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Crossbow Expert

Complete guide to the Crossbow Expert feat in D&D 5e. Master crossbow combat, make bonus action attacks with hand crossbows, and eliminate loading and melee penalties.

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BenefitMechanicsSynergiesCommon MistakesDM TipsSources

Benefit

You ignore crossbow loading times, can make bonus action attacks with hand crossbows, and fire in melee without disadvantage.

Mechanics

Crossbow Expert provides three benefits that make crossbows extremely powerful: **Ignore Loading Property:** You ignore the loading property of crossbows with which you are proficient. This allows you to fire multiple times with Extra Attack. **No Melee Disadvantage:** Being within 5 feet of a hostile creature doesn't impose disadvantage on your ranged attack rolls. **Hand Crossbow Bonus Action:** When you use the Attack action and attack with a one-handed weapon, you can use a bonus action to attack with a hand crossbow you are holding. **Important Details:** - The bonus action attack works even if you attack with the same hand crossbow - You need a free hand to load the hand crossbow (even with this feat) - Works best with two hand crossbows or a hand crossbow and a free hand - No melee disadvantage applies to all ranged attacks, not just crossbows - Loading ignore means heavy crossbow becomes viable with Extra Attack

Synergies

  • *Sharpshooter feat - The ultimate ranged damage combo: bonus attacks + power shot
  • *Archery fighting style - +2 to hit makes Sharpshooter power attacks more reliable
  • *Fighter Extra Attack - More attacks with hand crossbow
  • *Action Surge - Double your attacks including bonus action
  • *Battlemaster maneuvers - More attacks means more maneuver opportunities
  • *Hunter's Mark/Hex - Extra bonus action attack means more chances for extra damage

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Thinking you can dual-wield hand crossbows - you need a free hand to load
Common Mistake
Forgetting you need to attack with a one-handed weapon to trigger the bonus action
Common Mistake
Not realizing the bonus action attack can be with the same hand crossbow you just fired
Common Mistake
Thinking loading ignore works without proficiency - you must be proficient
Common Mistake
Missing that melee disadvantage elimination works for all ranged attacks, not just crossbows
Common Mistake
Not having enough ammunition tracked

DM Tips

DM Tip
Crossbow Expert + Sharpshooter is the highest consistent ranged damage in the game
DM Tip
This build is very powerful and can overshadow other characters
DM Tip
Enemies in melee can no longer shut down ranged attackers easily
DM Tip
Consider environmental challenges (wind, cover) to balance
DM Tip
Disarming hand crossbows shuts down this build
DM Tip
This feat makes ranged characters extremely powerful in all situations

Sources & Further Reading