Weapon Damage
Weapon damage is the amount of harm a weapon deals when an attack hits. The exact die, number of dice, modifiers and damage type depend on the weapon and the rules edition being used, so the weapon’s own entry remains the authority for its final damage line.
See the Weapons hub for weapon categories, tables and related combat equipment.
Reading a Weapon Damage Entry
| Element | What it means |
|---|---|
| Damage dice | The dice rolled when the weapon hits. |
| Damage type | The kind of physical or other damage dealt, such as bludgeoning, piercing or slashing. |
| Size changes | Legacy rules may alter a weapon’s damage when the weapon is made for a creature of a different size. |
| Critical rules | Critical hits use the rules of the edition being played rather than creating a separate base damage value. |
At the Table
Record the damage expression beside the attack bonus so it can be rolled immediately after a successful hit. If an ability, spell, magic weapon or special material adds extra damage, keep that extra damage separate from the weapon’s base damage unless the rule explicitly changes the weapon itself.
When converting equipment between editions, do not assume that the same weapon keeps exactly the same damage die. Use the weapon table for that edition first, then apply character abilities and magic effects.
Legacy Rules
Older d20 rules often present damage in a weapon table alongside cost, critical information, range, weight and damage type. Size-dependent weapon damage is especially important in those editions. Modern rules may handle size and critical hits differently, so use the edition-specific weapon entry rather than carrying legacy assumptions forward.
For the Games Master
Damage is only one part of a weapon’s value. Reach, range, handedness, ammunition, concealability, special properties and the situations in which the weapon can actually be brought to bear may matter just as much in play.