Mastering Proficiency with Weapons in 5e: A Guide for Beginners
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), wielding a weapon is an integral part of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, mastering proficiency in weapons can have a significant impact on your gameplay. In this guide, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know to become a skilled weapon-wielder in 5e.
Understanding Proficiency with Weapons
Proficiency with weapons is one of the most basic mechanics in 5e. Simply put, it determines how well you handle a particular weapon. When you’re proficient with a weapon, you get to add your proficiency bonus to attack rolls made with that weapon.
There are three types of weapons in 5e: simple weapons, martial weapons, and exotic weapons. Simple weapons are basic weapons that require little training to use, such as clubs and daggers. Martial weapons, on the other hand, require more training and skill to use effectively, such as longswords and battleaxes. Finally, exotic weapons are rare and unusual weapons that require specialized training, such as whips and spiked chains.
Choosing a Weapon
Before choosing a weapon, you need to consider your character’s abilities and playstyle. For example, if you’re a spellcaster, you might want a weapon that complements your spells, such as a staff or wand. If you’re a rogue, you might want a weapon that allows you to deal sneak attacks, such as a dagger or rapier.
Another factor to consider is the damage type of the weapon. Different creatures are vulnerable to different damage types, so it’s essential to choose a weapon that can deal the maximum damage against your enemies. For example, if you’re facing undead creatures, you might want a weapon that deals radiant damage, such as a mace.
Training with Weapons
To become proficient with a weapon, you need to spend time training with it. You can do this by using the Training rules in the Player’s Handbook. Training costs 250 gold pieces and takes 250 days to complete.
During the training, you gain proficiency with the specific weapon you’re training with, allowing you to add your proficiency bonus to attack rolls made with that weapon. Additionally, you gain expertise in that weapon, which allows you to add double your proficiency bonus to damage rolls made with that weapon.
Using Weapons in Combat
When using weapons in combat, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you need to make an attack roll to see if your attack hits. To do this, you roll a d20 and add your proficiency bonus and relevant ability modifier, such as Strength or Dexterity. If the total is equal to or greater than the target’s Armor Class, the attack hits.
Once the attack hits, you roll damage dice to see how much damage you deal. Different weapons use different damage dice, such as a d6 for a shortsword or a d8 for a longsword.
Conclusion
In conclusion, proficiency with weapons is an essential part of playing 5e. It determines how effectively you can use a weapon and deals damage to your enemies. By understanding how proficiency with weapons work, choosing the right weapon, and training diligently, you can become an expert weapon-wielder in 5e.
