Dungeons & Dragons The 15 Best Weapons For Fighters Ranked
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Dungeons & Dragons The 15 Best Weapons For Fighters Ranked
The fighter is the class in Dungeons & Dragons that focuses solely on weapons, and these are the best picks that they could have in their arsenal. When it comes to classes, fighters have the pick of the lot in terms of weapons. Most fighters are proficient in all sorts of weapons, which means that they can basically choose to craft a character that is a melee monster or a ranged ravager. Any weapon in the hand of a capable fighter is going to be a deadly one. Fighters are such a versatile class, it's no wonder many D&D players flock to it. But what are the best weapons to place in the hand of your particular warrior? Read on if you want to know which weapons are the best for fighters and why you should have it in your inventory. Updated August 23rd, 2020 by Amanda Hurych: Dungeons & Dragons has never been more popular. New players are flocking to this classic tabletop game, and the Fighter is still one of the most accessible classes. With a focus on weapons instead of spells, the Fighter class relies heavily on the equipment that they carry. And in such an intricate game as D&D, there are plenty of weapons, ranged and melee, for fighters to pick. THEGAMER VIDEO OF THE DAY Handaxe
A small weapon when considering the typical fighting fare of a fighter, the handaxe is actually incredibly useful. As a light weapon, it lends itself well to two-handed fighting as a fighter's offhand attack. It can also be thrown as a sort of ranged attack. As both a melee and ranged weapon, the handaxe should not be ignored in a fighter's arsenal. Plus, a 1d6 in slashing damage rounds out the advantages of using a handaxe. Scimitar
As a martial melee weapon, many D&D players expect more from a scimitar. It deals 1d6 in slashing damage and costs a hefty 25 gold pieces. However, the true strength of using a scimitar lies in its usage as a finesse weapon. A fighter can elect to use their Dexterity or Strength modifier when making an attack roll. This allows a fighter with a reliance on Dexterity to excel at a close-range weapon they would not normally use. Longsword
The longsword is the most vanilla weapon a fighter can utilize, but there's good reason for that. It's a versatile weapon, able to be wielded with one or two hands. However, it's a fairly heavy weapon, which means that small-sized characters will have to use both of their hands to use it no matter what. It deals a decent 1d8 of slashing damage, and is perhaps one of the most common weapons you can find. There is nothing particularly special about a regular longsword, but a fighter can't go wrong while using it. Maul
A maul is definitely a heavy weapon, so it requires two hands to wield it. However, it makes up for its weight with how much damage it can potentially deal. Your average maul can give your enemies 2d6 bludgeoning damage on a hit, which is great for enemies that need a pounding. Just make sure your fighter is a hefty melee type if you want to use a maul. This is definitely no finesse weapon. A maul is meant to be used by a tank on the front lines of combat. Flail
Part of the appeal in using a flail is how incredibly awesome it looks. A spiked metal sphere hangs from a chain and handle, allowing its holder to swing around a deadly ball of damage. In D&D, a flail costs a paltry 10 gold pieces given the hefty 1d8 of bludgeoning damage it can deal. And since a flail does not weigh that much, a fighter can hold it with one hand, leaving the other free to potentially hold another weapon. Light Crossbow
It never hurts to have a ranged option when you're a fighter. While most fighters are geared to fight at close range, there will most likely be plenty of times that you cannot get near certain enemy types. If that's the case, a light crossbow is the perfect tool to have at your disposal. It's a standard kind of weapon, and you can retrieve bolts from fallen enemies if they haven't broken. A successful hit with this ranged weapon could give your foe a 1d8 of piercing damage. Warhammer
Nothing screams "Fighter" quite like a massive warhammer. This doughty weapon can deal a decent 1d8 of bludgeoning damage if held with one hand, but if a Fighter firmly grasps it with two hands, the damage die is upgraded to a 1d10. That's the beauty of a versatile weapon; it allows for gargantuan damage if held with both hands or a formidable half of a two-weapon combo. Lance
The lance is often seen in representations of fantasy medieval fighting, but it is largely absent from the average D&D arsenal. Given its extended reach, the lance has a special disadvantage against foes that are within five feet of your character. However, don't let that turn you away from using it. A lance deals a phenomenal 1d12 of piercing damage, making it one of the best damage-dealing weapons alongside staples like the greataxe. Greataxe
Another heavy weapon, the greataxe is a favorite for fighters that like to get right up in their opponent's business. It deals a mighty 1d12 of damage on a hit, which is no joke. As soon as a weapon reaches a 12-sided die for damage, you know you're playing with the big boys. Its massive weight is a given, and, of course, it is a two-handed weapon. Still, nothing puts fright in your enemies like seeing your fighter charging forward with a greataxe. Maybe for Intimidation before combat starts. Shortsword
Some fighters prefer to remain on the lighter side of things. Instead of a focus on Strength, quick fighters prefer to use Dexterity during combat. If this is the case, the shortsword should not be ignored. It is a light weapon that deals 1d6 piercing damage, but since it is a finesse weapon, you can choose to use your Dexterity modifier during your attack rolls instead of your Strength. If you're a fighter that favors Dexterity, the shortsword is a handy companion to have at your side. Glaive
via: artstation.com (Dakota Curry) Glaives are melee weapons, but they give your fighter some breathing room by having reach. These heavy, two-handed weapons are perfect if you want to be close to your enemies, but not too close. A glaive can deal 1d10 slashing damage, which also makes it one of those weapons that can deal more than your average bit of physical damage. That fact and since it has reach on its side makes the glaive one of the most desirable weapons a fighter can own. Rapier
If the shortsword route appealed to you, using the rapier is the next step. It is the pinnacle of finesse weapons, and if you built your fighter to be a Dexterity beast, then the rapier will be the tool for you. Poke your foes full of holes with the rapier's 1d8 piercing damage. During combat, though your miniature can't actually move by itself, you will feel as if it is dancing circles around your opponents, dealing decent doses of damage while avoiding hits the whole time. The rapier is the best weapon to have at the side of a fighter who loves them some Dexterity. Javelin
The javelin is definitely the most underrated weapon a fighter can use. If held by a fighter like a spear, the javelin provides a fighter with a melee weapon attack. However, if it is thrown, it gives a fighter a ranged attack. The fantastic thing about the javelin is that even though a fighter is performing a ranged attack, since the javelin is thrown, fighters use their Strength modifier for the roll. The javelin thus gives a meaty fighter a bit of range while simultaneously allowing them to use their vaunted Strength instead of their Dexterity. It deals out a decent 1d6 piercing damage. Longbow
It can be rare to see, but some fighters truly do prefer to fight from a distance. (Though why they'd choose to be a fighter instead of a ranger is a mystery to us.) If this is the path a fighter has chosen, then the longbow is the obvious choice of weapon. It is a light weapon with an incredible amount of range. It beats the light crossbow for sure. It shoots out 1d8 piercing damage with every arrow, and ensures that your fighter can pick off targets while remaining safely away from the fray. Greatsword
The is the greatsword. This massive blade is meant to show that your fighter mean business. It is a heavy weapon, supposed to be held with two hands, and gifts your enemies a 2d6 of slashing damage. This weapon is not going to poke delicate holes in your foe like a rapier would. The greatsword is meant to slice your opponent into smeared pieces. In addition to being a functionally perfect weapon for a fighter, the greatsword looks the part, too.