With their sleek design and deadly force, crossbows have always held a certain allure to adventurers. They are a great option for ranged combat, providing excellent accuracy and punch. And if you are all about doing damage from a distance, the crossbow is a perfect option.
So, what basics should you know about Crossbows in D&D 5e?
There are three types of crossbows in D&D 5th Edition; Light Crossbows, Heavy crossbows, and Hand Crossbows. Most crossbows do piercing damage and often require an action to load, meaning they can’t be fired multiple times in one turn without specific abilities or traits, like the Crossbow Expert feat.
Still, whether you’re a player trying to optimize your damage output or a DM trying to create challenging encounters, there are many factors to consider. And do add to that, various game mechanics can affect the use and effectiveness of crossbows.
Fortunately, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about this deadly ranged weapon, from its mechanics to everything in-between.
The Mechanics Of Crossbows In D&D 5E
The mechanics of crossbows in Dungeons and Dragons are essential to understand if you want to use them effectively in combat. As you may know, crossbows in the 5th edition Players Handbook on page 149 are ranged weapons that fire bolts and deal piercing damage.
While they are sometimes overlooked compared to the many longbow wielding Rangers and Fighters with the Sharpshooter perk, they are trendy among adventurers who want to strike from a distance and avoid melee combat.
However, the loading property of most crossbows means that they require an action to load, which limits their rate of fire. Some crossbows have additional perks, such as the ability to fire in a burst or deal extra damage on a critical hit. And knowing the mechanics of crossbows will help you choose the right type for your character and playstyle and use it to its full potential in combat.
So let’s dive into the different types of crossbows, the crossbow mastery feats, and the ammunition available with crossbows to help you better indicate which one may be right for you.
3 Types Of Crossbows in 5E D&D
Crossbows in D&D 5e come in three distinct types, each with its unique properties and uses. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each can be a game-changer in battle.
Note: weapons are categorized as either simple or martial. Simple weapons are easier to use and typically cost less, but they deal less damage and have fewer properties. On the other hand, martial weapons are more powerful, but they require more training and often have additional features or abilities.
| Crossbow Type | Cost | Weapon Classification | Range | Damage | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Crossbow | 75 gp | Light one-handed martial ranged weapon | 30/120 | 1d6 piercing | A favorite of rogues, these are the only one-handed crossbows in the game. |
| Light Crossbow | 25 gp | Two handed simple light martial weapon | 80/320 | 1d8 piercing | The light crossbow is a good starting crossbow or adequate ranged option to give low-level casters a ranged option. |
| Heavy Crossbow | 50 gp | Heavy two-handed martial ranged weapon | 100/400 | 1d10 piercing | The best crossbow for crossbow builds, heavy crossbows have better range and damage than other options. |
1) The Light Crossbow – Simple-Ranged Weapon
The light crossbow is a simple weapon that is easy to use but less potent than its heavier counterparts. Light crossbows are a handy option for classes that want to have a reliable ranged weapon that does not depend on their ability scores or other factors.
For example, a rogue can use a light crossbow to sneak attack from a distance. A cleric can also use it to deal damage while keeping their spell slots for healing or buffing, or a fighter can switch between melee and ranged combat without losing their fighting style bonus.
Light crossbows are also relatively cheap and easy to find than other ranged weapons magical longbows or hand crossbows.
- It costs only 25gp (gold pieces) and weighs a mere 5 lbs, making them light enough for most creatures.
- The weapon has 1d8 piercing damage, which is higher than most simple ranged weapons such as short bows, slings, darts, etc.
- Light crossbows have a range of 80/320 feet, which means they can hit targets at a longer distance than most other simple ranged weapons. They also have a lower disadvantage range than heavy crossbows (100/400 feet).
- Light crossbows are two-handed – they cannot be used consistently with a shield or another weapon in one hand, but they do not have Heavy property, which means Small creatures can use them without disadvantage.
- Light crossbows require loading – they can only fire one shot per action, bonus action, or reaction. It may seem like a drawback, but it can also be an advantage for some characters who want to use their other actions for something else, such as casting spells, using class features, and more.
- Light crossbows are a great inexpensive solution to give classes like wizards or warlocks, or bards a distance attack option at low levels when they don’t have enough spells to carry them.
On the downside, light crossbows also have some drawbacks that make them less appealing for some classes or situations.
For instance, a ranger or an archer fighter might prefer a longbow for its greater damage and longer range, and a bard or a warlock might prefer a hand crossbow for its versatility and compatibility with their features like Bardic Inspiration or Eldritch Blast. Any class that relies on multiple attacks per round might find the loading property pretty much limited.
It’s also worth mentioning that light crossbows are ineffective against enemies with resistance or immunity to piercing damage. But overall, they are simple but effective ranged weapons that can be used by any class proficient with simple weapons. They offer consistent damage and decent range without requiring high ability scores or unique resources.
2) The Heavy Crossbow – Martial-Ranged Weapon
The heavy crossbow may be better for those looking for a bit more punch. They are classified as martial ranged weapons that can be used by any class that has proficiency with martial weapons.
Heavy crossbows are a handy option for classes that want to have a powerful ranged weapon that can deal more damage and reach farther than other crossbows.
For example, a fighter can use a heavy crossbow to make multiple attacks per round with their Extra Attack feature or their Action Surge feature (if they have the crossbow expert feat). Or a paladin can use it to smite enemies from afar with their Banishing or Branding Smite feature, which is a creative way of using them that’s uncommon but it actually does work – smite doesn’t require use of a melee weapon!
Heavy crossbows are also relatively common and easy to obtain compared to other martial weapons like great swords or longbows.
- This martial weapon costs 50gp and is a hefty 18 lbs, making smaller creatures roll with disadvantage when using them.
- Heavy crossbows are martial ranged weapons with 1d10 piercing damage – higher than most other ranged weapons except longbows and some magic weapons.
- Heavy crossbows have a range of 100/400 feet, which means they can hit targets at a longer distance than most other ranged weapons except longbows. They also have a higher maximum range than light crossbows (80/320 feet).
- Heavy crossbows have the “Heavy” property, which means they deal more damage when used with features that add extra damage dice, such as Sneak Attack, Colossus Slayer, etc. They also benefit from the Archery fighting style that adds +2 to attack rolls with ranged weapons.
- Heavy crossbows require loading, which means they can only fire one shot per action, bonus action, or reaction. They also do not require attunement as some magic weapons do.
However, heavy crossbows have some drawbacks, making them less appealing for some classes or situations. For instance, a rogue or a monk might prefer a hand crossbow or a short bow for their finesse and light properties, allowing them to use their Sneak Attack or Martial Arts feature.
Respectively, a ranger or an archer fighter might prefer a longbow for its higher damage potential with feats like Sharpshooter or Archery Fighting Style. Any class that relies on bonus actions or reactions might find the loading property restrictive, which is why any build that will use crossbows a lot will need the Crossbow Expert Feat.
Overall, heavy crossbows are martial but effective ranged weapons that can be used by any class proficient with martial weapons. They offer high damage and long range without requiring high ability scores or special resources.
3) The Hand Crossbow – Martial-Ranged Weapon
Finally, the hand crossbow is an excellent option for those looking for a one-handed ranged weapon that can prove to be very effective in many situations. Hand crossbows are a handy option for classes that want a versatile ranged weapon that can be used with other abilities or features, like how a rogue can use a hand crossbow to sneak attack from a distance or while dual-wielding daggers.
Also, a bard can use it to deal damage while keeping their other hand free for spellcasting or using their Bardic Inspiration feature, or a warlock can use it to enhance their Eldritch Blast with their Hexblade’s Curse feature or their Hex spell.
Hand crossbows aren’t necessarily as common when compared to other ranged weapons like short bows or slings, however they aren’t considered rare or hard to find…unless your DM’s being a jerk, which of course is the DM’s prerogative!
- This martial weapon costs 75gp and weighs only 3 lbs. It is an excellent option for adventurers who value speed and mobility and want to pick off enemies almost one hit away from elimination.
- Hand crossbows are martial ranged weapons with 1d6 piercing damage – lower than most other ranged weapons but still decent for a one-handed weapon.
- Hand crossbows have a range of 30/120 feet, which means they can hit targets at a short to medium distance. They also have a lower disadvantage range than light crossbows (80/320 feet) and heavy crossbows (100/400 feet).
- Hand crossbows have the “Light” property, which means they can be used with two-weapon fighting rules to make an extra attack with a bonus action if you wield another light weapon in your other hand. And it is also a favorite amongst smaller creatures.
- And, of course, Hand crossbows require loading, which means they can only fire one shot per action, bonus action, or reaction.
Still, as light as they may be, hand crossbows have some drawbacks that make them less appealing for some classes or situations. For instance, a ranger or an archer fighter might prefer a longbow or a heavy crossbow for more significant damage output and extended range.
Nevertheless, hand crossbows are martial but versatile ranged weapons that can be used by any class proficient with martial weapons. They offer decent damage and range without requiring two hands or high ability scores.
However, they also have some limitations that make them less optimal for specific classes or scenarios. Therefore, choosing a hand crossbow depends on your character’s role, style, and preferences.
Note: Players cannot dual-wield hand crossbows since one hand needs to reload free to reload the weapon. But if you have the Crossbow Expert feat (discussed further down), players may make an additional attack as a bonus action since you have a free hand to reload.
Crossbow Mastery Feats
Crossbow Mastery Feats are feats that enhance your character’s ability to use crossbows effectively and efficiently. A feat is a unique option that you can choose for your character when you reach certain levels or meet certain requirements. Feats also allow you to customize your character and make it stand out, and 5th Edition relies on
Furthermore, two main Crossbow Mastery Feats that can help you change things up are Crossbow Expert and Sharpshooter.
Crossbow Expert Feat
The 5E Crossbow Expert is a feat that allows you to ignore the loading property of crossbows, which usually limits you to one shot per action, bonus action, or reaction. You can fire as many times as your class features allow, such as Extra Attack or Action Surge.
For example, as mentioned before, a fighter with Crossbow Expert can eventually fire four shots with a heavy crossbow using their Attack action and Action Surge since they can ignore the reload feature.
This is also necessary in order to use the multiple attacks that many classes get with an Attack action at higher levels.
Crossbow Expert also lets you avoid disadvantage on ranged attack rolls when you are within 5 feet of a hostile creature. This means you can shoot at enemies who are right next to you without penalty, which is great to deal with those enemies who manage to close the gap.
For example, a rogue with Crossbow Expert can sneak attack an enemy with a hand crossbow even when engaged in melee combat.
Finally, Crossbow Expert gives you an additional option for your bonus action. If you use the Attack action and attack with a one-handed weapon (such as a hand crossbow), you can use your bonus action to make another attack with the same weapon – given your other hand remains empty. This means you can fire two shots with a hand crossbow in one round.
This opens up combinations for bards, rogues, and even some builds of warlocks to do some magic/crossbow or melee/crossbow combos that are very intriguing.
Sharpshooter Expert Feat
The 5E Sharpshooter feat is another feat that improves your crossbow skills. It allows you to make long-range shots without disadvantage, which usually applies when you shoot beyond the normal range of your weapon.
This means you can hit targets up to 400 feet away with a heavy crossbow or 120 feet away with a hand crossbow without penalty.
Sharpshooter also lets you ignore half cover, and three-quarters cover when making ranged attacks, which generally give +2 or +5 bonuses to the target’s AC, respectively. This means you can shoot at enemies hiding behind obstacles without difficulty and from greater distances.
Every archery-based build will take Sharpshooter, every crossbow build will need BOTH Sharpshooter and Crossbow Expert.
Finally, Sharpshooter gives you the option to trade accuracy for damage (assuming you’re using the 5E version and not the One DnD Sharpshooter Feat): before making an attack roll with a ranged weapon (such as a crossbow), you can choose to take a -5 penalty to the roll in exchange for adding +10 damage to the hit. This means you can deal massive damage if you are confident in your ability to hit the target.
Crossbow Mastery Feats are excellent choices for characters who want to specialize in using crossbows as their primary weapons. They offer various benefits that increase your damage output, range, versatility, and survivability when using crossbows.
Drawbacks of Crossbows
However, they also have some drawbacks that make them less suitable for some characters or situations. For instance, Crossbow Mastery Feats require proficiency with martial weapons (which not all classes have).
They also consume one of your limited feat slots (which could be used for other options) and may not work well with other class features or spells (such as Sneak Attack or Hunter’s Mark) that require specific conditions or actions.
Finally, remember that some enemies may have resistance or immunity to piercing damage (which most crossbows deal with) or high AC, making it harder to hit them even with the Sharpshooter feat.
Crossbow Ammunition
Crossbows are powerful ranged weapons that use bolts as ammunition. Bolts are small metal projectiles that are stored in a quiver, case, or other container and loaded into the crossbow before firing. And never forget that you expend one piece of ammunition each time you attack with a crossbow.
There are different types of bolts that can be used with crossbows, such as:
Standard Bolts
These are the most common and basic types of crossbow bolts. They are made of metal or wood and have pointed tips. They cost 1gp for 20 bolts andweigh 1.5 lb. They deal piercing damage equal to the damage dice of the crossbow.
Silvered Bolts
Silver bolts have been coated with silver or made of a silver alloy. They cost 100gp for 20 bolts according to The Player’s Handbook, and weigh the same as standard bolts. They also deal piercing damage equal to the damage dice of the crossbow. But they also bypass the damage immunity or resistance of some creatures like lycanthropes, who have resistance to normal weapons but are vulnerable to silver weapons.
Magical Bolts
These crossbow bolts have been enchanted with some form of magic. Depending on their enchantment, they can have various effects, such as dealing extra damage, having a longer range, or having a special property like returning to your hand after you fire them.
The cost and weight of magical bolts vary depending on their rarity and power. They also deal piercing damage equal to the damage dice of the crossbow. Still, they also bypass some creatures’ damage resistance or immunity, like golems that are immune to non-magical weapons.
Poisoned Bolts
These are crossbow bolts that have been coated with poison or venom. They can have different effects depending on the type and potency of the poison, such as dealing additional poison damage, imposing a condition like poisoned or paralyzed, or requiring a saving throw to avoid these effects.
The cost and weight of poisoned bolts can depend on the availability and quality of the poison. They also deal piercing damage equal to the damage dice of the crossbow you use them with, plus any additional effects from the poison.
Using crossbow ammunition effectively often requires a bit of planning and strategy – which adds plenty of fun to how you perceive your character to be. So no matter your playstyle, if you choose to use a crossbow, you will find that crossbow ammunition is an essential part of your arsenal.
Tip: Consider how many bolts you have left, how far your target is, what kind of damage you want to deal with, and what type of action economy you want to use. You also need to be aware of the loading property of crossbows, which means you can only fire one shot per action, bonus action, or reaction.
Excellent Examples Of Classes For Crossbow Users
Crossbows are versatile and deadly weapons that many classes in D&D 5e can use. Whether you prefer a light crossbow for quick shots, a heavy crossbow for massive damage, or a hand crossbow for dual-up with spells, there is a class that can make the most of your crossbow skills.
Here are some of the best classes and subclasses for using crossbows effectively:
Fighter
The fighter is the quintessential martial class that excels at combat with any weapon. With their multiple attacks, action surge, and fighting style options, fighters can unleash a barrage of bolts at their enemies.
The best sub-classes for crossbow users are:
- Battle Master – For maneuvering and controlling the battlefield
- Champion – For increased critical hits
- Samurai – For advantage and temporary hit points
Rogue
Rouges are the masters of stealth and sneak attacks, and crossbows are perfect for delivering devastating blows from the shadows. With their cunning action, evasion, and expertise abilities, rogues can dart in and out of combat while avoiding harm.
The best sub-classes for crossbow users are:
- Assassin – For surprise attacks and auto-crits
- Arcane Trickster – For magical tricks and illusions
- Swashbuckler – For mobility and charisma
Ranger
Rangers are the natural choice for ranged combatants who want to explore the wilderness and hunt down their foes. Rangers can adapt to any environment and situation with their favored enemy, natural explorer, and spellcasting abilities.
The best sub-classes for crossbow users are:
- Gloom Stalker – For dark vision and ambush bonuses
- Hunter – For extra damage against specific targets
- Monster Slayer – For tracking and slaying powerful creatures
Artificer
Artificers are a unique class that combines magic and technology to create amazing inventions. Artificers can enhance their weapons and gadgets with magical effects with their infusions, spells, and tool proficiency.
The best subclass for crossbow users is the Artillerist – for creating an eldritch cannon that can fire explosive bolts or provide cover.
Bard
Bards are a versatile class that can inspire allies, manipulate enemies, and efficiently perform various skills. Bards can do almost anything they want with their bardic inspiration, jack of all trades, and magical secret abilities.
The best subclass for crossbow users is College of Valor – for an extra attack, combat inspiration, and battle magic.
These are some excellent examples of classes for using crossbows in D&D 5e. Of course, you can always customize your character with feats such as Crossbow Expert or Sharpshooter to further improve your crossbow skills.
5E DnD Crossbows: In Conclusion
While they are often overlooked, crossbows can add plenty of value in many situations. From light, heavy, hand crossbows and various ammunition types to mastery feats and class builds that can revolve around them, there’s plenty more excitement than simply pulling the trigger.
While some players have understandably went for the long bow and the extra distance, there’s something about the image and punch of a crossbow that is appealing.
Historically, crossbows were so devastating they were forbidden by the Papacy. That type of firepower is something that is going to be understandably attractive to player characters dealing with orcs, ogres, and whatever else comes their way.
So, the next time you inspect your inventory and find any crossbow, you know where to come looking for ideas.
Other D&D Articles of Interest
- Best Feats for Rangers
- 5E Sharpshooter Feat Guide
- How Long Should a DnD Session Be?
- How Does DC Work in 5E DnD?
- 5E DnD Damage Types
References
- D&D 5e Simple and Martial weapons list: D&D 5E – Player’s Handbook (anyflip.com)
- Discussions on Crossbow Expert: Reddit – Dive into anything | How does a crossbow expert work exactly with the additional attack in D&D 5E? – Quora
- Discussion on crossbow mechanics and reloading: dndbeyond.com/forumsCrossbow information on Roll20: Light Crossbow | D&D 5th Edition on Roll20 Compendium | Hand Crossbow | D&D 5th Edition on Roll20 Compendium | Heavy Crossbow | D&D 5th Edition on Roll20 Compendium
- Discussions on Crossbow Expert: Reddit – Dive into anything | How does a crossbow expert work exactly with the additional attack in D&D 5E? – Quora
Proud to embrace the locally created moniker of “Corrupt Overlord” from one of the all time great Lords of Waterdeep runs, Shane is one member of the Assorted Meeples crew and will be hard at work creating awesome content for the website. He is a long-time player of board games, one time semi-professional poker player, and tends to run to the quirky or RPG side of things when it comes to playing video games. He loves tabletop roleplaying systems like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Werewolf, Fate, and others, and not only has been a player but has run games as DM for years. You can find his other work in publications like Level Skip or Hobby Lark.