As its name implies, it only weighs 3 pounds and can easily be held in one hand. This is the most expensive crossbow (75 gp) and does the least amount of damage (1d6). For instance, a tight passage where non-light weapons have a disadvantage. The “light” property might come into play with other abilities or DM rulings. It can’t be used for two-hand fighting because that requires a light melee weapon and this is not a melee weapon, it is a ranged weapon. It is the only crossbow with the “light” property. Hand Crossbow : The string is pulled back by using a lever. It requires two hands to load or to attack with this weapon, but it only weighs 5 pounds and can be carried in just one hand. It is the least expensive crossbow (25 gp) and does good damage (1d8) at a reasonable range (80/320). Despite its name, this weapon does not have the “light” property. Light Crossbow : The string is pulled back by using a hinged lever which pulls the string into place. Although it weighs 18 pounds most characters should be able to carry it with just one hand. It requires two hands to load or to attack with this weapon. This crossbow is not inexpensive (50 gp) but it does the most damage (1d10) and has the longest range (100/400). Because it is a heavy weapon, small size creatures have a disadvantage when attacking with it. Heavy Crossbow : The string is pulled back by winding a crank on a ratchet. There are three types of crossbows listed in the Player’s Handbook.

That also deals 1d4 bludgeoning damage but rather than STR, you use your DEX bonus on attack and damage. You could even throw it at them (range 20/60). You don’t get your proficiency bonus on the attack but you can add your Strength bonus to both the attack and damage rolls. As an improvised weapon it deals 1d4 bludgeoning damage. Using a crossbow as an improvised weapon: If you have a crossbow in your hand and you are out of ammunition or it isn’t loaded (refer to loading below) you can still use your Attack action to try to hit somebody with it. A crossbow can be carried already loaded with a bolt. You add your dexterity bonus to crossbow damage to represent increased precision. There are two or three notches to rest the thumb which can then be lined up with the bolt forming the crossbow sight. The crossbow bolt is laid in a groove on the top of the stock and the trigger pulled. This “cocking” of the crossbow is what gives a crossbow the “loading” property. The string is pulled back by using a lever or winding a crank on a ratchet. The string has been soaked in glue as some protection against moisture. The ‘bow’ is made of wood, iron or steel. General crossbow description: A crossbow has a wooden stock generally made from yew, ash, hazel or elm and coated with glue or varnish.

This post represents my thoughts on the subject and how I deal with it using a couple of house rules. In my opinion, their subsequent attempt at clarifying the rules didn’t help all that much. Doing all of this and also keeping the rules simple and short created quite a bit of confusion. When the rules were written for fifth edition they attempted to restrict the number of times a crossbow could be fired and still allow for exceptions. Because Player Characters aren’t “most people” they often are able to make multiple attacks each round. The only problem with a crossbow is that it takes so long to load most people can only make one crossbow attack each round.

Hand crossbow vs light crossbow