great weapon master 5e

3 min read 30-12-2024

Meta Description: Unleash the power of the Great Weapon Master feat in D&D 5e! This comprehensive guide dives deep into its mechanics, optimal uses, builds, and more. Learn how to maximize its potential and dominate combat. Discover the best classes, subclasses, and strategies to make the most of this powerful feat. Explore effective tactics and counter-strategies. Become a true master of great weapons!

Understanding the Great Weapon Master Feat

The Great Weapon Master feat is a popular choice for martial characters in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, offering a significant boost to damage output at the cost of some defensive capabilities. It's a powerful addition for characters who can withstand the risk. Let's break down exactly what it does.

Core Mechanics

Increased Damage: When you score a critical hit with a melee weapon, you add double your proficiency bonus to the damage roll. This is a significant addition, potentially turning a good hit into a devastating one.
Attack Penalty: This is the trade-off. When you attack with a melee weapon, you take a -5 penalty to your attack roll. This is a significant drawback that requires careful consideration and strategic play.

Who Should Take Great Weapon Master?

The Great Weapon Master feat isn't for every character. It shines in the hands of those who can:

Land Critical Hits: The feat's main benefit comes from critical hits, so a high critical hit chance is crucial. Classes and subclasses with access to extra attack and abilities that increase critical hit chance synergize exceptionally well.
Survive at Lower AC: The -5 penalty to your attack roll means you'll miss more often. Characters with high health pools or other defensive capabilities are better equipped to handle the risk.
Utilize Great Weapons: The feat is designed for great weapons – weapons that deal 1d10 or greater damage. Classes and subclasses focusing on strength-based attacks will get the most out of this feature.

Best Classes for Great Weapon Master

Barbarian: Rage and extra attacks make up for the -5 penalty. The increased damage from Great Weapon Master amplifies their already impressive damage output.
Fighter: The Battle Master subclass, in particular, benefits from the extra damage and can use maneuvers strategically to offset the penalty.
Paladin: Their divine smite ability combines devastatingly well with the increased critical hit damage.
Half-Orc: Savage Attacks naturally increase critical hits, which greatly helps mitigate the downside of Great Weapon Master.

Optimizing Great Weapon Master: Strategies and Tactics

The success of Great Weapon Master hinges on strategic play. Don't just swing wildly. Consider these strategies:

Maximizing Critical Hits

Use Advantage: Seek out ways to gain advantage on your attack rolls. This significantly increases your chances of landing critical hits, mitigating the negative impact of the -5 penalty.
Critical Hit Synergies: Combine Great Weapon Master with abilities or spells that boost your chances of critical hits. This will maximize the feat's potential.
Positioning: Choose your position carefully. Avoid situations where you're likely to be surrounded or heavily attacked.

Mitigating the -5 Penalty

High Strength: A high Strength score is crucial to compensate for the penalty to your attack rolls. A high Strength score will increase the chance that even at -5, your attacks still hit.
Defensive Abilities: Combine Great Weapon Master with other feats or abilities that improve your survivability. This is vital because the penalty makes you more vulnerable.
Strategic Retreat: Don't be afraid to retreat from combat if you’re not in a good position to land attacks. A missed attack with a -5 penalty is far more punishing than one you choose not to make.

Great Weapon Master and Other Feats

Some feats synergize well with Great Weapon Master, further enhancing your character's power:

Sentinel: Prevents enemies from moving away after being hit, setting up for another attack.
Polearm Master: This provides further versatility and potentially more attacks.

Conclusion

The Great Weapon Master feat is a powerful tool, but it demands careful consideration and strategic play. By understanding its mechanics, choosing the right class and subclass, and employing smart tactics, you can unleash its full potential and become a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. Remember, the key is balancing the risk with the potential for devastating damage. With careful planning and execution, your character can become a true master of great weapons.