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Equipment guide · 2024

Compare D&D 5e weapons

Choose for your character’s ability scores, proficiency and position at the table. A larger damage die is only part of the decision: reach, hand use and hit chance can change the better option.

Start with the attack ability

For a Dexterity-based melee character, compare Finesse weapons such as a rapier and whip. The rapier has a larger ordinary damage die; the whip offers longer reach. Check that you have the required proficiency.

Compare one attack consistently

Open a weapon card and enter your ability modifier, proficiency bonus and target AC. Keep these inputs the same when comparing alternatives. Expected damage includes misses and critical hits; it is not damage per round.

Keep a hand available when it matters

A two-handed weapon competes with a wielded shield. Versatile weapons offer a choice of damage die; use the calculator’s two-hand option and decide whether the increase suits the situation.

Open a card to calculate and compare

Start with the nonmagical equipment. Each card also links to relevant magical alternatives.

Practical comparisons by JustRoll. Item cards retain the rules and SRD attribution for their selected edition. These guides use the ordinary equipment rules; character features can change the result.