Yes, you absolutely can dual wield shortswords in D&D 5e, and they are an excellent choice for this combat style.
Understanding Two-Weapon Fighting in D&D 5e
Dual wielding, known as Two-Weapon Fighting in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, follows specific rules that allow a character to make an additional attack as a bonus action.
Here's how it works:
- Light Weapons: When you take the Attack action and attack with a light melee weapon that you're holding in one hand, you can use a bonus action to attack with a different light melee weapon that you're holding in the other hand.
- No Ability Modifier to Damage: You do not add your ability modifier to the damage of the bonus action attack, unless you have a specific class feature or fighting style (like the Two-Weapon Fighting style) that states otherwise.
Why Shortswords Are Ideal for Dual Wielding
A shortsword perfectly fits the requirements and benefits of two-weapon fighting in D&D 5e.
- Light Property: Shortswords possess the light property, making them eligible for the Two-Weapon Fighting bonus action rule.
- Damage Die: They deal 1d6 piercing damage, which is among the highest damage dice available for light weapons. This ensures your off-hand attack still contributes meaningful damage.
- Finesse Property: Crucially, shortswords also have the finesse property. This means that when you make an attack with a shortsword, you can choose to use either your Strength or your Dexterity modifier for the attack and damage rolls. For characters specializing in Dexterity (such as rogues, rangers, or certain fighters), this is invaluable, as it allows them to be highly effective in melee combat without needing a high Strength score. This makes the shortsword the perfect weapon for a Dexterity-based two-weapon fighter.
Benefits of Dual Wielding Shortswords
Choosing to dual wield shortswords offers several tactical advantages for adventurers:
- Increased Attacks: The primary benefit is gaining an extra attack per round through your bonus action, potentially increasing your total damage output significantly.
- Dexterity Synergy: Thanks to the finesse property, shortswords are perfect for Dexterity-focused builds, which often excel in Armor Class, initiative, and skill checks like Stealth.
- Versatility: Dual wielding provides options. You can choose to use both attacks on a single target, or one on a primary target and the other on an adjacent foe.
- Feat and Fighting Style Synergy:
- Two-Weapon Fighting Style: For classes like Fighters or Rangers, selecting this fighting style allows you to add your ability modifier to the damage of your bonus action attack, further boosting your damage.
- Dual Wielder Feat: This feat expands your options by allowing you to dual wield weapons that don't have the light property (like rapiers for even higher damage dice, though they don't have the light property, so shortswords are still excellent for the base rules). It also grants a +1 bonus to your AC while you are wielding a separate melee weapon in each hand, which is a significant defensive boost.
Practical Applications
Many classes can effectively dual wield shortswords:
- Rogues: Naturally benefit from the finesse property, allowing them to use their high Dexterity for both attack and damage. The extra attack provides another opportunity to land a hit and apply Sneak Attack damage once per turn.
- Rangers: Often Dexterity-based, rangers can leverage dual shortswords for consistent damage, especially with the Two-Weapon Fighting style.
- Fighters: With access to multiple attacks and fighting styles, Fighters can become formidable dual-wielding experts, especially when combined with the Dual Wielder feat.
- Bards (College of Swords): These bards can weave spellcasting with melee prowess, and dual shortswords fit their thematic and mechanical needs perfectly.
In conclusion, dual wielding shortswords is not only permitted by the rules of D&D 5e but is also a highly effective and popular combat style, particularly for Dexterity-based characters.
