Gab Hernandez 
Dungeons and Dragons has no shortage of legendary weapons, but what of the simple weapons that newbies often encounter in DnD 5e?
Naturally, weapons are some of the most crucial things an adventurer can have in their kit. While some classes don’t need weapons to be dangerous, most would rather have steel in tow than not. Fighters, paladins, barbarians, and every other martial class will want to have some weapon and many of these start off with a simple weapon.
However, not every weapon is available for all classes. For example, while fighters can wield two-handed greatswords effortlessly, a wizard would struggle to swing even a longsword. Even if they manage to swing the weapon, they likely won’t be effective with it. In such cases, players must know the difference between martial and simple weapons.
What are simple weapons in Dungeons and Dragons 5e?
Simple weapons in Dungeons and Dragons 5e are weapons that are easier to use and far more accessible. Here’s a list of simple weapons available in Dungeons and Dragons 5e:
| Simple Weapon | Cost | Damage Type | Properties |
| Club | 1 silver | 1d4 bludgeoning | Light, Melee |
| Dagger | 2 gold | 1d4 piercing | Finesse, melee, light, ranged thrown (20 ft effective, 60 ft with disadvantage) |
| Dart | 5 copper | 1d4 piercing | Finesse, ranged, thrown (20/60) |
| Greatclub | 2 silver | 1d8 bludgeoning | Two-handed, melee |
| Handaxe | 5 gold | 1d6 slashing | Light, melee, ranged thrown (20/60) |
| Javelin | 5 silver | 1d6 piercing | Melee, ranged thrown (30/120) |
| Light Crossbow | 25 gold | 1d8 piercing | Ranged ammunition (80/320), loading, two-handed |
| Light Hammer | 2 gold | 1d4 bludgeoning | light, melee, ranged thrown (20/60) |
| Mace | 5 gold | 1d6 bludgeoning | Melee |
| Quarterstaff | 2 silver | 1d6 bludgeoning | Versatile (1d8 when held two-handed) |
| Shortbow | 25 gold | 1d6 piercing | Ranged ammunition (80/320), two-handed |
| Sickle | 1 gold | 1d4 slashing | Light |
| Sling | 1 silver | 1d4 bludgeoning | Ranged ammunition (30/120) |
| Spear | 1 gold | 1d6 piercing | Melee, ranged thrown (20/60), versatile (1d8) |
In DnD 5e, simple weapons are generally weaker and lighter than their martial counterparts, but that doesn’t mean they’re not dangerous. With the right class and build, even a simple weapon can deal massive damage.
Monks, one of the classes with a high DPS potential, can make use of simple weapons with deadly ease. For casters without mana, a quick slash with a dagger can mean the difference between life and death. Each class has weapon proficiencies, and most will be able to use at least some simple weapons.
Are simple weapons and improvised weapons the same?
Improvised weapons are not the same as simple weapons, but players can directly equivocate them to one when it comes to damage rolls.
For example, a broken shard of glass would not have the same properties as a steel dagger. Thus, it will deal 1d4 slashing damage per the Improvised Weapon rule, but does not have the Finesse property.
However, if a player were to break off a table leg, then it would not be any different from a normal wooden club. If it’s a particularly big table leg, they may even argue to give it the stats of a great club. As when dealing with unorthodox languages during character creation, always speak with a DM about the properties of any given weapon, improvised or not.
What is the best simple weapon in DnD 5e?
The best simple weapon depends entirely on the player’s preferred build, but there are some popular options.
Every Rogue would feel naked if not for a handy dagger, for example. Daggers having the finesse property means they can perform a sneak attack on a melee hit.
Druids can make great use of quarterstaffs enchanted with Shillelagh for a cheap and effective magical weapon. Javelins have the best range of any thrown weapon, especially for martial classes like Barbarian or Fighter who typically don’t use ranged weapons. Overall, the best simple weapon is whatever works best for a player’s class and build.
