A TWF question

[GhorrinRedblade]

Hey there,

So in 3.x, if you were going to use TWF, there was a serious downside to using two different weapons, owing to the feat investments that required one to specify one weapon (for instance, Weapon Focus). It doesn't seem like that sort of feat still exists in 5e. Does this mean I can dual-wield with, say a sword and a dagger, without feeling like I've absolutely lost my mind?

Thanks,
Ghorrin Redblade

[krugaan]

Yup, it's all good.

Keep in mind that TWF is generally inferior to GWF in this edition, particularly at higher levels, because you only ever get 1 extra (offhand) attack.

[DanyBallon]

Fighting with two different does totally make sense, however, you need the Dual Wielder feat to be able to wield weapons that aren't light, so no rapier + dagger if you don't have the feat. (Feat gives you also +1 AC while wielding two weapons, and you can draw/stow two weapon instead of one). Also the bonus attack you get from your "off-hand" (you choose which hand is off-hand when you take your attack action, so it can change from round to round) don't get your related ability score bonus to damage, unless you have the TWF fighting style.

[ruy343]

Fighting with two different does totally make sense, however, you need the Dual Wielder feat to be able to wield weapons that aren't light, so no rapier + dagger if you don't have the feat. (Feat gives you also +1 AC while wielding two weapons, and you can draw/stow two weapon instead of one). Also the bonus attack you get from your "off-hand" (you choose which hand is off-hand when you take your attack action, so it can change from round to round) don't get your related ability score bonus to damage, unless you have the TWF fighting style.

Exactly as said above. I'll spell it out in list form to perhaps clarify:


You may attack with two weapons using your bonus action to make the second weapon attack.
You may add your applicable ability modifier to only one of the attacks unless you take the TWF style that fighters/rangers get
You must only use light weapons unless you get the two weapon fighter feat
You get no bonus to AC unless you pick up the two weapon fighter feat


When you think about it, the whole thing makes perfect sense. A greatsword is two handed, and deals 2d6+Ability Modifier, and the result of two weapon fighting without feats is, if you hit with both attacks, 2d6+Ability modifier (only once). On the surface, they're pretty equal, especially since two weapon fighting doesn't require as much training/feats to get that damage. a greatsword-wielding fighter eventually far outclasses the two weapon fighter, but it's certainly a viable, if not optimized, option.

[Kryx]

TWF loses at level 4. By a significant amount. It's not eventually, it's the vast majority of the game (as levels 1 and 2 are ~3 sessions total).

[EvilAnagram]

TWF works perfectly well for Rangers, and if you don't have feats it's arguably the best option for Barbarians. Arguably.

It seriously falls behind for Fighters after that second extra attack.