Home/Items/Equipment & Weapons/Greataxe

Greataxe

The greataxe is a massive, brutal two-handed weapon with a wide, heavy axe blade mounted on a sturdy haft. This weapon embodies raw destructive power and is the signature weapon of barbarians and other warriors who favor devastating single strikes. While it deals slightly less consistent damage than the greatsword, the greataxe's d12 damage die makes it superior for characters with features that add extra damage dice on critical hits.

At a Glance

Type
Weapon
Cost
30 gp
Weight
7 lbs
Martial Melee WeaponHeavyTwo-Handed

Jump to

MechanicsCommon MistakesDM TipsFAQSources

Mechanics

Damage: 1d12 slashing. Melee weapon attack using Strength modifier. Range: 5 feet (reach). This weapon requires two hands to use (you cannot use a shield with it). The Heavy property means Small creatures have disadvantage on attack rolls with this weapon. Rolling a single d12 gives you a chance at maximum damage of 12 on each hit, though it's less consistent than the greatsword's 2d6.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Not realizing the greataxe is better than greatsword for <a href="/characters/classes/barbarian-5e/">Barbarians</a> (Brutal Critical adds extra d12s)
Common Mistake
Forgetting Small creatures have disadvantage with Heavy weapons
Common Mistake
Thinking the greataxe deals more average damage than greatsword (it deals slightly less: 6.5 vs 7)
Common Mistake
Not understanding that <a href="/characters/races/half-orc-5e/">Half-Orc's</a> Savage Attacks benefits more from d12 weapons
Common Mistake
Assuming you can use Great Weapon Fighting style to reroll the damage (you can, it's just one die)

DM Tips

DM Tip
The greataxe is THE weapon for critical-focused builds (<a href="/characters/classes/barbarian-5e/">Barbarian</a>, <a href="/characters/races/half-orc-5e/">Half-Orc</a>)
DM Tip
<a href="/characters/classes/barbarian-5e/">Barbarian's</a> Brutal Critical at level 9+ adds an extra d12 on crits (massive damage spike)
DM Tip
<a href="/characters/races/half-orc-5e/">Half-Orc's</a> Savage Attacks adds an extra weapon die on crits (another d12)
DM Tip
The 30 gp cost is 20 gp cheaper than a greatsword, making it more accessible
DM Tip
Perfect for berserkers, orcs, and brutish warrior NPCs
DM Tip
Consider magical greataxes with on-crit effects to emphasize the crit-fishing playstyle
DM Tip
Great Weapon Master feat pairs excellently with this weapon's high damage die

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading