Together they turn the hand crossbow into a machine of damage and versatility.Ĭrossbow Expert allows you to ignore the loading quality on hand crossbows you're proficient with. There are two feats in particular that can transform a hand crossbow wielder from mundane to masterful: Crossbow Expert and Sharpshooter. Specialized Feats for Hand Crossbow Mastery The key is maximizing the Dex focus and skill/mobility synergies. Other classes like Clerics, Monks, and Bards can also utilize hand crossbows effectively in the right builds. Their supportive abilities mesh perfectly with hand crossbow damage. The Battle Smith's Steel Defender provides potent distraction. Artificers – Repeating Shot infusion solves the ammunition issue, leaving both hands free.Action Surge also combines potently with the Crossbow Expert feat. Pairs well with the Archery fighting style and Precision Attack maneuver. Fighters – More attacks per turn offsets the lower damage die, and Eldritch Knights can seamlessly blend spellcasting with hand crossbow attacks.The bonus action economy can get crowded at times, but otherwise an excellent option. Rangers – Dex-based damage benefits from the Archery fighting style, their Hunter's Mark enhances every hand crossbow hit, and they don't need heavy armor to be effective in the backline.Sneak Attack grants reliable ranged damage, Cunning Action enhances mobility, and they aren't reliant on heavy hits from high Strength or Dexterity. All rogue subclasses can find a home with the hand crossbow given its skill synergy, but especially melee-focused rogues like the Swashbuckler. Rogues – The quintessential hand crossbow class.Some of the best class options for effective hand crossbow wielders include: But build a character around the hand crossbow's strengths, and you have a potent ranged weapon in your arsenal. ![]() Trying to use it like a longbow with a Strength-based fighter build, for example, is unlikely to impress. Given its niche properties, the hand crossbow excels when used by specific character builds and classes that complement and optimize its capabilities. Specialized Builds and Classes for the Hand Crossbow Rather, it's an agile, flexible ranged option suitable for quicker, nimble combatants. Right away, we can see the beginnings of the hand crossbow's identity – it's not meant to be a heavy hitting sniper weapon. And its lower cost and weight means even brand new adventurers can wield this weapon effectively. However, its Light property is a huge distinction that opens up intriguing combat options we'll explore later. The lower damage die and range jump out immediately as the hand crossbow's apparent disadvantages. Costs 75 gp compared to the longbow's 50 gp and the heavy crossbow's 50 gp.Has a range of 30/120 compared to the longbow's 150/600 and the heavy crossbow's 100/400.Has the Light property, meaning it only requires one hand to wield and attack with.Has the loading property, meaning it can only be fired once per action normally.Weighs 3 lbs compared to the longbow's 2 lbs and the heavy crossbow's 18 lbs!.Deals 1d6 piercing damage, compared to the longbow's 1d8 and the heavy crossbow's 1d10. ![]() ![]() Let's pull back the curtain on this overlooked ranged option and see how it truly measures up! The Basics of the Not-So-Basic Hand CrossbowĪt its core, the hand crossbow has a few basic traits that distinguish it from its larger cousins, the heavy crossbow and longbow: You'll learn about optimal builds, effective tactics, maximizing damage, and specialized uses for the hand crossbow so you can master this deceptive weapon. This definitive guide will dive deep on everything you need to know about hand crossbows in 5E. Like a diamond in the rough, the hand crossbow features unique capabilities and advantages that, when combined with the right character builds and feats, can make it an incredibly effective and versatile ranged weapon. However, this unassuming little crossbow hides surprising potential for those willing to master it. Many adventurers try out the hand crossbow in their early levels only to toss it aside for what seem like superior options later on. At first glance, its measly 1d6 piercing damage die makes it seem lackluster compared to the mighty longbow or the brutal heavy crossbow. In the vast arsenal of ranged weapons across the many exciting classes and builds of Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition, the humble hand crossbow often goes overlooked and underestimated.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |