What Is the Double Hackbut in Pathfinder
The Double Hackbut is a two-weapon fighting style in Pathfinder that lets you wield two handaxes with the finesse thrown weapon trait. It trades raw damage for consistency and battlefield control by letting you reliably threaten critical hits and apply precision damage on multiple attacks. Often paired with feats like Point-Blank Shot and Rapid Shot, it functions as a mobile, ranged option for martial characters who want steady damage and tactical positioning. Because it relies on thrown weapons, it bypasses many touch-attack penalties that normal two-weapon fighting faces at range.
Core Mechanics of the Double Hackbut
How Double Hackbut Works
At its simplest, the Double Hackbut involves wielding two handaxes and fighting with them using the thrown weapon rules. You gain the finesse quality on handaxes, letting you apply your Dexterity modifier to damage once you meet the relevant requirements. You make an iterative attack sequence with your secondary thrown weapons, typically at a reduced penalty compared to other thrown builds. The build is designed to be used with Point-Blank Shot, which removes the normal –2 penalty on ranged attacks at close range, enabling reliable combat at any distance without sacrificing attack frequency.
Key Features and Attributes
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon | Handaxe (thrown) | Core Rulebook |
| Traits | Finesse, thrown 20/60 | Core Rulebook |
| Key Feats | Point-Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus (Handaxe) | Core Rulebook |
| Typical Attack Progression | Full base attack bonus; iterative penalties reduced by Point-Blank Shot | Classic rules |
| Damage Type | Piercing, Precision on successful Sneak Attack or similar effects | Core Rulebook |
| Range Increment | 20 ft. normal, 60 ft. long | Core Rulebook |
Build Archetypes and Combat Roles
Fighter and Similar Martial Classes
Fighter is the most common home for Double Hackbut, because it maximizes iterative attacks and can easily support the build with Weapon Focus, Improved Critical, and Combat Expertise. A fighter with Double Hackbut can act as a skirmisher, using mobility and thrown reach to control choke points while maintaining pressure with precise strikes. The build works well in environments that offer cover and verticality, where you can move in to threaten and then retreat to safety while continuing to attack.
Rogue and Precision Damage Synergies
When built by a rogue or a dexterous martial with sneak attack, the Double Hackbut becomes especially threatening. You can threaten critical hits on your attacks and, on a hit, apply sneak attack damage, turning each successful throw into a significant burst. The finesse property lets you ignore Strength penalties on attack rolls, while your high Dexterity improves both AC and initiative. Careful positioning to maintain flanking or exploit favored enemy choices is essential to capitalize on this synergy.
Pros and Cons of the Double Hackbut
- Consistent critical threat range with thrown handaxes.
- Finesse lets Dexterity drive damage, improving scaling and flexibility.
- Point-Blank Shot removes range penalties, enabling safe kiting.
- Works in tight spaces where traditional archers struggle.
- Can apply precision damage through sneak attack or similar features.
Limitations and Challenges
Despite its strengths, the Double Hackbut depends on iterative attacks, which can fall off against high AC opponents without careful build support. It competes with other martial options that offer higher burst or better defenses, so you must optimize around accuracy and mobility. Ammo consumption and the need for reliable hit confirmation can also strain resources in long encounters, especially if you lack consistent methods to bypass damage reduction or regeneration.
Practical Play and Optimization Tips
Feat and Stat Priorities
Start with Point-Blank Shot to normalize range penalties, then consider Rapid Shot or Manyshot to increase action economy. Weapon Focus and Combat Expertise help you stay accurate while maintaining some defensive utility. For stats, prioritize Dexterity for attack rolls and AC, then invest in Constitution for survivability. Choose skills that support your role as a mobile striker, such as Mobility, Dodge, and Acrobatics.
Equipment and Ammunition Strategy
Because handaxes are consumed on each attack, budgeting for replenishment is important. Consider a high-damage composite shortbow or additional ranged options to cover situations where ammunition runs low. Use enhancements like Keen and potentially ghost touch if you expect to face hardness or incorporeal foes. A light crossbow with rapid reload can serve as a backup when you exhaust thrown ammo, preserving your action economy.
Compatibility with Common Rules and Settings
The Double Hackbut is broadly compatible with Core Pathfinder rules and most homebrew campaigns, provided thrown weapons are treated as normal for your table. In settings with strong archery traditions, GMs may adjust treasure or enemy resistances to keep the build competitive. Always confirm with your table whether critical ranges other than 20 are in use, because they affect how often you threaten with handaxes. If critical ranges are altered, you may need to adjust feat choices to maintain reliable damage output.
Comparison to Other Ranged Multipurpose Options
Compared to longbow or composite bow builds, Double Hackbut offers greater flexibility in close quarters and reduced penalty at short range. It trades some single-target peak damage for the ability to invest in Dexterity and sustain accuracy across multiple targets. Relative to crossbow builds, it provides iterative attacks and better action economy, at the cost of ammunition management and slightly lower damage potential on single hits. The build shines in environments where mobility, cover use, and precision damage are valued over pure burst.