Crossbow Expert 5e

Which 5e Classes Make the Most of Crossbow Expert?

Crossbow Expert is best on builds that:

• Use ranged attacks as their primary attack, including spells.
• Want to incorporate crossbows into their weapon kit, specifically hand crossbows.
• Want to use a crossbow for multiple attacks per turn and need to ignore the loading property.

This feat works incredibly well with other archery-focused abilities, such as Sharpshooter or the Archery fighting style. The first ability of the feat also works wonderfully for casters who might want to have a mix of melee and ranged attacks.

Artificer: If firearms aren’t available in your setting and you want to build a ranged artificer, this feat will be needed to outpace cantrip damage.

Barbarian: Most barbarians won’t stay out of melee range for long, so they can skip this feat. They’re much better off with feats like Slasher or Sentinel.

Bard: Very few bard builds fit the bill of this feat. Bards aren't one to use crossbows, and even if they do they don't get extra attacks. Additionally, very few of their spells make ranged attacks, so it doesn't matter if their target is within 5 feet. Lastly, their bonus action will likely be taken up with handing out Bardic Inspiration, which conflicts with the attack granted by this feat. Valor and Swords bards are more often than not going to be melee fighters, who are also disinterested with this feat's effects.

Cleric: Most clerics don't get extra attacks, which makes the ignoring the loading property feature of this feat irrelevant. As for being able to use ranged spell attacks normally against a target within 5 feet, clerics only get access to one spell which requires a ranged spell attack, guiding bolt. This spell is great for a 1st level spell, but doesn't rationalize picking up this feat.

Druid: Crossbows aren’t available to druids, so this can be skipped. Even with crossbow proficiency, ranged druids are always spellcasting, not Dex-based archers. Druids have very few spell options that require a ranged spell attack, which makes this feat all but useless.

Fighter: Dex-based fighters are pretty powerful, and this feat is one of the reasons why. Paired with feats like Sharpshooter makes them ranged fighters a force to be reckoned with, allowing them to ignore any potential penalties with ranged damage. You’re on par with Polearm Master and Great Weapon Fighting with these feats.

Monk: Sadly, monks cannot use crossbows. The other benefits of this feat might apply better to Way of the Kensei, which would give them a pretty good advantage.

Paladin: Like barbarians, paladins don’t want to be out of melee for long. You’re much better off with melee-centric feats like Great Weapon Fighting or Polearm Master.

Ranger: This can provide a ton of damage for any DEX-based class. The ranger’s hunter’s mark makes this even more effective. This is a great pick-up even before you max your DEX.

Rogue: This is a tricky one. Crossbow Expert gives you a second chance at landing your Sneak Attack, but rogues also want to maximize their DEX as soon as possible and there are better feats available. This one really depends on your playstyle and personal preferences.

Sorcerer: You’re going to want to skip this, as you don’t want to be in melee range. You’re better off with Magic Initiate or Metamagic Adept.

Warlock: Warlocks can skip this. Hexblades are the exception to the rule as it allows them to use eldritch blast in melee ranged, but it’s still only a minor benefit compared to other classes.

Wizard: Most wizards will skip this. School of Bladesinging can get away with this, though, if they want to get rid of the disadvantage on ranged attacks while in melee, but that’s about it.