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+1 Weapon

A +1 weapon is a masterwork armament imbued with magical enhancement. This represents the most basic tier of magical weapons in D&D 5e, but don't underestimate its value. The +1 bonus applies to both attack rolls and damage rolls, making the wielder measurably more accurate and deadly. Perhaps more importantly, +1 weapons count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks, which becomes crucial against devils, demons, lycanthropes, and many other creatures. The weapon might glow faintly, feel perfectly balanced, or show subtle magical runes.

At a Glance

Type
Weapon (any)
Rarity
Uncommon
Attunement
Not required

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How It Works

You have a +1 bonus to attack rolls and damage rolls made with this magic weapon. This bonus applies to every attack and damage roll you make with the weapon. Additionally, attacks with this weapon are considered magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks and damage. The weapon can be any type: longsword, greatsword, longbow, dagger, etc. The base properties of the weapon remain unchanged (damage die, properties, weight).

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Forgetting the +1 applies to BOTH attack rolls AND damage rolls
Common Mistake
Not realizing this overcomes resistance to nonmagical weapons (crucial against many creatures)
Common Mistake
Thinking +1 weapons require attunement (they don't)
Common Mistake
Underestimating the power of +1 to hit (roughly 5% increased hit chance and access to higher AC enemies)
Common Mistake
Not considering that the +1 might be the difference between hitting and missing high AC targets

DM Tips

DM Tip
A +1 weapon is a meaningful but not overpowering magic item for levels 1-5
DM Tip
The +1 bonus increases expected damage by roughly 10-15% depending on AC
DM Tip
Overcoming nonmagical resistance often matters more than the +1 bonus itself
DM Tip
Standard value around 500-1,000 gp as an uncommon magic item
DM Tip
Consider introducing +1 weapons around level 3-5 as first major magic items
DM Tip
Works on any weapon type - perfect for rewarding martial characters' preferred weapons
DM Tip
No attunement requirement makes this valuable for any martial character
DM Tip
Great as loot from defeated champions, found in ancient armories, or purchased in magic shops
DM Tip
Some creatures (werewolves, devils) can only be harmed by magical weapons
DM Tip
The +1 to attack is often more valuable than the +1 to damage at higher levels

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading