The spear is a weapon that has stood the test of time in DnD 5e. It remains a reliable and versatile choice for adventurers. With its long reach and balanced attributes, the spear holds appeal for a variety of characters and playstyles.
It is a weapon that excels both in close-quarters combat and as a ranged option, offering flexibility in different encounters. Whether wielded by a skilled fighter, a cunning rogue, or a devout paladin, the spear’s simplicity and effectiveness make it a popular choice among adventurers.
In this guide, we will explore the mechanics, advantages, and creative possibilities that the spear brings to the world of D&D 5e, providing insights and inspiration for players looking to harness its power on their quests
Spear’s Appeal and Versatility
Among the diverse array of weapons available in D&D 5e, the spear stands out for its broad appeal and versatility. It is a simple weapon that offers several advantages to those who wield it. Here are some reasons why the spear is highly regarded by adventurers:
Reach and Versatile Properties
The spear possesses the “reach” property, which means it can be used to attack enemies from a distance. This allows characters to engage opponents without putting themselves at immediate risk.
Additionally, the spear is classified as a versatile weapon, meaning it can be wielded with one or two hands. This flexibility allows characters to adapt their combat style based on the situation, providing options for different tactical approaches.
Availability and Cost
Spears are widely available and relatively inexpensive compared to more specialized weapons. They can be found or purchased in most settlements or acquired from defeated foes.
This accessibility makes the spear a practical choice for adventurers starting their journeys or those seeking a reliable backup weapon.
Thrown Option
The spear’s versatility extends to its ability to be thrown as a ranged weapon. This feature grants characters the advantage of engaging enemies from a distance before closing in for melee combat.
The thrown property allows characters to adapt their tactics to different encounters, making the spear a versatile tool for both ranged and melee combat scenarios.
Compatibility with Feats
The spear synergizes well with certain feats and abilities available to characters. Feats like “Polearm Master” can enhance the effectiveness of using a spear, granting additional attacks or the ability to make opportunity attacks.
when enemies enter or leave the character’s reach. Additionally, class features or spells that benefit melee attacks can be combined with the spear, making it a formidable weapon in the hands of a skilled character.
Historical and Role-playing Appeal
The spear’s historical significance and prevalence in various cultures add an element of realism and immersion to role-playing experiences. It can serve as a weapon choice that aligns with a character’s backstory, culture, or training.
Whether portraying a tribal warrior, a disciplined hoplite, or a seasoned hunter, the spear offers a thematic and engaging choice for players who wish to dive deeper into their character’s narrative and world.
Spear 5eWielding Classes
Casses in DnD 5e that benefit from spear proficiency and discuss how each class utilizes the spear effectively:
Fighter
Fighters are versatile warriors who excel in combat and can adapt to various fighting styles. Spear proficiency complements the Fighter class exceptionally well due to their access to a wide range of combat abilities and weapon specializations.
Fighters can utilize the spear’s reach property to keep enemies at bay and take advantage of their high number of attacks. They can also benefit from the Polearm Master feat, which allows them to make additional attacks and opportunity attacks when wielding a spear.
The spear’s versatility property allows Fighters to switch between using it one-handed or two-handed, providing flexibility in combat tactics and making the most of their Fighting Style and Extra Attack features.
Ranger
Rangers are skilled hunters and trackers, specializing in ranged and melee combat. The spear offers rangers the option to engage in melee combat effectively while still maintaining a connection to their wilderness-themed abilities.
Rangers can utilize the spear’s reach property to keep enemies at a distance, which is particularly useful when they want to protect their spellcasting abilities or utilize their hunter’s mark feature.
The thrown property of the spear also grants rangers a ranged attack option when engaging foes from a distance. The spear’s simplicity and accessibility align well with the Ranger class’s nature-focused themes and their ability to adapt to different terrains and environments.
Paladin
Paladins are holy warriors dedicated to justice and righteousness. The spear can be an excellent weapon choice for Paladins, providing them with the reach and versatility needed to engage enemies effectively.
The spear’s reach property allows Paladins to attack foes from a distance, ensuring they can protect their allies or maintain their position in the frontlines.
Paladins can combine the spear’s reach with their Divine Smite ability to deliver powerful melee strikes against their adversaries. Additionally, the spear’s versatile property allows Paladins to wield it one-handed.
While still being able to cast spells or use their other hand for a shield, enhancing their defensive capabilities.
Barbarian
Barbarians are fierce and relentless warriors who thrive in close-quarters combat. While they are typically associated with heavier melee weapons, the spear can still be a viable choice for Barbarians.
The spear’s reach property allows Barbarians to engage enemies while minimizing the risk of retaliation, making it an effective weapon for hit-and-run tactics.
Barbarians can use the spear with one or two hands, allowing them to adapt their combat style based on the situation and take advantage of their rage features and damage bonuses.
The thrown property of the spear also provides Barbarians with a ranged attack option when needed.
Monk
Monks are martial artists who harness their bodies’ inner energies. While they often prefer unarmed strikes, some monks may choose to incorporate spears into their combat style, utilizing their reach and focusing their ki energy through the weapon.
Spear 5e Mastery Feat
The Spear Mastery feat is a player option available in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition. By taking this feat, a character gains specialized training and mastery in using spears as their weapon of choice. Let’s explore the details and benefits of the Spear Mastery feat:
Increased Proficiency
The Spear Mastery feat grants proficiency with spears if the character didn’t already possess it. This allows characters who would not typically be proficient with spears to gain the full benefits of using this weapon.
Bonus to Attack Rolls
When a character with the Spear Mastery feat wields a spear, they gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls made with that weapon. This bonus enhances their accuracy in combat, increasing the likelihood of successfully hitting their targets.
Improved Damage
The feat also increases the damage dealt with spears. When using a spear with two hands, the character rolls a d8 for damage instead of the usual d6. This boost in damage dice makes spears even more potent in the hands of characters who have taken the Spear Mastery feat.
Opportunity Attacks
One notable aspect of the Spear Mastery feat is its interaction with opportunity attacks. When a creature within 5 feet of a character with this feat moves out of the character’s reach, the character can make an opportunity attack against that creature.
This feature is not limited to spears; it applies to any melee weapon the character is wielding. This ability reflects the character’s mastery in wielding a spear, allowing them to take advantage of an opponent’s movements and strike with precision.
Disarming Strike
The Spear Mastery feat introduces a new combat option called the Disarming Strike. When the character hits a creature with a spear attack, they can choose to attempt a disarm.
The target must make a Strength saving throw or drop an item of the character’s choice that they are holding. This ability provides additional utility and tactical options for characters with the feat, allowing them to potentially disarm opponents and gain advantages in combat.
Spear Fighting Techniques
When engaging in spear combat in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition, there are several tips and strategies that can help you effectively utilize the weapon’s reach advantage and maximize your defensive capabilities. Here are some key considerations:
Capitalize on Reach Advantage
The primary advantage of a spear is its extended reach. Make sure to position yourself in a way that allows you to maintain distance from your opponents while still being able to strike them.
By using the spear’s reach, you can attack enemies from a safer distance, reducing the chances of being targeted or counterattacked.
Maintain Defensive Positioning
Spears excel at keeping opponents at bay. Use your spear’s reach to your advantage by positioning yourself in defensive formations or choke points. This allows you to control the battlefield, limiting your enemies’ ability to engage you directly.
By staying in a defensive position, you can make it more challenging for opponents to close in on you and force them to approach on your terms.
Utilize Readied Actions
To further capitalize on the spear’s reach, consider readying your attacks. By readying an action to strike any enemy that comes within your spear’s reach, you can effectively defend yourself and take advantage of their movement.
This allows you to attack enemies when they move into range, potentially disrupting their plans or forcing them to reconsider their approach.
Collaborate with Allies
Coordinate with your allies to create synergistic tactics. Position yourself behind a front-line defender, such as a fighter or barbarian, who can absorb melee attacks while you attack from a safe distance with your spear.
This teamwork allows you to capitalize on the spear’s reach while keeping yourself protected.
Use Defensive Abilities
Some classes and character options have defensive abilities that can be employed effectively while wielding a spear.
For example, a fighter with the Protection fighting style can use their reaction to impose a disadvantage on an enemy’s attack against an ally within 5 feet, providing additional protection to their teammates.
Such abilities enhance your defensive capabilities and make you an invaluable asset on the battlefield.
Be Mindful of Flanking
While the spear’s reach is advantageous, be aware of flanking maneuvers by enemies. Position yourself in a way that minimizes the chances of being surrounded or flanked by opponents, as this reduces your reach advantage and exposes you to more attacks.
Pay attention to your surroundings and adjust your positioning accordingly.
Spear 5e Variants
There are various types of spears beyond the standard spear in DnD 5e, each with its unique features and abilities. These exotic spears offer players diverse options for combat and roleplaying. Let’s explore some of the spear variants and exotic spears available in the game:
Glaive
The Glaive is a polearm-type spear with a large, curved blade at the end. It has the reach property, allowing you to attack enemies from a distance.
The Glaive can be wielded with two hands, dealing increased damage, and some versions of the Glaive possess the versatile property, enabling you to use it one-handed if needed.
The Glaive is a popular choice among fighters and characters who prefer longer reach and increased damage potential.
Trident
The trident is a three-pronged spear traditionally associated with aquatic themes. It can be thrown as a ranged weapon and has the versatile property, allowing you to wield it one-handed or two-handed.
The Trident is often favored by characters with aquatic or coastal backgrounds, such as sea-faring adventurers or followers of deities associated with water.
Pike
The pike is an exceptionally long spear in DnD 5e known for its reach and defensive capabilities. It has the reach property, making it effective in keeping enemies at bay.
The pike is typically wielded with two hands, granting increased damage potential. The pike is commonly used by military units and guards, and it can be a suitable choice for characters who value defensive positioning and battlefield control.
Lance
The lance is a long spear designed specifically for mounted combat. It has the reach property, allowing mounted characters to strike foes while keeping a distance.
The lance deals increased damage when used while mounted and charging, making it a formidable weapon for characters who specialize in mounted combat, such as knights or cavaliers.
Enhancing Your Spear
In Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition, magical enhancements can greatly enhance the effectiveness of a spear. Enchantments and special abilities can provide various bonuses and effects that make your spear more powerful and versatile.
Here are some magic weapon properties and enchantments to consider for enhancing your spear:
+1, +2, or +3 Bonus
One of the simplest and most common enchantments for a magical spear is increasing its bonus to attack rolls and damage. A +1 spear provides a +1 bonus, while a +2 spear provides a +2 bonus, and so on.
These bonuses directly increase your accuracy and damage, making you more effective in combat.
Elemental Damage
Adding elemental damage to your spear can be highly beneficial. Enchantments like “Flaming” or “Frost” grant additional fire or cold damage to your attacks, respectively.
This extra damage can bypass certain resistances and add versatility to your spear’s capabilities.
Reach Extension
A magical enhancement that extends the reach of your spear allows you to attack foes from an even greater distance. This property can catch enemies off guard and provide tactical advantages by allowing you to strike from afar.
Returning
A returning spear enchantment causes the weapon to return to your hand after being thrown in DnD 5e. This is especially useful for characters who prefer ranged attacks but still want to maintain the versatility of a spear in melee combat.
Vorpal
The vorpal enchantment is an incredibly potent effect. A vorpal spear has the chance to instantly decapitate an opponent when you roll a natural 20 on an attack roll. This can be a game-changer in critical situations, instantly eliminating powerful foes.
Special Abilities
There are a variety of special abilities that can be added to a magical spear, depending on the campaign and the DM’s discretion.
Some examples include the ability to emit light, grant bonuses against specific creature types, or possess unique combat abilities such as stunning or knocking enemies prone.
Custom Enchantments
Work with your Dungeon Master to create custom enchantments for your spear. This allows you to tailor the enhancements to fit your character’s story, theme, or specific needs.
This can include abilities that align with your character’s class features or enhance their overall playstyle.
Spear and Shield Combo
The combination of a spear and shield in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition provides a versatile and balanced approach to combat. This combination allows for both offensive capabilities with the spear and increased defensive options with the shield.
Let’s explore the benefits and tactics of using a spear and shield combo:
Defensive Advantage
The primary advantage of using a shield alongside a spear is the increased defensive capabilities it provides in DnD 5e. The shield grants a bonus to Armor Class, making it easier to avoid incoming attacks.
This bonus can be crucial in protecting yourself from enemy strikes, especially in close-quarters combat.
Versatile Offense
The spear, when paired with a shield, offers a balanced mix of offense and defense. The spear allows you to attack enemies from a safe distance due to its reach property, reducing the risk of being targeted in melee.
It can be used to deal reliable damage while maintaining a defensive stance behind the shield.
Phalanx Tactics
The spear and shield combo lends itself well to group combat and phalanx-like formations. By coordinating with allies who also have shields, you can create a shield wall, providing mutual cover and defense.
This formation can help control the battlefield and limit enemy access, creating opportunities for strategic maneuvers.
Shield Bash
While primarily defensive, the shield can also be used offensively. As a bonus action, characters proficient with shields can make a shield bash attack, potentially knocking an enemy prone or disarming them.
This provides an additional tactical option and can create openings for follow-up attacks with the spear or other weapons.
Versatility in Encounters
The spear and shield combo is versatile and effective in various encounter scenarios. Whether facing multiple opponents, heavily armored foes, or creatures with dangerous melee attacks, the combination allows you to maintain a solid defense while still contributing to the offense.
The spear’s reach keeps enemies at bay, while the shield provides additional protection.
Spear 5e related Spells
There are several spells that can complement a character’s use of a spear or enhance their combat abilities in DnD 5e. These spells offer a variety of effects, from increasing damage to providing defensive options. Here are some spear-related spells to consider:
Magic Weapon
This spell enhances a weapon, including a spear, with a +1 bonus to attack rolls and damage rolls. By casting Magic Weapon on your spear, you can increase your accuracy and damage output, making your attacks more effective in combat.
Elemental Weapon
This spell allows you to imbue your spear with elemental energy, such as fire, cold, or lightning. It adds additional damage of the chosen element to your spear attacks, potentially bypassing certain resistances or vulnerabilities.
This spell is particularly useful when facing enemies with specific elemental weaknesses.
Spiritual Weapon
Although it doesn’t directly involve a physical spear. The Spiritual Weapon spell creates a spectral weapon of your choice, which can take the form of a spear. You can wield the spiritual spear as a bonus action, making attacks with it against enemies.
It allows you to have an additional weapon in combat, increasing your overall damage potential.
Crusader’s Mantle
This spell creates a radiant aura around you, bolstering your allies’ attacks with extra radiant damage. By casting Crusader’s Mantle, you can enhance the attacks of yourself and your companions wielding spears, granting additional damage on each hit.
This spell is especially effective in group combat situations.
Wrathful Smite
By using this spell, you can imbue your spear with wrathful energy. When you hit a creature with your spear attack, it must make a Wisdom saving throw or become frightened until the spell ends.
This spell can provide a crowd-control option, allowing you to disrupt enemy formations or focus on specific targets.
