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Has yourDungeons & Dragonsparty woken up in jail with all of their weapons and items stolen? Did your primary firearm break mid-fight with no means of preparing it? If you find yourself in a pinch in D&D with nowhere else to turn, it’s great to use improvised weapons in combat so that you can stay in the fight.
But, if you’re new to Dungeons & Dragons, or even a veteran player, you might not have ever had a chance to use improvised weapons. If that’s the case, this guide has everything you need so that you’re able to understand and wield improvised weapons.
What Are Improvised Weapons?
Improvised weapons can be any itemyou find in Dungeons & Dragonsthatyou use as an unconventional or makeshift means of attack.
Someexamples of improvised weaponsmight include:
In essence,an improvised weapon is any weaponyou use to make an attack that isnot already listed on the simple or martial weapons tablein the Player’s Handbook.
For a full list of simple or martial weapons, consult Chapter Six of the2024 Player’s Handbook.
However, there is a loophole to this rule.Improvised weapons can also include simple or martial weaponsin one particular instance:if they’re used unconventionally or contrary to their initial design.
See the table below for some examplesof how standard weapons can be transformed into improvised weapons.
Light Crossbow
Simple, Ranged
Attacking an opponent in melee range with the blunt end of the crossbow.
Greataxe
Martial, Melee
Using the flat end of the greataxe’s blade to deal non-lethal damage and knock out an opponent.
How Do Improvised Weapons Work?
Once you and your DM have determined that something counts as an improvised weapon,you might be wondering how an improvised weapon works.
There are a fewsimple rules to keep in mind when dealing with improvised weapons; though it’s no secret that these rules mean improvised weapons are more like last resorts than powerful showstoppers.
What Kind Of Damage Does An Improvised Weapon Do?
After you’ve attacked with an improvised weapon, determining damage is super simple. Once an attack hits,damage for all improvised weapons is 1d4 of a damage type that the DM thinks is appropriate, given the nature of the object.
For example,if you attack someone with the blunt end of your sword, the DM might determine thatthe attack does 1d4 bludgeoning damage.
Alternatively,let’s say you throw a glass bottle at someoneas an attack, and it hits; the DM might determinethis deals 1d4 piercing damage.
Ultimately, the type of damage an improvised weapon does is up to the DM, and not up to the player’s discretion.
Can You Become Proficient With Improvised Weapons?
By default,no player has proficiency with improvised weapons. However,there is a workaround for thisif you take a certain origin feat at first level.
If youtake the Tavern Brawler feat at first level, you gain the following benefits, which includesa workaround for improvised weapon proficiency.
With this feat in tow,you can add your proficiency bonus to improvised weapon attacks.
If you’re interested in playing a surly drunkard who makes use of improvised weapons often,make sure to take the Tavern Brawler feat at character creation.
