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Polearm Master

Complete guide to the Polearm Master feat in D&D 5e. Learn how to maximize bonus action attacks, control the battlefield with opportunity attacks, and dominate melee combat.

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BenefitMechanicsSynergiesCommon MistakesDM TipsSources

Benefit

You can keep your enemies at bay with reach weapons and gain bonus action attacks with polearms.

Mechanics

When you take the Attack action and attack with only a glaive, halberd, quarterstaff, or spear, you gain two significant benefits: **Bonus Action Attack:** You can use a bonus action to make a melee attack with the opposite end of the weapon. This attack uses the same ability modifier as the primary attack but deals 1d4 bludgeoning damage (or 1d6 if the weapon has the versatile property and you're wielding it with two hands). **Opportunity Attack on Entry:** While you are wielding a glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from you when they enter your reach. **Important Details:** - The bonus action attack works with glaive, halberd, quarterstaff, or spear only - The opportunity attack on entry works with glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear - Pike is included for the opportunity attack but NOT the bonus action attack - You must be wielding the weapon to trigger the entry opportunity attack - The bonus action attack requires you to take the Attack action on your turn with only that weapon - Two-weapon fighting does NOT work with Polearm Master (can't make both bonus actions)

Synergies

  • *Sentinel feat - Stop enemies 10 feet away and reduce their speed to 0, creating a denial zone
  • *Great Weapon Master feat - More attacks means more chances to land the -5/+10 power attack
  • *Great Weapon Fighting style - Reroll 1s and 2s on damage dice for all attacks including bonus action
  • *Dueling fighting style - +2 damage works with quarterstaff and spear when wielded in one hand
  • *Tunnel Fighter fighting style (UA) - Make unlimited opportunity attacks, devastating with PAM
  • *Battle Master maneuvers - More attacks means more chances to use maneuvers like Trip Attack
  • *Paladin Divine Smite - Bonus action attack is another smite opportunity
  • *Barbarian Rage - Extra rage damage on the bonus action attack too
  • *Hex/Hunter's Mark - Extra damage applies to the bonus action attack
  • *Spear + Shield build - Use Dueling style with spear and shield for defense and damage

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Thinking pike works with the bonus action attack - it only works for the opportunity attack feature
Common Mistake
Trying to use two-weapon fighting with Polearm Master - both use your bonus action, only one can be used per turn
Common Mistake
Forgetting the bonus action attack only works if you attack with ONLY that polearm on your turn
Common Mistake
Not positioning to make enemies walk through your threatened area to reach allies
Common Mistake
Missing that the opportunity attack triggers when enemies ENTER reach, not leave it (you get both entering and leaving)
Common Mistake
Forgetting the bonus action attack uses 1d4 damage, not the weapon's full damage die
Common Mistake
Thinking you need to use a reach weapon - quarterstaff and spear work but don't have reach
Common Mistake
Not realizing the 1d4 becomes 1d6 when using a quarterstaff or spear two-handed (versatile property applies)

DM Tips

DM Tip
Flying enemies and ranged attackers counter this feat significantly - mix up enemy tactics
DM Tip
Difficult terrain and obstacles can prevent enemies from needing to enter reach
DM Tip
Enemies with reach weapons or long weapons can match the polearm user's range
DM Tip
Intelligent enemies learn to Disengage or use ranged attacks after getting hit
DM Tip
Grappling the polearm user shuts down the reach advantage
DM Tip
Provide opportunities for the feat to shine with narrow corridors or chokepoints
DM Tip
Area control matters - design encounters where protecting a position is valuable
DM Tip
Consider adding magic polearms to your loot tables for PAM users
DM Tip
Swarms and multiple weak enemies make this feat feel very powerful
DM Tip
Remember that the player gets an opportunity attack when enemies enter reach, which is when they're typically not expecting it

Sources & Further Reading