Discussion:5e Two Weapon Fighting

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BigShotFancyMan (talk) 08:19, 6 July 2018 (MDT)

Two weapon fighting has bugged me for 5th edition since I started playing. The fantasy of dual wielding is an exotic thought but 5th nerfed the system so hard it is difficult to make it better without making it too good elsewhere, at least that's what it seems. Has anyone had luck finding a way to make TWF better without it becoming OP for certain situations?

Guy (talk) 09:20, 6 July 2018 (MDT)

If you get the right fighting style and feat, it already seems like the best way to do things as a paladin, fighter, or ranger. Your bonus action becomes an extra attack with a 1d8 weapon that adds your ability modifier to damage, and you even get a +1 AC bonus. If you only use the PHB but allow feats and multiclassing, it seems like the best offensive option and a decent defensive option.

I could understand wanting to change how it works or make it more realistic, but I don't really understand the request for a buff. If you wanted to buff it, I think you could just let everyone have the benefit of the Two-Weapon Fighting Style. That would bring up the minimum without making the maximum much stronger.

BigShotFancyMan (talk) 09:41, 6 July 2018 (MDT)

I think allowing everyone to do the TWF style is good suggestion to help include everyone. I wasn't clear with my intent though. I want to make that off-hand attack as part of my action. A lot of what I've read says this is extremely too strong for Paladin (Divine Strike) and Rogue (Sneak Attack) because it gives them extra chances to hit in case they miss. I've also seen ideas for halving damage, or not allowing ability damage for either attack, or disadvantage on one attack. Spit-balling things while I try to think how I'd like to do it at my table.

Dcbgaming (talk) 09:14, 1 September 2020 (MDT)

You can always create a Subclass that gives the benefits you would like to give at certain levels. Add in prerequisites to keep it to certain classes IE. Fighter/Ranger or stats like 18 Dex ect. This would keep paladins on the outs with it since they would need Char/Str/Con not a lot of point slots left for Dex. As far as rogues if you included them you could take away the sneak attack as they are not being deft in combat but have taken on a more direct fighting style. I am working on trying to put a subclass together atm to bring it more in line with 2-handed fighting and make it a viable option.

Red Leg Leo (talk) 12:46, 1 September 2020 (MDT)

Tying TWF benefits to a subclass is a great thought. I appreciate the input. Red Leg Leo (talk) 12:46, 1 September 2020 (MDT)