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

[FrogReaver]

The concept
Build a STR‑primary, heavy‑armor, two‑handed Fighter who takes Great Weapon Master and the Archery Fighting Style, starting with 14 Dex. This creates a Fighter who is fully online in melee and has a real ranged damage mode without needing a Dex focus.

You get a legitimate ranged attack mode

• With 14 Dex and Archery Style:
• Attack bonus: +2 (Dex) +2 (Archery) + proficiency
  Damage: 1d8 + 2 (Dex) + proficiency (from 2024 GWM)
• This is real ranged DPR.

At level 5, your longbow attacks match a Dex dual‑wielder’s ranged accuracy
A Dex TWF build at level 5 typically attacks at:

• +4
• +3 proficiency
• no Archery bonus

Your damage bonus is higher thanks to GWM’s proficiency‑based rider.

Your defenses remain excellent
With heavy armor:

• You sit 1 AC above a Dex dual‑wielder
• You sit 1 AC below a STR melee specialist in plate + Defense Style
• You lose nothing meaningful in survivability

You don't sacrifice your melee identity
You’re still a full STR/GWM greatsword or maul Fighter:

• high STR
• Graze mastery
• heavy armor
• strong melee DPR
• no feat tax for ranged competence
• Your melee mode is untouched.

It works on virtually every subclass
This is a framework, not a specific build.

 

[Zardnaar]

We've been doing 14 dex strength fighters for a while. We do tend to wear medium armor or whatever tge best version is.

The reverse build is dual wielding dex based using a short bow as it keys off vex.

If I was going strength based probably do what youre suggesting using Javelins or whatever if Barbarian or Paladin.

Opportunity cost is +1 AC or rerolls on a heavy weapon.

Battlemaster basically the best, champion could be surprisingly good lvl 7 and 10 abilities.

 

[FrogReaver]

We've been doing 14 dex strength fighters for a while. We do tend to wear medium armor or whatever tge best version is.

With archery style?

 

[Zardnaar]

With archery style?

No not generally. I'm aware of longbow + GWM combo and disappointment of Paladins and Barbarians at range.

 

[Minigiant]

The Versatile STR based Melee Warrior with a Ranged Option is usually Ranger. That is one of the Ranger's Niches: STR Melee with good ranged attack or DEX Ranged with good melee attack. This is because a Ranger can dump spells into range or melee as edition allows.

The main benefit of fighter is being able to get the level 6 feat and not having to invest in Wisdom. So, you really need to link the subclass to the style to make it worth it.

 

[Zardnaar]

The Versatile STR based Melee Warrior with a Ranged Option is usually Ranger. That is one of the Ranger's Niches: STR Melee with good ranged attack or DEX Ranged with good melee attack. This is because a Ranger can dump spells into range or melee as edition allows.

The main benefit of fighter is being able to get the level 6 feat and not having to invest in Wisdom. So, you really need to link the subclass to the style to make it worth it.

I'm not convinced the ranger is best archer.

 

[CreamCloud0]

I'm not convinced the ranger is best archer.

do you have an idea for who you think is the best contender for that title then?

fighter? or maybe i could see rogue combining steady aim with ranged sneak attack...

 

[Zardnaar]

do you have an idea for who you think is the best contender for that title then?

Maybe battlemaster. Vex shortbow champion may require some testing as well. Elven accuracy, piercer feat.

OPs thing isnt dedicated archer though.

Fighter bonus feat helps with GMW which is high price for ranger.

Lorwyn hex back ground could also be contender EK knight.

 

[aco175]

Does this give up too much in the party total? Splitting between Dex and Str to be ok with both means that you are not great with one until you can add more at higher levels. Does the party now lack a front line fighter or a ranged option if the fighter is straddling the river so to speak.

It likely does not matter much with 5e since the PCs are more powerful and versatile. I also feel that the players can take whatever they want and the party can work, but a more traditional group or a group with only a few PCs might run into problems. Maybe this works better in a low number group where each PC needs more roles.

 

[Zardnaar]

Does this give up too much in the party total? Splitting between Dex and Str to be ok with both means that you are not great with one until you can add more at higher levels. Does the party now lack a front line fighter or a ranged option if the fighter is straddling the river so to speak.

It likely does not matter much with 5e since the PCs are more powerful and versatile. I also feel that the players can take whatever they want and the party can work, but a more traditional group or a group with only a few PCs might run into problems. Maybe this works better in a low number group where each PC needs more roles.

The opportunity cost is stats (youre not dumping dexterity) and your only weapon style. Which isnt that relevant for GWM espicially if you dont use 2d6.

GWM fighter damage falls off a cliff though at range. This patches that drawback.

You can also wear medium or heavy armor.