D&D 5E (2024) The Versatile STR Fighter: Melee with a Real Ranged Option

[ECMO3]

High mental stat is a top 10 Rogue fantasy.

High mental stat and using it to cast a spell to make your dagger glow is not a top 10 Rogue fantasy,

I agree with this.

 

[FrogReaver]

On thrown weapons:
The major benefits of having a good ranged attack is contingent on that ranged attack having a decent range. Thrown Weapons don't. They mostly function as an extended range gap closer, not as an option that greatly increases tactical flexibility in the same ways that even a 60ft or 150ft ranged attack can, even if the calculated DPR may be higher.

Essentially they are insufficient as a ranged backup option for fighters.

On GW Fighting Style:
I think it's better than most realize for Greatswords and Mauls. Probably overall on par with defensive in those circumstances.

On Str-Focus+GWM+14 Dex+Archery Style combo:
Of particular note is that this isn't locking you into any races or subclasses. That’s why comparisons to things like High Elf Eldritch Knights miss the point - this isn’t a niche build, it’s a broad STR‑primary framework with a legitimate ranged mode.

It works on Barbarians as well (minus archery style)
Even though rage+reckless+subclass damage makes javelins good, that does cause attacks against you to have advantge. For times when you don't want to grant advantage to be hit, your ranged DPR doesn't suffer that much since Barbarian naturally goes for 14 dex and often GWM as well. Also abilities like Zealot Damage bonus works on ranged bow attacks as well.

 

[TorgoTheWhite]

On thrown weapons:
The major benefits of having a good ranged attack is contingent on that ranged attack having a decent range. Thrown Weapons don't. They mostly function as an extended range gap closer, not as an option that greatly increases tactical flexibility in the same ways that even a 60ft or 150ft ranged attack can, even if the calculated DPR may be higher.

Essentially they are insufficient as a ranged backup option for fighters.

On GW Fighting Style:
I think it's better than most realize for Greatswords and Mauls. Probably overall on par with defensive in those circumstances.

On Str-Focus+GWM+14 Dex+Archery Style combo:
Of particular note is that this isn't locking you into any races or subclasses. That’s why comparisons to things like High Elf Eldritch Knights miss the point - this isn’t a niche build, it’s a broad STR‑primary framework with a legitimate ranged mode.

It works on Barbarians as well (minus archery style)
Even though rage+reckless+subclass damage makes javelins good, that does cause attacks against you to have advantge. For times when you don't to grant advantage to be hit, your ranged DPR doesn't suffer that much since Barbarian naturally goes for 14 dex and often GWM as well. Also abilities like Zealot Damage bonus works on ranged bow attacks as well.

May be a bit of hyperbole for me to call GWF style "ass". It is better than that in practice. I just REALLY like savage attacker in practice and that origin feat can mitigate quite a bit of the purpose of GWF (NOT COMPLETELY)

 

[CreamCloud0]

On thrown weapons:
The major benefits of having a good ranged attack is contingent on that ranged attack having a decent range. Thrown Weapons don't. They mostly function as an extended range gap closer, not as an option that greatly increases tactical flexibility in the same ways that even a 60ft or 150ft ranged attack can, even if the calculated DPR may be higher.

Essentially they are insufficient as a ranged backup option for fighters.

honestly a fighting style that just makes thrown weapons accurate to their full range would probably be far more useful to thrown weapons than the current +2 damage the current thrown weapon style provides, it'd put your best damage option at d8+STR (60ft) with the trident and the best ranged option at d6+STR (120ft) with the javelin.

 

[Zardnaar]

May be a bit of hyperbole for me to call GWF style "ass". It is better than that in practice. I just REALLY like savage attacker in practice and that origin feat can mitigate quite a bit of the purpose of GWF (NOT COMPLETELY)

Its decent on 2d6 weapons ass on d12 and d10. If I'm not using 2d6 I go with +1 AC.

 

[TorgoTheWhite]

Its decent on 2d6 weapons ass on d12 and d10. If I'm not using 2d6 I go with +1 AC.

Fair

 

[TorgoTheWhite]

Its decent on 2d6 weapons ass on d12 and d10. If I'm not using 2d6 I go with +1 AC.

Also closer to true "ass" or at least "cheeks" on half-martials that aren't throwing quite so many attacks out there. Might be ok on Berserker barbs, but savage attacker is stronger for big single attack pops.. multi attacks and frequent use start to add up though.

 

[TorgoTheWhite]

Also closer to true "ass" or at least "cheeks" on half-martials that aren't throwing quite so many attacks out there. Might be ok on Berserker barbs, but savage attacker is stronger for big single attack pops.. multi attacks and frequent use start to add up though.

Could be ok for cleaving too

 

[CreamCloud0]

honestly a fighting style that just makes thrown weapons accurate to their full range would probably be far more useful // it'd put your best damage option at d8+STR (60ft) with the trident

I had a moment just now remembering the prerelease masteries instead of the current ones and for a few glorious moments i was imagining the possibility of combining versatile mastery (flex was it?) with my proposed fighting style for a d10+STR (60ft) thrown weapon.