Sling
The sling is a simple ranged weapon consisting of a leather pouch attached to two cords. Users place a stone or sling bullet in the pouch, swing it overhead, and release one cord to hurl the projectile. Despite being one of the oldest ranged weapons, the sling is remarkably effective in D&D 5e, offering respectable range and damage at almost no cost or weight.
At a Glance
Type
Weapon
Cost
1 sp
Weight
—
Simple Ranged WeaponAmmunition (30/120)
Mechanics
Damage: 1d4 bludgeoning. Ranged weapon attack using Dexterity modifier. Range: 30/120 feet. Requires ammunition (sling bullets cost 4 cp for 20, or use stones for free). The sling has no weight listed, making it essentially weightless. As a simple weapon, most characters have proficiency.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Not realizing you can use free stones as ammunition in most environments
Common Mistake
Thinking slings are inferior to shortbows (slings cost 1 sp vs 25 gp)
Common Mistake
Not tracking ammunition if using purchased sling bullets
Common Mistake
Assuming slings can't be effective (halflings have cultural proficiency for good reason)
DM Tips
DM Tip
Slings are the perfect weapon for peasant militias and poor communities
DM Tip
Halflings canonically favor slings, and giant-slaying slingers are folk heroes
DM Tip
Characters can gather stones during travel for free ammunition
DM Tip
Sling bullets can be silver-plated or enchanted just like arrows
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Sling — D&D 5e Wikidot — SRD reference
- Sling — D&D Beyond — Official reference