2024 D&D: Everything To Know About Building Heavy Weapon Characters

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Ranged martial characters certainly took a hit in the 2024 revised rules, but for melee martial classes, the revision is a mixed bag. There are certain scenarios where the revised Great Weapon Master feat could work out better for martial characters than its 2014 analog and others where players will miss the power lost from the original. While a literal reading of Great Weapon Master currently suggests it applies to ranged weapons like Longbows and Heavy Crossbows, this is likely not the intent and will probably receive errata. Melee specialists can rely on it, with some caveats.

The loss of multiple Stunning Strike attempts per turn has rendered the Monk a trap class, as none of its damage or mobility features keep up with dedicated martial classes. Limiting Divine Smite to once per round, and requiring a Bonus Action, has removed the usefulness of the Paladin as a damage-dealer. Fighters and Barbarians are a bit more difficult to cleanly analyze, as they are both classes that can build around Great Weapon Master, but both come with new restrictions. 2024’s martials lost significant power compared to 2014’s rules. Great Weapon Master remains vital for melee-focused warriors.

2024’s revised Great Weapon Master feat offers added damage with Heavy Weapon attacks equal to proficiency bonus, but only with attacks made as part of the Attack Action. This makes the choice between Fighter and Barbarian a bit complex, as Fighters are the only class whose attack action scales beyond two attacks, but the Barbarian’s damage resistance and hit dice make them best suited for a frontline melee role that foregoes a shield. The revised rules offer some baffling complexity with weapon swapping, as 2024 prioritizes «rulings over rules» and offers little clarity. Wading into a melee remains perilous.

The Barbarian's Reckless Attack and Brutal Strike features can improve accuracy or add to damage, alongside the bonus from Rage. The Extra Attacks a Fighter can make with the Attack Action