A comprehensive guide to selecting the best weapons and armor that complement your Battle Master’s style and strategy.
Your weapons and armor define how your Battle Master 5e fights in Dungeons & Dragons—whether you’re cutting through foes up close or controlling the battlefield from a distance. This subclass relies on adaptability, and the correct equipment can enhance your moves, such as throwing nets or tripping opponents. You may outfit your fighter for maximum impact by following this guide, which covers the finest weapons and armor for a Battle Master based on various playstyles. Let’s gear up and dominate combat.
The Battle Master’s strength lies in its maneuvers, powered by superiority dice, and your weapons and armor enhance those moves. Heavy armor keeps you upright through the fight, a net with Quick Toss restrains enemies, and a longsword with Trip Attack knocks them prone. Your gear isn’t just stats—it’s the backbone of your tactics, making every superiority die count.
Your weapon choice shapes your combat role. Here are the top picks for a Battle Master:
Shines with Crossbow Expert for bonus action attacks and deals 1d6 piercing damage. It is ideal for ranged control, such as the Bug Game Hunter, and can be used in conjunction with Quick Toss to toss nets and then shoot.
Restrains foes on a hit (range 5/15 ft.), setting up advantage for your party. Quick Toss makes it a bonus action, turning you into a battlefield puppeteer.
For melee builds, this versatile 1d8 slashing damage (1d10 two-handed) is perfect. To dominate up close, combine it with Pushing Attack or Trip Attack.
2d6 slashing damage for heavy hitters—stack with Menacing Attack for extra oomph.
Dex builds benefit greatly from 1d8's piercing finesse, which works well with Riposte to punish misses.
Armor keeps you while you execute your maneuvers. Here’s what works:
12 + Dex modifier AC—light and perfect for ranged or Dex-based fighters. With 20 Dex, you hit 17 AC, plus a shield bumps it to 19.
For melee builds, 16 AC (Strength 13 needed) is a strong armor start with good early protection but no Dex benefit.
18 AC (Strength 15 required)—the ultimate heavy armor at higher levels, keeping you tanky with maneuvers like Parry.
Add +2 AC to any armor; this is necessary for melee tanks or the Bug Game Hunter's Thri-Kreen construct.
Your gear should match your maneuvers—nets for control, heavy weapons for damage, armor for survival.
As you level, enhance your kit:
Boost attack and damage rolls—hand crossbow or longsword recommended.
Lightens bulky armor (no stealth penalty or Str requirement)—perfect for plate or chain.
Bracers of Archery (+2 ranged damage) for shooters, Cloak of Protection (+1 AC/saves) for all.
Start with basics (studded leather, longsword) and upgrade as gold flows in.
Positioning is controlled via Quick Toss with nets or Pushing Attack with a longsword; these effects are enhanced by gear.
They’re cheap (1 gp) but breakable—carry 3-5 for the Bug Game Hunter’s tricks.
Heavy armor tanks hits but slows you; light armor with Dex keeps you nimble—choose based on role.
Durable armor (plate) or a shield keeps you battling in between rests since your dice recharge.
Smart gear choices make your maneuvers unstoppable.
Weapons like the hand crossbow or net turn your superiority dice into party-wide advantages—restrained foes mean easy hits for everyone. You will live to use all 4-6 dice if you are wearing armor like studded leather or plate. Because of the Battle Master’s adaptability, there is no one “best” piece of equipment; rather, it works in tandem with your build and strategy.
Equip your Battle Master 5e with the right weapons and armor to match your vision—ranged sniper, melee bruiser, or control master. This guide will help you with everything from nets to greatswords. Watch your fighter flourish as you combine your equipment with moves and abilities. For further advice, see our other guides, and then take to the battlefield in style!
Battle Master 5e – Your ultimate guide to mastering the Battle Master subclass in D&D 5e. Explore builds, maneuvers, strategies, and expert tips to dominate the battlefield.
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