Sharpshooter 5e: A Guide to Precision and Power

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sharpshooter 5e

In the vast and mystical world of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), where battles rage, and heroes emerge, the Sharpshooter 5e feat stands as a beacon for those who prefer to rain death from afar. Whether you are an elven archer, a cunning rogue, or a gunslinger with a penchant for long-range combat, the Sharpshooter 5e feat offers unparalleled advantages. 

Let us talk about the details of this feat, explore its interactions, and understand why it is a must-have for certain character builds.

What Is Sharpshooter 5e?

The Sharpshooter 5e feat is all about precision and maximizing damage output in ranged combat. Here is what it brings to the table:

  • Ignore Cover: Your ranged attacks now bypass half cover and three-quarters cover. No more pesky obstacles interfering with your shots.
  • Long-Range Mastery: When attacking at long range, you no longer suffer a disadvantage on your attack rolls. Distance is no longer a hindrance.
  • Deadly Accuracy: You can choose to subtract five from your attack roll. If you hit, you deal an additional +10 damage. 

Is Sharpshooter Good?

In our 5e Feats Tier List, we have given Sharpshooter 5e an S Tier rating. Here is why:

  • Cover Ignorance: Ignoring cover is fantastic for any ranged build. There are no more penalties for shooting through trees, walls, or other obstacles.
  • Long-Range Dominance: Combine this with the Archery fighting style, and you will be hitting targets from afar without breaking a sweat.
  • Bonus Damage: Sacrifice accuracy for raw power. Take a -5 penalty on your roll, but deal +10 damage. It is a risk worth taking.

What are some other feats in D&D?

In the vast world of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), feats provide unique abilities and enhance your character’s capabilities. Here are some notable feats to consider:

  • Actor: Skilled at mimicry and dramatics, this feat grants a +1 Charisma and allows you to impersonate others.
  • Alert: Always on your toes, this feat boosts your Initiative by +5, ensures you cannot be surprised, and denies hidden attackers advantage.
  • Crossbow Expert: Perfect for ranged combatants, this feat lets you ignore loading restrictions, avoid disadvantage within 5 feet, and make a bonus action attack with a hand crossbow.
  • Dual Wielder: If you are a fan of dual-wielding weapons, this feat grants a +1 AC bonus, allows you to wield heavier weapons, and lets you draw or stow two weapons at once.
  • Sharpshooter 5e(which we discussed earlier): Precision and power combined, allowing you to ignore cover, excel at long-range attacks, and deal extra damage.
  • Tough: For those who want to be sturdier, this feat grants +2 hit points per level.
  • Lucky: Twist fate in your favor. You gain three luck points to reroll attack rolls, saving throws, or ability checks.
  • Mobile: If you love mobility, this feat increases your speed, lets you Dash through difficult terrain without penalty, and prevents opportunity attacks from creatures you attack.
  • Spell Sniper: Ideal for spellcasters, it doubles your spell range, ignores cover for ranged spell attacks, and grants a free cantrip.
  • War Caster: A must for spellcasting warriors, this feat lets you cast spells as opportunity attacks, maintain concentration more easily, and perform somatic components even with weapons in hand.

Sharpshooter 5e Interactions

While Sharpshooter 5e is simple, there are a few interaction:

  • Thrown Weapons: Although not strictly RAW, Mike Mearls confirmed that thrown weapons (daggers, spears, handaxes) can benefit from Sharpshooter.

Classes that Shine: Let’s see which classes make the most of this feat:

  • Artificer: Ranged artificers thrive with the damage boost and cover-ignoring abilities.
  • Fighter: Fighters benefit greatly, especially those with the Archery fighting style. Combine it with the Great Weapon Master feat for devastating results.
  • Rogue: Sneak attack from a distance? 
  • Ranger: Rangers, already skilled in ranged combat, become deadlier with Sharpshooter.

FAQs about Sharpshooter 5e

Can I use a Sharpshooter 5e with crossbows or guns?

Yes, Sharpshooter 5e applies to any ranged weapon, including crossbows and firearms.

Does a Sharpshooter 5e work with thrown weapons?

While not strictly RAW, Mike Mearls confirmed that it does. So go ahead and chuck those daggers.

Can I combine Sharpshooter with Great Weapon Master?

Yes, The -5/+10 damage trade-off works wonders when combined with the Archery fighting style.

Conclusion

The Sharpshooter 5e feat is a boon for those who prefer to strike from a distance. Whether you are a seasoned archer or a budding gunslinger, embrace the power of precision and let your arrows (or bullets) find their mark.

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