The Dual Wielder feat is a feat in Dungeons and Dragons 5e that enhances a character’s ability to wield two weapons simultaneously in combat. With this feat, a character can wield a weapon in each hand, allowing them to make an additional attack as a bonus action during their turn.
This means that a character with the Dual Wielder feat can potentially deal more damage per round than a character without it. In addition to the extra attack, the Dual Wielder feat grants other benefits.
A character with this feat can draw or stow two weapons at once, saving valuable time in combat and enabling them to quickly switch between different weapon combinations.
Furthermore, the Dual Wielder feat allows a character to use two-weapon fighting with any one-handed melee weapon, regardless of whether it has the “light” property. This means that a character with the feat can use heavier weapons without penalty, which can result in higher damage output.
Finally, when a character is wielding two weapons, they gain a +1 bonus to their AC. This represents the added defensive capability of having an additional weapon to block or parry incoming attacks.
Benefits of Choosing This Dual Wielder in Dnd 5e
The benefits of the Dual Wielder feat include
Multiple Weapon Option
The primary benefit of the Dual Wielder feat is the ability to wield two weapons at once. Normally, a character can only wield a single weapon in combat, but with this feat, they can hold a weapon in each hand.
This allows them to make an additional attack with their off-hand weapon as a bonus action on their turn, potentially dealing more damage per round.
Two Weapons at a Time
Another benefit of the Dual Wielder feat is the ability to draw or stow two weapons at once. Normally, a character can only draw or stow a single weapon on their turn, which can be time-consuming and leave them vulnerable to attack.
However, with the Dual Wielder feat, a character can draw or stow both of their weapons with a single action, making it easier to switch between different weapon combinations during combat.
Increase to Ac While Dual Wielding
When a character is wielding two weapons, they gain a +1 bonus to their AC. This represents the added defensive capability of having an additional weapon to block or parry incoming attacks.
The bonus to AC applies regardless of whether the character is attacking or defending, making it an excellent defensive option for characters who prefer to fight with two weapons.
Limitation of Dual Wielder Feat 5e
The Dual Wielder feat in 5e has some limitations that players should be aware of before choosing to take it. These limitations include:
Requires a Feat
In order to gain the benefits of the Dual Wielder feat, a player must use one of their precious feat slots to take it. This means they may have to forgo other useful feats that could benefit their character in different ways.
Increased Penalties Without the Two-Weapon Fighting Style
Without the Two-Weapon Fighting fighting style or another ability that specifically allows it, the off-hand weapon attack made with the Dual Wielder feat does not benefit from the character’s ability modifier.
Additionally, the off-hand attack has a disadvantage, making it more difficult to hit. These penalties can make the feat less effective for characters who do not have the Two-Weapon Fighting style.
Limited by Weapon Availability
While the Dual Wielder feat allows characters to use two weapons that do not have the light property, they are still limited by the availability of weapons that can be wielded in each hand. Some weapons, such as greatswords and polearms, are too large to be used effectively in one hand, even with the Dual Wielder feat.
Increased Equipment Weight
Carrying two weapons and possibly extra ammunition for them can increase a character’s equipment weight, which can be a concern for characters with lower strength scores or who need to carry other equipment.
Can’t Use a Shield
Dual wielding requires the use of both hands, meaning that a character cannot use a shield while dual wielding. This can leave them more vulnerable to attacks, especially if their AC bonus from the Dual Wielder feat is not enough to compensate for the loss of a shield.
Prerequisites for taking this feat
To take the Dual Wielder feat, a character must meet the following prerequisites:
- Proficiency with a martial weapon: A character must be proficient with at least one martial weapon to take this feat. This represents the basic combat training necessary to effectively wield two weapons at once.
- Proficiency with the light weapon: A character must also be proficient with a light weapon to take this feat. This represents the specialized training necessary to use two-weapon fighting techniques effectively.
Base Classes and Dual Wielding
Here’s how each of the base classes in D&D 5e can make use of the Dual Wielder feat:
Barbarian
Barbarians can be effective dual wielders due to their high damage output and ability to use Reckless Attack, which grants them an advantage on all melee attack rolls but leaves them vulnerable to attacks until the start of their next turn.
Dual wielding allows Barbarians to make even more attacks per round, potentially dealing massive amounts of damage. Additionally, the bonus to AC provided by the Dual Wielder feat can help offset the Barbarian’s lower AC compared to other melee classes.
Bard
Bards can make good use of dual-wielding by using their bonus action to attack with their off-hand weapon while still maintaining their concentration on a spell. This can be especially useful for Bards who like to use spells that require concentration, such as healing spells or crowd control spells.
Fighter
Fighters are arguably the best class for dual wielding due to their multiple attacks per round, as well as their access to the Two-Weapon Fighting fighting style, which allows them to add their ability modifier to the damage of their off-hand attacks.
With the Dual Wielder feat, Fighters can use even heavier weapons without penalty and gain a bonus to AC while dual wielding.
Monk
Monks can also make effective dual wielders due to their high number of attacks per round, Flurry of Blows feature, and Martial Arts ability, which allows them to use Dexterity instead of Strength for attack and damage rolls with unarmed strikes and monk weapons.
Dual wielding can help Monks deal even more damage per round, and the bonus to AC provided by the Dual Wielder feat can help offset their lower AC compared to other melee classes.
Paladin
Paladins can make good use of dual-wielding by using their Divine Smite ability, which allows them to expend spell slots to deal extra damage on a successful attack.
With the Dual Wielder feat, Paladins can use heavier weapons without penalty and gain a bonus to AC while dual wielding, making them even more effective in combat.
Ranger
Rangers are already proficient in Two-Weapon Fighting and can benefit greatly from the Dual Wielder feat. By dual wielding, the Rangers can make more attacks per round and potentially deal more damage. Additionally, the bonus to AC provided by the feat can help offset the Ranger’s lower AC compared to other melee classes.
Rogue
Rogues can make effective dual wielders due to their Sneak Attack ability, which allows them to deal extra damage on a successful attack if they have an advantage on the attack roll or if an ally is within 5 feet of the target.
By dual wielding, Rogues can potentially deal even more damage per round, and the bonus to AC provided by the Dual Wielder feat can help offset their lower AC compared to other melee classes.
Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard, Cleric, Druid
These classes are not typically known for their melee combat abilities and may not benefit as much from dual wielding as other classes.
However, characters in these classes who do choose to dual wield can still benefit from the extra attack and the ability to quickly switch between different weapon combinations.
Additionally, the bonus to AC provided by the Dual Wielder feat can help offset their lower AC compared to other melee classes.
How to Use Dual-Wielder Feat in Combat?
In combat, the Dual Wielder feat can be used to great effect by characters who want to deal more damage and improve their defenses. Here are some ways to use the feat in combat:
Increase the Number of Attacks
Dual wielding allows a character to make an additional attack with their off-hand weapon as a bonus action. This can significantly increase their damage output per round.
However, keep in mind that the off-hand weapon does not benefit from the character’s ability modifier unless they have the Two-Weapon Fighting fighting style or another ability that specifically allows it.
Alternate Weapon Types
The Dual Wielder feat allows characters to use two weapons that don’t have the light property, which means they can use heavier weapons with higher damage dice. For example, a character could wield a longsword in one hand and a battleaxe in the other.
This allows them to alternate between weapons based on the situation, such as using the longsword for single targets and the battleaxe for groups of enemies.
Draw and Stow Weapons Quickly
With the Dual Wielder feat, a character can draw and stow both weapons at once, allowing them to switch between different weapon combinations quickly. This can be useful in combat when facing different types of enemies with different vulnerabilities.
Improve Defenses
The Dual Wielder feat grants a +1 bonus to AC while dual wielding. This can help offset the penalties for dual wielding, such as the inability to use a shield. It can also make the character more difficult to hit in combat, increasing their survivability.
Take Advantage of Class Abilities
Some classes, such as the Fighter, Ranger, and Rogue, have abilities that specifically benefit dual wielding. For example, the Two-Weapon Fighting fighting style allows Fighters to add their ability modifier to the damage of their off-hand attacks.
Similarly, the Ranger’s Hunter’s Mark spell and the Rogue’s Sneak Attack ability can both be used with dual-wielded weapons to deal additional damage.
Conclusion
The Dual Wielder feat in D&D 5e offers players the ability to wield two weapons simultaneously, draw and stow two weapons at once, use two-weapon fighting with weapons that don’t have the light property, and increase their AC while dual wielding.
The Dual Wielder feat is powerful in combat but has limitations, such as using a feat slot, increased penalties without Two-Weapon Fighting, weapon availability, equipment weight, and no shield use.
Overall, the Dual Wielder feat can be a good choice for characters who prioritize offense and mobility, but players should carefully consider their character’s abilities and playstyle before choosing to take it.
