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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Neonchameleon" data-source="post: 9536373" data-attributes="member: 87792">The problem with the entire "how good is PAM" question is that it's something that's almost entirely dependent on the local meta and what tactics your DM uses. The bonus action attack is dependent on what else you would get a bonus action attack for, and the GWM bonus action attack is just simply better than the PAM one if you trigger it even if you are wielding a polearm. You need to crit or kill to trigger it. <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">You can't use it on turns you rage (or second wind, lay on hands, or smite) - rage is the big one here because that's your first and most important round in combat.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">You don't want to use it in cases when your main attacks crit or kill. How likely is this? How easily do you get Advantage? Does your DM use minions? Do you trigger cleave often? (Because Cleave with Advantage is a further two chances to crit).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Does your subclass have other uses for bonus actions? (Rune Knight and Echo Knight I'm looking at you!)</li> </ul>The reaction attack is dependent on NPC tactics:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Do the enemies rush in?</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Do you have a Push to push them back out?</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Do the enemies have enough reach that they don't care because e.g. they are giants whose clubs are longer than your polearms?</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Are they casters/archers who you want to run down anyway? Or can skirmish?</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Do you have other commonly triggered reactions? (Berserker, World Tree, Echo Knight, Rune Knight I'm looking at you)</li> </ul>Also what are the alternatives?<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Are you going to be playing the bulk of the game when you would have PAM at levels 8-11 when +2 STR is a strong rival for a non-fighter</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">If you want the +1 STR buff there are alternatives - Sentinel, Mounted Combatant, Charger, Mage Slayer, Heavy Armour Master are all rivals.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">If your bonus action clogs up a lot will sentinel trigger more than the reaction from PAM and is thus better at the same job?</li> </ul>The quick version is that Great Weapon Master is the core feat, PAM is definitely a feat to consider. But the considerations are a character by character and campaign by campaign thing. Which is where balance ought to be.</blockquote>

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