Light
Enables two-weapon fighting: bonus action attack with a second light weapon. No ability modifier to bonus attack damage without the fighting style.
Light (Weapon Property)
Light weapons are small and easy to handle, making them ideal for fighting with a weapon in each hand.
Mechanical effect: When you take the Attack action with a light melee weapon in one hand, you can use a bonus action to make one additional attack with a different light melee weapon in your other hand. You do not add your ability modifier to the damage of this bonus action attack (unless you have the Two-Weapon Fighting fighting style).
Light weapons in the SRD:
| Weapon | Damage | Other Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Club | 1d4 bludgeoning | — |
| Dagger | 1d4 piercing | Finesse, thrown (20/60) |
| Handaxe | 1d6 slashing | Thrown (20/60) |
| Light hammer | 1d4 bludgeoning | Thrown (20/60) |
| Sickle | 1d4 slashing | — |
| Scimitar | 1d6 slashing | Finesse |
| Shortsword | 1d6 piercing | Finesse |
| Hand crossbow | 1d6 piercing | Ammunition, loading |
Best dual-wield options: Shortswords (1d6 each, finesse) and scimitars (1d6 each, finesse) are the strongest standard light weapons for two-weapon fighting.
Dual Wielder feat: Removes the light weapon requirement for two-weapon fighting, allowing you to dual-wield longswords, battleaxes, or other one-handed non-light weapons. Also grants +1 AC while wielding two melee weapons and lets you draw or stow two weapons at once.
Interaction with bonus actions: Two-weapon fighting competes for your bonus action with class features like Cunning Action, Bardic Inspiration, and bonus action spells.