Let’s take a deep dive into the longsword, one of the most iconic weapons in Dungeons and Dragons (DND).
We’ll explore its stats, types, uses, and even how it fares against other weapons.
DND Longsword Stat Block
| Stats | Longsword Details |
| Cost | 15 gp |
| Damage | 1d8 of slashing damage |
| Weight | 3 pounds |
| Properties | Versatile (1d10) |
| Rarity | Common |
| Category | Item |
The longsword’s mechanics make it an adaptable choice for many D&D characters.
It inflicts a moderate 1d8 slashing damage, but its versatile property allows you to wield it with two hands, increasing the damage to 1d10.
Its reasonable weight and cost make it accessible early in most campaigns.
What Is a DND Longsword?
A DND longsword is a type of melee weapon that characters can use in the game.
It’s often depicted as a sword of medium to large size.
Players can wield it with one or two hands.
It’s iconic and frequently used due to its versatility and balance between damage and weight.
Longswords in DND are a staple for most martial classes.
I’m talking about fighters, paladins, and rangers.
They’re perfect for those characters who want a reliable weapon that they can use in different situations.
A longsword can be your trusty companion when charging into battle or defending your position.
Types of DND Longswords
There are many variations of longswords in DND.
- Flaming Longsword: This longsword ignites in flames, dealing additional fire damage to foes. Its fiery attribute can also provide light in dark spaces.
- Dragon Slaying Longsword: This powerful variant does extra damage against dragons, making it a valuable weapon in dragon-centric adventures.
- Rogue Longsword: This longsword variant is designed for those with a knack for stealth and agility. It provides bonuses to stealth and agility-based checks, perfect for the rogue in the shadows.
- Masterwork Longsword: This is a finely crafted version of a standard longsword. It often provides a bonus to attack rolls, representing its superior make and balance.
- Legendary Longsword: These longswords are often part of epic quests or high-level adventures. Their properties vary greatly but are typically very powerful, capable of changing the tide of a battle or providing unique abilities.
- Neverwinter Longsword: This longsword is unique to the Neverwinter setting. It is typically adorned with unique markings or insignias, serving as both a weapon and a symbol of the city of Neverwinter itself.
Who Can Use a DND Longsword?
The DND longsword is classified as a martial weapon, meaning classes that have proficiency with martial weapons can wield it.
These classes typically include fighters, paladins, rangers, and barbarians.
However, other classes can also use it if they have specific features or feats that grant them access to martial weapons.
It’s worth noting that the longsword isn’t limited to these classes.
Wizards and sorcerers, for instance, might find a longsword useful if they’re following a more combat-oriented build.
The key is to understand your character’s strengths and how a longsword can complement them.
Is DND Longsword a Good Weapon?
The DND longsword is indeed a good weapon, and its popularity in the game proves it.
It offers a great balance between damage and weight.
Its versatile property provides the wielder with flexibility during combat.
If you want a dependable weapon that can hold its own in a variety of situations, you can’t go wrong with a longsword.
Its effectiveness, however, can depend on your character’s class and build.
For characters who rely heavily on their physical strength, such as fighters and barbarians, a longsword can be a formidable weapon.
If your character relies on dexterity, there might be other weapons that are better suited for you.
Pros and Cons of Longswords in DND
Like any other weapon in DND, the longsword comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Pros
On the plus side, it deals reliable damage and is versatile, making it a good all-around weapon.
It’s relatively light, so it won’t weigh you down during your adventures, and it’s affordable for most starting characters.
Cons
On the downside, longswords don’t have the finesse property.
They can’t use Dexterity for attack and damage rolls, which might not suit characters with high Dexterity.
Additionally, while their damage is respectable, it’s not as high as some other martial weapons.
For example, the greatsword or the greataxe.
Longsword vs Other Weapons
The longsword often gets compared to other weapons in DND, so let’s see how it fares against them.
Longsword vs Greatsword
Greatswords are two-handed weapons that deal more damage (2d6) than the longsword, but they’re also heavier and costlier. A greatsword can be an excellent choice for characters with high Strength and who don’t mind not having a free hand for shields or other items.
Longsword vs Rapier
The main difference between a longsword and a rapier is that the rapier is a finesse weapon, which means it can use Dexterity for attack and damage rolls. If your character has high Dexterity, a rapier might be a better choice. However, the longsword is versatile, giving you the option to use it two-handed for more damage.
Longsword vs Scimitar
Scimitars are light and finesse weapons, which makes them perfect for characters focusing on speed and agility. However, they only deal 1d6 damage, which is lower than the longsword’s damage.
Longsword vs Shortsword
Shortswords, like scimitars, are light and finesse weapons. They deal less damage (1d6) than the longsword, but they’re lighter, cheaper, and can be dual-wielded without the need for a specific feat.
Longsword vs Battleaxe
The longsword and battleaxe are pretty similar, both dealing 1d8 damage with a versatile property. However, the battleaxe deals slashing damage, which can be more useful against certain types of enemies.
Example of DND Longsword in Gameplay
Sir Gavin, a stalwart fighter, found himself facing a formidable orc chieftain.
He brandished his trusty longsword, feeling its familiar weight in his grip.
He maneuvered towards the orc, his longsword held ready.
The orc lunged, but Sir Gavin expertly parried the blow with his longsword before counterattacking.
His blade bit into the orc’s side.
In the next round, seeing an opportunity, Sir Gavin switched to a two-handed grip, gaining the advantage of the longsword’s versatile property.
He swept his sword in a wide arc, dealing a hefty blow and felling the orc chieftain.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the fighter stood victorious, his longsword gleaming in the torchlight.
DND Longsword Magic Items
Magic longswords abound in DND.
One such is the Longsword of Life Stealing, which can drain life from enemies and transfer it to the wielder.
The Sun Blade, a longsword that emits sunlight, is perfect for combating undead or creatures vulnerable to light.
The Sword of Wounding is another, causing wounds that continue to bleed.
History of the DND Longsword
The longsword has been part of DND since its inception in the 1970s, and its design is rooted in real-world medieval weaponry.
Over the various editions, its stats and properties have been tweaked.
But it has always remained a versatile and reliable weapon.
From the early days of basic D&D to the latest edition, the longsword remains a fan favorite.
In the annals of DND, several longswords stand out:
- Blackrazor – a sentient chaotic neutral weapon that devours souls.
- Moonblade – An elven weapon that gains abilities over generations.
- Frost Brand – A longsword that emits cold and extinguishes fire.
Best Longsword Builds
A longsword can be a versatile addition to many different character builds in DND, especially given its balanced attributes.
Here are a few builds that make great use of a longsword.
1. The Knight
As previously mentioned, the “Knight” build is ideal for a longsword.
As a fighter, you should take the Defense Fighting Style for an extra Armor Class, and the Great Weapon Fighting Style for more damage when using the longsword with two hands.
Choose feats like Savage Attacker and Weapon Master to maximize your longsword damage.
2. The Swashbuckler
The “Swashbuckler” build, usually utilized by a rogue, can also effectively wield a longsword.
This Strength-based rogue capitalizes on single-target combat, allowing you to deal Sneak Attack damage more reliably.
Pair this with feats like Mobile to dart in and out of combat or Dual Wielder.
By doing this, you can hold a longsword in one hand and a short weapon in the other.
3. The Paladin of Vengeance
A “Vengeance Paladin” can make exceptional use of a longsword, utilizing their smite abilities to deal massive damage.
The Vow of Enmity feature gives you advantage on attack rolls against a particular creature.
This increases the chance of landing critical hits with your longsword.
Combine this with the Great Weapon Master feat to deal even more damage at the cost of accuracy.
4. The Eldritch Knight
“Eldritch Knights” are fighters with a touch of arcane magic.
They can use a longsword effectively in combat while also casting spells
Select the War Caster feat to ensure you maintain concentration on spells while your longsword is in hand.
The Bonded Weapon feature allows you to never be without your longsword.
You can summon it as a bonus action.
5. The Hexblade Warlock
A “Hexblade Warlock” who selects a longsword as their pact weapon can be a formidable adversary.
The Hex Warrior feature allows you to use your personality and charm (Charisma modifier), instead of your physical power or agility (Strength or Dexterity), when determining how well you hit and how much damage you cause.
There is a nice combination here with the Eldritch Smite invocation.
This combo allows you to deal extra damage and knock enemies prone with your longsword.
6. The Ranger
Rangers can also make good use of a longsword, particularly if focusing on Strength.
“Hunter Rangers” who choose Colossus Slayer or Giant Killer can utilize their longsword to deal extra damage or to strike at larger foes more effectively.
The Dual Wielder feat can also be used to weild two weapons.
A longsword in one hand and a lighter weapon in the other.
10 Creative Ways Players Can Use DND Longswords
Here are 10 creative ways players can use longswords in DND:
- Use it as a makeshift lever or crowbar to pry open a door or chest.
- Heat the blade in a fire to cauterize a wound or burn through ropes.
- Reflect light off the blade to signal companions or distract enemies.
- Plant it in the ground as a makeshift pole for setting up a tent or a trap.
- Use it as a walking stick or to check the depth of water or a pit.
- Slide down a long slope or staircase using the longsword as a brake.
- Use the pommel as a hammer to drive stakes or break small objects.
- Wield it with two hands to deal more damage when the situation calls for it.
- Use it to parry enemy attacks and create an opening for a counterattack.
- Attach a rope to it and throw it to create a makeshift grappling hook.
Here is a video with more ideas for how to use the longsword in DND:
50 DM Ideas for DND Longsword in a Campaign
Here are 50 ideas that Dungeon Masters can use to creatively integrate longswords into adventures and campaigns.
- A haunted longsword is found in an old, abandoned manor.
- The longsword is a key to a hidden vault of a forgotten king.
- A blacksmith requires a party to retrieve a special ore to forge a magical longsword.
- The longsword has been broken into three pieces; the party must find them all.
- A legendary longsword appears in the dreams of one of the characters.
- A villain wields a longsword that once belonged to a character’s ancestor.
- The party must convince a dragon to relinquish a hoarded longsword.
- The party must win a tournament to gain a magical longsword as a prize.
- A group of goblins has stolen a longsword from a local village.
- A prophecy speaks of a longsword that can bring about the end of the world.
- The party finds a map inscribed on a longsword’s blade.
- The longsword is a transformed princess waiting for a curse to be broken.
- A pirate has a longsword that can control the seas.
- The longsword must be used to sever the link between a lich and its phylactery.
- A powerful entity grants a party member a longsword in exchange for a favor.
- A wizard needs a longsword to complete a powerful magical circle.
- The longsword, when plunged into a certain location, opens a portal to another plane.
- A lost longsword is the rightful inheritance of a young noble.
- The longsword is a symbol of leadership among feuding clans.
- The party must pass trials to prove they are worthy of wielding a legendary longsword.
- A demon is bound within a longsword and seeks release.
- A longsword serves as a divining rod to a powerful magic source.
- The longsword glows whenever a specific type of creature is near.
- A cursed longsword causes the wielder to become overly aggressive.
- The longsword can be used to command an army of statues.
- A longsword can cut through the fabric of reality, opening temporary gateways.
- The longsword must be used to slay a rampaging monster.
- A thieves’ guild uses a longsword as a sign of membership.
- A retired adventurer offers their treasured longsword to the party for a daring mission.
- A longsword contains a trapped god.
- The spirit of a samurai haunts his old longsword, teaching its new wielder.
- A longsword allows communication with elemental spirits.
- The longsword, once belonging to a famous bard, can play magical tunes.
- A paladin’s oath is bound to their longsword.
- A longsword is the only weapon that can pierce the hide of a particular beast.
- A longsword is said to contain the essence of the moon.
- The party finds a longsword driven into a stone, awaiting a worthy wielder.
- A celestial being gifts a longsword to aid the party against an upcoming evil.
- A longsword stolen from a tomb causes the party to be haunted by a vengeful spirit.
- A longsword is discovered to be a transformed familiar.
- A longsword is the only cure for a king’s strange ailment.
- A ghost refuses to move on until their longsword is returned to their family.
- A longsword is found at the scene of a crime, serving as the main clue.
- A druid grove is threatened by a blighted longsword that poisons the land.
- A longsword is needed to complete a hero’s monument.
- The party must forge a longsword from the remains of a fallen star.
- A longsword serves as a lightning rod for storm-based spells.
- A longsword reveals hidden messages when bathed in dragon’s fire.
- The longsword of a forgotten deity lies at the bottom of a divine well.
- A longsword, passed down through generations, holds the secret to a kingdom’s legacy.
Longsword FAQ
Let’s answer some common questions about longswords in DND.
Price of a Longsword
The price of a longsword in Dungeons and Dragons, 5th Edition, is 15 gold pieces (gp).
This is under the assumption that you’re buying the weapon in a town or city, where it’s readily available. The cost might vary based on the setting of your campaign and the availability of such weapons.
However, in general, a longsword is considered a basic martial weapon.
It is readily available in most armories or blacksmith shops.
Is Longsword a Finesse Weapon?
No, a longsword in Dungeons and Dragons does not have the finesse property.
This means it relies on the wielder’s Strength for attack and damage rolls, rather than Dexterity.
The finesse property is usually reserved for lighter, quicker weapons, such as rapiers or daggers.
Despite this, a longsword remains a versatile weapon due to its balanced damage output and wide usage across various classes.
Can a Rogue Use a Longsword?
Yes, a rogue can technically use a longsword in DND, but it’s not typically part of their standard weapon proficiencies.
If a rogue has a feature or feat that grants proficiency with martial weapons — such as through multiclassing with a class that has such proficiency — they can effectively wield a longsword.
However, keep in mind that longswords don’t have the finesse property.
They can’t be used for Sneak Attack unless the rogue has a specific feature or rule exception.
What Is the Damage of a Longsword?
A longsword deals 1d8 slashing damage when wielded in one hand and 1d10 slashing damage when wielded in two hands. This versatility gives the wielder options in combat, depending on their needs or combat style.
Can You Dual Wield Longswords?
Yes, you can dual wield longswords in DND, but only if you have the Dual Wielder feat.
Normally, you can only dual wield weapons that have the light property, which longswords do not have.
However, the Dual Wielder feat removes this limitation.
It gives you the option of using two longswords at the same time.
This can potentially increase your damage output, at the cost of forgoing the use of a shield or other item in your off-hand.
Final Thoughts: Longsword
Longswords are a classic weapon in DND.
Learn them, use them, and apply them creatively in your sessions. If you’re looking for other weapon options, we have a ton of great guides on this site.
Check out some of the articles linked below.
Related Posts:
- DND Scimitar (Stats, Uses, & Ultimate Guide)
- DND Scythe: Ultimate Guide With Stats & Answers
- 175 Unique DND Shops (Names, Descriptions, and DM Ideas)
- 300 Unique Dragon Hoards for DND (Names & Descriptions)
Sources
DND Player’s Handbook (Wizards of the Coast)
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