Is great weapon master worth it?

Is Great Weapon Master Worth It?

The Great Weapon Master (GWM) is a popular archetype in Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition, focusing on dealing massive amounts of damage with great weapons. With the introduction of this subclass in the "Xanathar’s Guide to Everything" sourcebook, many players have wondered whether it’s worth dedicating a feat to becoming a Great Weapon Master. In this article, we’ll delve into the details and provide a comprehensive analysis of whether GWM is worth it.

Direct Answer: Is Great Weapon Master Worth It?

After considering various factors, including combat mechanics, party synergy, and character builds, we can conclude that Great Weapon Master is worth it for certain players and playstyles. However, it’s crucial to understand the subclass’s limitations and optimize your build accordingly.

Pros of Being a Great Weapon Master

Before we dive into the cons, let’s look at the benefits of becoming a Great Weapon Master:

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• Massive Damage Output: GWM’s ability to deal 1d10 extra damage on a hit with a great weapon can be game-changing in combat. With proper optimization, you can potentially deal an average of 20-30 additional damage per hit.
• Increased Crit Range: GWM’s Critical Hit Range is 15-20, making it more likely to hit your enemies with a critical hit. This increased range is particularly useful for fighters, paladins, and barbarians.
• Improved Initiative: GWM’s Improved Initiative feature allows you to add your proficiency bonus to your initiative rolls. This can be beneficial for characters who rely heavily on initiative, such as rogues and rangers.

Cons of Being a Great Weapon Master

While GWM has its advantages, it’s essential to consider the following drawbacks:

• Limited Flexibility: GWM’s abilities are focused on great weapons, which can limit your character’s versatility in combat. You may struggle with situations that require different weapon types or tactics.
• Dependence on Great Weapons: To make the most of GWM’s abilities, you need to be proficient in great weapons. This can be a challenge for characters who don’t have access to these weapons or don’t have the necessary skills.
• Vulnerability to Counters: GWM’s reliance on crits and high damage output makes it vulnerable to counters, such as crit immunity or damage reduction abilities. This can be problematic if you’re not prepared for these situations.

Who Should Take Great Weapon Master?

Based on the pros and cons, GWM is best suited for characters who:

• Focus on Single-Target Damage: If your character is designed to deal massive damage to a single target, GWM can be an excellent choice.
• Have a High Proficiency Bonus: Characters with high proficiency bonuses can make the most of GWM’s improved initiative feature.
• Can Adapt to Situations: GWM players need to be flexible and adaptable to changing combat situations.

Who Should Avoid Great Weapon Master?

On the other hand, GWM may not be suitable for characters who:

• Need to Be Versatile: Characters who require versatility in their weapon choices or combat tactics may find GWM limiting.
• Don’t Have Access to Great Weapons: If your character can’t access great weapons or lacks the necessary skills, GWM may not be worth the feat.
• Prioritize Other Aspects: Characters who prioritize other aspects, such as crowd control, support, or survivability, may find GWM’s limitations frustrating.

Optimizing Your Great Weapon Master Build

To make the most of GWM, consider the following tips:

• Choose the Right Great Weapon: Select a great weapon with a high critical hit range and high damage output, such as a greataxe or a greatsword.
• Invest in Proficiency: Ensure your character is proficient in great weapons and has a high proficiency bonus.
• Focus on Accuracy: GWM relies heavily on crits, so focus on increasing your accuracy with skills like Perception and Athletics.
• Plan for Counters: Prepare for counters by incorporating abilities that bypass crit immunity or damage reduction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Great Weapon Master is worth it for certain players and playstyles. While it offers significant damage output and increased crit range, it’s essential to consider the limitations and optimize your build accordingly. If you’re willing to adapt to changing combat situations and focus on single-target damage, GWM can be a formidable addition to your character. However, if you prioritize versatility or have limited access to great weapons, you may want to consider alternative feats.

Table: GWM Pros and Cons

GWM Feat Requirements

• Feat: Great Weapon Master
• Prerequisites: None
• Benefits:

  • Deal 1d10 extra damage on a hit with a great weapon
  • Increased crit range (15-20)
  • Add proficiency bonus to initiative rolls