application, I love sharing my insights through writing and engaging with fellow enthusiasts. Join me on my journey through the ever-evolving realms of gaming and tech!