In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), the quarterstaff is a versatile weapon that appears simple at first glance, but with the right character build and understanding of mechanics, it can become a powerful tool in both combat and roleplay. One of the key stats that determines a character’s effectiveness with the quarterstaff is the attack bonus. Knowing how the attack bonus for a quarterstaff is calculated and how to optimize it is crucial for players who use this weapon whether they are monks, druids, wizards, or even martial classes that enjoy using a more refined or thematic weapon.
Understanding the Quarterstaff in 5e
The quarterstaff is a simple melee weapon in D&D 5e. It’s a favorite among many classes due to its versatility, thematic appeal, and the fact that it can be wielded one-handed or two-handed depending on the situation. It deals 1d6 bludgeoning damage when wielded with one hand, and 1d8 bludgeoning damage when wielded with two hands, thanks to the versatile property.
Weapon Properties
- Type: Simple melee weapon
- Damage: 1d6 (one-handed), 1d8 (two-handed)
- Damage Type: Bludgeoning
- Properties: Versatile
Because it’s a simple weapon, most classes are proficient with it. It’s also a favored weapon for spellcasters who may not specialize in martial weapons but still want a functional melee option.
What Is an Attack Bonus?
The attack bonus in D&D 5e is the number you add to your d20 roll when you make an attack. It determines how likely your attack is to hit a target’s Armor Class (AC). The higher your attack bonus, the greater your chances of landing a successful hit. This applies to both weapon attacks and spell attacks.
Formula for Attack Bonus
When using a quarterstaff, your attack bonus is calculated using this basic formula:
Attack Bonus = Proficiency Bonus + Relevant Ability Modifier
The ability modifier depends on how you’re using the quarterstaff. In most cases, it’s either Strength or Dexterity (if using finesse or monk abilities), but certain builds or features may alter this.
Using Strength or Dexterity for Quarterstaff
The quarterstaff is not a finesse weapon by default, so normally it uses Strength for attack and damage rolls. However, there are exceptions. For monks, for instance, the quarterstaff is considered a monk weapon, which allows the use of Dexterity instead of Strength due to the Martial Arts feature.
Choosing the Right Ability Modifier
- Strength: Use this if your character is built around physical power (e.g., fighter, paladin)
- Dexterity: Use this if you’re a monk or have a high Dexterity modifier and your class features allow it
For example, a Strength-based fighter with 18 Strength (+4 modifier) and proficiency with the quarterstaff (Proficiency Bonus +2 at level 1) would have an attack bonus of +6.
Class Synergy with Quarterstaff
Many classes can use a quarterstaff effectively, and each brings different features that can enhance the weapon’s attack bonus or utility. Below are some of the most common classes that pair well with the quarterstaff and how they influence the attack bonus calculation.
Monk
Monks can use Dexterity instead of Strength for attacks with monk weapons, including the quarterstaff. They also gain extra attacks as they level up and can use ki to fuel abilities that increase damage or hit chances.
- Martial Arts: Use Dex instead of Str
- Flurry of Blows: Additional unarmed strikes after quarterstaff attack
Druid
Druids often use a quarterstaff in combination with theShillelaghcantrip, which allows them to use their Wisdom modifier for attack and damage rolls. This can drastically change the attack bonus calculation.
- Shillelagh: Use Wisdom for attack/damage instead of Strength
- Can cast with one hand free if quarterstaff is wielded
A druid with a +3 Wisdom modifier and proficiency would have an attack bonus of +5 at level 1, thanks to the magic-imbued nature of Shillelagh.
Wizard
Wizards may choose a quarterstaff for thematic reasons, and some subclasses like the Bladesinger allow melee weapon use to scale with Intelligence under certain conditions. In general, they won’t have a high attack bonus with it unless enhanced by magic.
Fighter
A fighter can wield a quarterstaff with great efficiency, often relying on Strength. If using it two-handed with the versatile trait, it pairs well with feats like Great Weapon Master. Fighters also gain a high number of attacks and features to boost hit accuracy.
Magic Items and Attack Bonus
Magic weapons that are quarterstaves often provide a bonus to attack and damage rolls. These bonuses stack with your existing attack bonus and can range from +1 to +3, depending on the rarity and power of the weapon.
Examples of Magic Staves
- Quarterstaff +1, +2, or +3: Adds the corresponding number to attack and damage
- Staff of Power: Grants +2 to attack and damage, and other abilities
- Staff of the Woodlands: Especially potent for druids
If you wield a +2 magic quarterstaff, you simply add +2 to your existing attack bonus. So a monk with a +5 attack bonus would now roll at +7 with a magical staff.
Feats and Fighting Styles
Certain feats and class features can further increase your attack bonus or help you hit more consistently. Consider incorporating these options if your character’s build revolves around melee combat with a quarterstaff.
Helpful Feats
- Polearm Master: Treats quarterstaff as a polearm, gives bonus attacks
- War Caster: Allows opportunity attacks with spells, which pairs well with Shillelagh
- Great Weapon Master: Risk/reward option for two-handed attacks
Fighting Styles
Classes like Fighter and Paladin can take fighting styles at level 1 or 2, which can increase consistency and effectiveness.
- Defense: Not attack-based, but boosts AC when wielding quarterstaff
- Dueling: Adds +2 to damage rolls when using a quarterstaff in one hand
- Great Weapon Fighting: Useful when wielding it two-handed
Combining the Dueling fighting style with a quarterstaff and shield setup is a common and effective strategy for melee-focused builds that value both offense and defense.
Calculating a Sample Attack Bonus
Let’s go through a practical example. Imagine a level 3 monk with 16 Dexterity and proficiency with the quarterstaff. Their attack bonus would be:
- Dexterity Modifier: +3
- Proficiency Bonus (Level 3): +2
- Total Attack Bonus: +5
If the same monk finds a +1 magic quarterstaff, the attack bonus becomes +6. If they also have the Polearm Master feat, they gain an extra bonus attack with the opposite end of the staff (dealing 1d4 damage).
The quarterstaff may look like a humble weapon, but in D&D 5e, its flexibility makes it an excellent option for a wide variety of classes. Whether you’re channeling spells through it as a druid, wielding it with fluid martial arts as a monk, or taking advantage of feats and magic enhancements as a fighter, the quarterstaff adapts well to different styles of play. Understanding how your attack bonus is calculated and how to optimize it is essential to making the most of this versatile weapon. With the right build and strategy, a quarterstaff-wielding character can be just as effective and iconic as one using more traditional swords or axes.