Greatswords vs. Greataxes
Added 2018-09-07 22:49:30 +0000 UTCGreatsword vs. Greataxe
After some recent Barbarian discussion which ushered numerous half-baked efforts at running the numbers on Greatsword vs. Greataxe, I decided to make some charts so you can actually see which is better. As it turns out, the Greatsword actually outdamages the Greataxe until Level 17, unless there are other factors at play (Half-Orc, Reckless Attack).
Here's what I learned:
- Damage totals are close without advantage.
- Greatswords are better against low AC targets.
- Greataxes are better against high AC targets.
- Never use a Greataxe before you unlock Reckless Attacks at Level 9.
- Keep using the Greatsword until Level 13 if you're not a Half-Orc.
- Reckless Attack benefits Greataxe users more than Greatsword users.
- Strength ASIs and +1/+2/+3 weapons favor the Greatsword.
Standard:
Brutal Critical @ Level 9 (with Advantage)
Brutal Critical @ Level 13 (with Advantage)
Brutal Critical @ Level 17 (with Advantage)
Half-Orc:
Brutal Critical + Savage Attacks @ Level 9 (with Advantage)
Brutal Critical + Savage Attacks @ Level 13 (with Advantage)
Brutal Critical + Savage Attacks @ Level 17 (with Advantage)