Top 10 Weapon Mastery Choices in Dungeons & Dragons

The upcoming 2024 Player’s Handbook for Dungeons & Dragons introduces an exciting new feature: the Weapon Mastery rules. This addition allows players to unlock enhanced functions for their weapons during combat, enriching the overall gameplay experience.

A total of five D&D classes will benefit from the Weapon Mastery system. These classes include the Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin, Ranger, and Rogue. The integration of Weapon Mastery adds layers of versatility and strategy, enabling players to craft unique fighting styles tailored to their characters’ strengths.

Some Weapon Mastery combinations are particularly effective when matched with specific class features and builds. Below is a rundown of the top Weapon Mastery options featured in the new 2024 Player’s Handbook.

10 Rogue: Shortbow Vex

Enhancing Sneak Attacks

Vex stands out as a prime option for Rogues, providing Advantage on their next attack before the end of the enemy’s turn. This mechanic is especially beneficial for executing Sneak Attacks effectively. Among the Rogue’s limited weapon choices, the Shortbow emerges as the optimal ranged option because of its synergy with Vex.

By using a Shortbow, Rogues can position themselves at a safe distance, ensuring more reliable Sneak Attacks. If an enemy closes in, they have the agility to retreat utilizing their Cunning Action.

9 Paladin: Longsword Sap

Debilitating Enemies

Paladins excel as frontline defenders due to their robust armor and healing abilities, particularly with the Lay On Hands feature. Utilizing a Longsword equipped with the Sap mastery can increase their effectiveness in battle by applying debuffs to opponents.

A successful hit with a Sap weapon imposes Disadvantage on the enemy’s next attack, providing tactical advantages that not only support the Paladin but can also protect fellow party members. Additionally, the Longsword’s Versatile nature permits combat versatility by providing options for either defense with a shield or increased damage with two-handed use.

8 Barbarian: Greataxe Cleave

Breaking Through Enemies

The Barbarian’s love for the Greataxe continues thanks to its excellent damage potential, perfectly aligning with their aggressive combat style. The addition of the Cleave mastery allows a successful hit on one target to let them hit another within a five-foot radius, although the damage won’t include their ability modifier.

This combination is particularly effective during Rage, enabling Barbarians to execute a multitude of high-damage strikes, solidifying their role as formidable adversaries on the battlefield.

7 Fighter: Pike Push

Controlling the Battlefield

In the realm of D&D, spatial control is vital during encounters. The Pike, when paired with the Push mastery, allows Fighters to propel enemies back ten feet upon a successful attack, significantly affecting positioning.

Since the Pike has a Reach property, Fighters can strike from ten feet away and, when combining that with the push effect, can manipulate enemy movement. This strategy limits enemies’ options on their subsequent turns and mitigates potential threats.

6 Ranger: Nick Scimitar

Dual-Wielding Excellence

For the Ranger class, the association with Drizzt Do’Urden is inescapable, particularly when it comes to the Scimitar weapon. The Nick mastery enables better efficiency in dual-wielding since it allows the Ranger to make an additional attack as part of their original action.

This engagement enables the player to unleash a flurry of attacks while still retaining the ability to use their Bonus Action for essential spells like Hunter’s Mark, thereby maximizing their damage output effectively.

5 Rogue: Shortsword Vex

Swift and Dextrous

For Rogues that have selected the Soulknife subclass, the inherent Psychic Blades automatically come with the Vex option, making them incredibly effective in combat. However, other subclasses can benefit equally by opting for a Shortsword that features Vex, permitting them to engage in swift strikes.

Players with access to Martial Weapon Proficiency can even consider swapping out their Shortsword for a Rapier. This shift allows them to capitalize on higher damage while maintaining the efficiency of Vex.

4 Paladin: Halberd Cleave

Striking Enemies from Afar

One remarkable feature of the Cleave mastery is that it can be utilized without specifying a range limitation, allowing for powerful strikes with Reach weapons like the Halberd.

This versatility allows the user to engage enemies within their reach while still being able to strike foes beyond with a follow-up attack. Paladins can enhance their attacks using their Smite spells for additional damage, making their cleave attacks even more formidable.

3 Barbarian: Greatsword Graze

Guaranteed Damage

Combat can be unpredictable, especially when a Barbarian attempts a Reckless Attack and fails to land a hit. Thankfully, the Graze mastery ensures that players still deal damage equal to their relevant ability modifier even when they miss an attack.

Given the Greatsword’s damage capabilities—naturally rolling 2d6—it becomes a dependable weapon when combined with the Barbarian’s Rage for consistent and substantial output during battles.

2 Fighter: Battleaxe Topple

Tactical Disruption

The Topple mastery requires enemies to make a Constitution Saving Throw, potentially knocking them prone. This results in Advantage for melee attacks against them and significantly hinders their mobility.

The Battleaxe stands out as an exceptional Topple weapon due to its balanced damage potential and practical application, whether wielded one-handed with a shield or two-handed for maximum damage. Fighters excel with this weapon, easily capitalizing on the initial attack to knock an enemy down and then utilizing Action Surge for follow-up attacks.

1 Ranger: Longbow Slow

Strategic Precision from Afar

Combat scenarios in D&D are not confined to close quarters; they often occur in vast landscapes. In such situations, the Slow mastery becomes particularly advantageous, as it reduces the movement speed of hit enemies by ten feet.

The Longbow exemplifies the effectiveness of this mastery due to its impressive range and damage potential. Rangers can utilize the Longbow alongside their spellcasting abilities, like Hunter’s Mark, to deliver powerful, consistent damage from a distance.

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