Hand Crossbows in D&D 5e (Updated for the 2024 Rules)

What is a Hand Crossbow in D&D 5e?

In D&D 5e, a Hand Crossbow is a one-handed Ranged weapon that deals 1d6 Piercing damage on a hit. It has the Ammunition, Loading, and Light properties, making it a versatile choice for characters who want to balance mobility and ranged attacks.

Unlike larger crossbows, it can be wielded in one hand, allowing the other hand to hold an object, cast a spell with Somatic components, or wield another weapon when paired with the Crossbow Expert feat.

Have a character who wields a Hand Crossbow? Make sure you never forget the rules with this printable weapon reference card:

75
GP3
Lbs

Damage: 1d6 + DEX mod (Piercing)

Hand Crossbow

Ammunition: You must have ammo to make a ranged attack with this weapon.

Light: You can make a Bonus Action attack with another Light weapon.

Loading: You can fire only once with this weapon per Action, Bonus Action, or Reaction.

Vex: On a hit, you have Advantage on your next attack roll against that creature.

(Range 30/120; Bolt)

Martial Ranged Weapon

Weapon Card Free Download

Hand Crossbow Property Breakdowns

Weapon type: Hand crossbows are Martial Ranged Weapons, meaning characters need proficiency with martial weapons to use them effectively.

Damage: With a damage die of 1d6, hand crossbows don’t hit as hard as Longbows or Heavy Crossbows, but they compensate with flexibility and ease of use in one hand. Since they deal Piercing damage, they’re effective against most unarmored or lightly armored foes.

Damage type: Piercing damage is commonly resisted by creatures with thick hides, natural armor, or gelatinous or ethereal bodies but it remains effective against a wide array of enemies.

Properties

The hand crossbow has several properties that define how it functions:

• Ammunition: The weapon requires a piece of ammunition (a bolt) to make an attack. You must have a free hand to load it.
• Loading: Due to the Loading property, you can only make one attack per turn with a Hand Crossbow unless you have a feature that negates this, such as the Crossbow Expert feat.
• Light: You can use this weapon when fighting with two weapons, though the Loading property typically prevents multi-attack combos without the Crossbow Expert feat.
• Vex: This Weapon Mastery property means if you hit a creature with this your Hand Crossbow and deal damage to it, you have Advantage on your next attack roll against that creature before the end of your next turn.

Hand Crossbows vs. Other Crossbows in 5e

The primary benefit of the Hand Crossbow is its one-handed usability. Unlike the Light Crossbow or Heavy Crossbow, the Hand Crossbow can be used with the Crossbow Expert feat to increase the damage of your Bonus Action attack. This makes it particularly appealing for Rogues, Fighters, and Rangers who focus on Dexterity-based builds.

Optimizing Hand Crossbows in 5e

Hand Crossbow builds are about combining mobility and reliable damage. Here are some classes and builds that excel with this weapon:

Classes

• Rogues: With the potential to gain an offhand Bonus Action attack, Rogues can dish out consistent damage while ensuring they hit their Sneak Attacks.
• Fighters: The Archery Fighting Style gives a +2 bonus to attack rolls made with ranged weapons, making Fighters deadly with hand crossbows. The Battle Master archetype can further enhance their effectiveness with maneuvers.
• Rangers: Natural archers, Rangers benefit from the hand crossbow’s mobility and the ability to attack while maintaining distance.

Feats

These feats enhance the effectiveness of a Hand Crossbow build:

• Archery Fighting Style: Get a +2 all attacks rolls with your Hand Crossbows (and other ranged weapons).
• Crossbow Expert: The most essential feat for hand crossbow users. It negates the Loading property, allows for a melee attack without Disadvantage, and grants damage equal to your ability score modifier to your Bonus Action attack.
• Sharpshooter: Paired with Crossbow Expert, this feat allows you to ignore cover and the Disadvantage from attacking at long distance.
• Piercer: Increases damage consistency by allowing you to reroll one damage die per turn and increases your Dexterity.
• Dual Wielder: Get +1 to your AC and the ability to better stow/draw your weapons if you want to wield two Hand Crossbows.

Hand Crossbow Tips

Looking to explore the more unique uses of a Hand Crossbow in D&D 5e? Check out these ideas:

• Dual Wielding with a Melee Weapon: The Hand Crossbow is a one-handed Ranged weapon, you can keep a Melee weapon in your off-hand for added versatility. This works particularly well with the Crossbow Expert feat, allowing you to make a Bonus Action attack with the Hand Crossbow after using a melee attack. For example, you could swing with a Shortsword and then fire the Hand Crossbow (even at a creature within melee range without Disadvantage, thanks to Crossbow Expert)
• Spellcasting with One Hand: The Hand Crossbow only requires one hand to wield, making it a great choice for Eldritch Knights, Arcane Tricksters, or other spellcasters who want to stay armed while still performing Somatic Components. With a War Caster feat, you can even cast spells while holding the crossbow, ensuring you’re always ready to shoot and sling spells in the same round.