Overview and Core Identity of the Greatsword in D&D 3.5
The greatsword in Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 is a two-handed martial weapon that deals 2d6 slashing damage on a hit and features the Heavy Two‑Handed Weapon special property. Unlike many other two‑handed weapons, it requires you to wield two hands even if you have the Weapon Proficiency feat for one‑handed use, and it cannot be paired with a shield. It is distinct from the bastard sword, which you can one‑hand with reduced penalties and use with a shield. This profile explains the greatsword’s rules, builds, opportunities, and limits, helping you decide when it is the right choice in a lasting, rules‑consistent way.
Greatsword Core Rules and Key Attributes
Base Properties and Comparison Table
Below are the verified mechanical attributes for the standard greatsword in D&D 3.5. These values are consistent across editions that retain the weapon’s core identity, and they form the baseline for build planning.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Damage Die | 2d6 slashing | Core Rulebook |
| Weapon Type | Martial, two‑handed | Core Rulebook |
| Critical Threat Range | 20 | Feats or abilities that expand threat ranges typically still apply.|
| Special Property | Heavy Two‑Handed Weapon | Core Rulebook, DMG |
| Proficiency Penalty if Unproficient | -4 on attack rolls | Core Rulebook |
The greatsword follows the standard two‑handed weapon rules: you must have two hands free to use it (except as modified by specific class features), you cannot use a shield for AC while attacking with it, and you apply your Strength modifier to damage normally. It also follows the standard rules for two‑weapon fighting when you opt for the two‑weapon fighting penalty path, but doing so with a greatsword is exceptionally inefficient and rarely seen in practice.
Proficiency, Special Properties, and Restrictions
Characters who are not proficient with martial weapons take a -4 penalty on attack rolls with the greatsword, which can make it worse than an unproficient club. Fighters, barbarians, paladins, and certain other classes gain martial weapon proficiency, making the penalty irrelevant. The greatsword’s Heavy Two‑Handed Weapon property means you treat it as a two‑handed weapon for prerequisites and weapon‑specific abilities even though you hold two hands on the weapon itself. You cannot use it one‑handed with a shield for a shield bonus to AC, nor can you combine it with off‑hand attacks the way you can with a longsword or bastard sword.
Feats and Build Archetypes Around the Greatsword
Core Feat Chains and Options
Common paths to optimize a greatsword build include Power Attack, Cleave, and Great Cleave. Power Attack lets you trade a small attack penalty for extra damage per hit, which synergizes well with the greatsword’s 2d6 base damage. Cleave and Great Cleave grant extra attacks when you defeat a foe, which leverages the greatsword’s high damage output. Improved Critical (greatsword) is a rarer but potent feat that raises the threat range to 19‑20, making your crits more consistent.
- Greatsword + Power Attack: increase damage at the cost of attack rolls.
- Cleave and Great Cleave: sustain damage output across multiple foes.
- Improved Critical (greatsword): widen the threat range for more critical hits.
- Weapon Focus (greatsword): boost attack rolls modestly but notably.
When the Greatsword Outshines Other Weapons
The greatsword excels in situations where you want consistent, heavy two‑handed damage without the complexity of managing a higher miss chance or juggling an off‑hand weapon. Compared to a greataxe, it typically offers a higher average damage because 2d6 has a tighter range around 7 than 1d12’s 6.5. Compared to a longsword in two‑handed configuration, it trades reach and flexibility for a higher damage ceiling. It is not ideal if you need a shield, if you rely on iterative off‑hand attacks, or if you must frequently switch between weapon and spellcasting without losing defensive options.
Practical Usage Tips and Situational Awareness
In practice, treat the greatsword as a straightforward damage tool that performs best when you can commit to two hands and let your Strength modifier shine. Positioning matters: because you are unarmored when using it without a shield, consider your AC sources carefully. Against single tough opponents, it shines with Power Attack and cleaving-style feats. Against crowds, pair your high damage with area‑control tactics or spells that soften foes before you engage. If your campaign emphasizes hit‑and‑run or heavy armor, a different weapon may serve you better.
Summary Verdict and Long‑Term Considerations
The D&D 3.5 greatsword is a reliable, rules‑clear two‑handed weapon that rewards Strength investment and focused builds centered on Power Attack, Cleave, and critical enhancements. It is not universally optimal, but it remains a durable choice for characters who prefer straightforward, high‑damage two‑handed striking without the tradeoffs of exotic weapons or off‑hand juggling. If your build can support the Strength requirement and you accept the two‑handed limitation, the greatsword can be a dependable pillar of damage across many campaigns.