Home/Items/Equipment & Weapons/Shortsword

Shortsword

The shortsword is a short-bladed martial weapon approximately 2 feet long, designed for quick, agile combat. Unlike its larger cousin the longsword, the shortsword excels in close-quarters fighting and dual-wielding scenarios. This weapon is favored by <a href="/characters/classes/rogue-5e/">rogues</a>, <a href="/characters/classes/ranger-5e/">rangers</a>, and other warriors who value speed and versatility. The shortsword's Light property makes it ideal for two-weapon fighting, while its Finesse property allows Dexterity-based characters to use it effectively.

At a Glance

Type
Weapon
Cost
10 gp
Weight
2 lbs
Martial Melee WeaponFinesseLight

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MechanicsCommon MistakesDM TipsFAQSources

Mechanics

Damage: 1d6 piercing. Melee weapon attack using Strength OR Dexterity modifier (your choice). Range: 5 feet (reach). The Finesse property lets you use Dexterity instead of Strength for attack and damage rolls. The Light property allows you to engage in two-weapon fighting, attacking with a second shortsword (or other light weapon) as a bonus action without needing a feat.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Forgetting that two-weapon fighting with shortswords doesn't add your ability modifier to the bonus action attack damage (unless you have the Two-Weapon Fighting style)
Common Mistake
Not realizing shortswords are martial weapons (<a href="/characters/classes/rogue-5e/">rogues</a> and <a href="/characters/classes/ranger-5e/">rangers</a> are proficient, but many classes aren't)
Common Mistake
Thinking shortswords are better than rapiers for single-weapon <a href="/characters/classes/rogue-5e/">rogues</a> (rapier deals 1d8)
Common Mistake
Assuming drawing two shortswords at once is free (requires Dual Wielder feat or two separate actions)
Common Mistake
Using two shortswords but forgetting you can't use a shield

DM Tips

DM Tip
Shortswords are the iconic dual-wielding weapon for Dexterity builds
DM Tip
Perfect for Two-Weapon Fighting style <a href="/characters/classes/ranger-5e/">rangers</a> and <a href="/characters/classes/rogue-5e/">rogues</a>
DM Tip
The 10 gp cost makes dual-wielding affordable at low levels (20 gp for two)
DM Tip
Consider offering matched pairs of magical shortswords as loot
DM Tip
<a href="/characters/classes/ranger-5e/">Rangers</a> with Two-Weapon Fighting style add their Dex mod to bonus action attacks
DM Tip
Single-weapon <a href="/characters/classes/rogue-5e/">rogues</a> should prefer rapiers (1d8) over shortswords (1d6) for Sneak Attack
DM Tip
Great for pirates, scouts, and agile fighter NPCs

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading