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How Does a +1 Sword Work in D&D 5e?

A +1 sword improves attack and damage rolls made with it, while keeping its normal damage dice and weapon properties.
WorldD&D 5e? Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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A +1 sword gives you a +1 bonus to attack rolls and damage rolls made with that weapon. Add the bonus once to each roll: it improves your chance to hit and adds 1 to the damage total, but it does not change the sword’s damage dice.

How to calculate an attack with a +1 sword

Using the 2014 fifth-edition rules, calculate an attack as usual, then include the sword’s +1 bonus. The official Weapon, +1 entry describes it as a magic weapon and gives it a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with it.

  1. Roll a d20 and add the ability modifier used for the attack, your proficiency bonus if you are proficient with the weapon, and the sword’s +1.
  2. If the attack hits, roll the sword’s normal damage dice. Add the relevant ability modifier and the sword’s +1 to the damage total.

For example, a character with Strength 16 (+3) and proficiency bonus +2 attacks with a +1 longsword at d20 + 6: +3 Strength, +2 proficiency, and +1 from the weapon. On a hit while wielding it in one hand, the damage is 1d8 + 4 slashing: 1d8 for the longsword, +3 Strength, and +1 from the weapon.

What the +1 changes—and what it leaves alone

The +1 is added once to the attack roll and once to the damage roll. It is not added to every damage die. A +1 sword does not gain extra damage dice, a different damage type, a bonus to saving throws, or other special effects unless another rule or the item’s description says so.

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The sword keeps its usual weapon statistics and properties. A longsword still deals 1d8 slashing damage in one hand or 1d10 slashing damage when used with two hands; the +1 changes the modifier, not the die or damage type. Apply ordinary attack rules, including the rules for natural 1s and 20s.

Is a +1 sword magical, and does it require attunement?

In the 2014 Basic Rules, Weapon, +1 is explicitly a magic weapon and is listed as uncommon. Its entry does not state that it requires attunement. Those are details of the listed item; other swords with additional names or properties may have different requirements, so check their individual descriptions.

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Does the rule differ in the 2024 rules?

“5e” can refer to either the 2014 rules or the 2024 revision. The 2014 rules are the basis for the example above. The 2024 Basic Rules also use the familiar attack-and-damage bonus formulation for magic weapons; for example, the Luck Blade has a +1 bonus to both alongside separate properties. For a specific weapon or table ruling, use the item entry and rules revision your group has chosen.

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