Math: comparing damage with or without SS/GWM

[Sjappo]

So, I was thinking about taking SharpShooter on my Bard and was wondering if this would upgrade his ranged damage potential. I fiddled about with excel and came to some conclusion. I decided to share. Take this as you will.

Disclaimer: I'm comparing average damage per round (multiplying hit chance and average damage) and die (without bonuses) needed to hit.
How to read:
Dis/Reg/Adv = Disadvantage, Regular, Advantage
-4, -5, -6: Needing a 4, 5 resp. 6 or lowerto hit
18+, 19+ 20+: Needing a 18, 19 resp 20 or higher

Basic archer, 1d8+3 damage
Dis -6, 20+
Reg -12, 19+
Adv -13, 19+
So, SS and GWM is only valid for low AC monsters or at higher levels where hit bonuses grow.

[Will update later with more math]

[Giant2005]

It is known.

[Sjappo]

It is known.
I should have known.

[X3r4ph]

You should check this out.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1d-9xDdath8kX_v7Rpts9JFIJwIG3X0-dDUtfax14NT0/edit

[TheTeaMustFlow]

You should check this out.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1d-9xDdath8kX_v7Rpts9JFIJwIG3X0-dDUtfax14NT0/edit

Personally, if one's just concerned with GWM/SS, I prefer this one (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?373572-GWM-Reference-Table), it's a little easier to understand and navigate at a glance.

[djreynolds]

AC 18 hobgoblins are tough, GWM SSG were no help.

They are feats that have risk, you can hit a home run or strike out.

Depends on the game. 4th level PCs facing a gang of hobgoblins, they TPKd us and then feasted on us.

[Giant2005]

Something worth adding is the fact that the creatures with low AC also tend to have low HP. In those cases, adding an extra 10 damage is often useless.

[Saggo]

Personally, if one's just concerned with GWM/SS, I prefer this one (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?373572-GWM-Reference-Table), it's a little easier to understand and navigate at a glance.

I prefer Great Weapon Mastery: How to -5/+10 Like a Pro (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?472938-Great-Weapon-Mastery-How-to-5-10-Like-a-Pro).

The break even point for damage isn't really that low, AC 16-17 with average starting stats and equipment.

[Fishyninja]

I prefer Great Weapon Mastery: How to -5/+10 Like a Pro (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?472938-Great-Weapon-Mastery-How-to-5-10-Like-a-Pro).

The break even point for damage isn't really that low, AC 16-17 with average starting stats and equipment.

Ah you beat me to it Saggo was jsut going too reference this. I even got Desamir to check my maths. you are right in regards to the break point with my character (note using a 1d12 musket) according to the formula I should use it at AC18