Dungeons & Dragons: How To Dual Wield

Dungeons & Dragons, renowned for its complexity, adheres to the laws of physics within its fantastical setting. This impacts combat mechanics, particularly dual-wielding. While not always feasible, certain class abilities and feats enable this combat style.

Dual-wielding, the art of wielding two weapons simultaneously, has limitations. However, character options exist to overcome these. This guide, updated January 18, 2025, reflects the latest D&D 5th Edition rules.

What is Dual-Wielding?

Dual-wielding in D&D lets players attack with two weapons, one in each hand. The standard approach utilizes Light weapons. This is accessible to all characters, requiring only that both weapons possess the "Light" property. The process unfolds as follows:

1. Primary Attack: Begin your turn with an attack action using a Light weapon.
2. Bonus Action Attack: Subsequently, utilize a bonus action to attack with your second Light weapon.

Crucially, when using the second weapon, your Strength or Dexterity modifier is only added if it's negative. Furthermore, the off-hand weapon isn't enhanced by additional attack abilities or feats. A level five Fighter, for example, attacks twice with their main weapon but requires a bonus action for their off-hand dagger. This strategy works well with lightweight throwing weapons, allowing for an extra projectile, but consumes a bonus action, limiting versatility.

Utilizing the Dual-Wielder Feat

The Dual Wielder feat provides a more advanced approach. This powerful feat grants "Enhanced Dual Wielding," offering:

• Ability Score Increase: A 1 to Strength or Dexterity (max 20).
• Enhanced Dual Wielding: Allows a bonus action attack with any melee weapon lacking the "Two-Handed" property after attacking with a Light weapon (ability modifier still not added unless negative).
• Quick Draw: Enables drawing and stowing two non-Two-Handed weapons.

Prerequisites for this feat include being level four or higher and possessing a Strength or Dexterity score of 13 or greater.

Two-Weapon Fighting Style

Class features offer another path to dual-wielding. Certain classes gain access to Fighting Styles:

Player Class	Fighting Style Gained
Fighter	Level One
Ranger	Level Two
Paladin	Level Two

Selecting the Two-Weapon Fighting style allows adding your ability modifier to the off-hand weapon's damage. The "Fighting Initiate" feat (Tasha's Cauldron of Everything) grants access to Fighting Styles, including Two-Weapon Fighting, to non-Fighter, Ranger, or Paladin classes proficient with martial weapons.

Maximizing Dual-Wielding

While dual-wielding is possible with two weapons, optimizing its effectiveness is key. Light weapons deal less damage individually but offer superior action economy through increased attacks. The Dual-Wielder feat is ideal for melee characters frequently engaging in Close combat, maximizing attack frequency.

Best Classes for Dual-Wielding

Dual-wielding excels with specific classes:

The Fighter

Fighters gain Extra Attacks as they level up, exponentially increasing damage output with dual-wielding.

The Barbarian

Barbarians, despite typically reserving bonus actions for Rage, can utilize dual-wielding within their Rage duration for significant damage boosts.

The Rogue

Rogues benefit from dual-wielding by spreading their high damage potential across multiple attacks, particularly when utilizing sneak attack tactics.

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