Among the many weapons available in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, the quarterstaff holds a unique position. Simple, versatile, and accessible, it is a common choice for many characters. However, when used as a two handed weapon, the quarterstaff becomes more than just a stick it transforms into a practical and strategic tool in both combat and roleplay. Whether you’re a monk delivering precise strikes, a wizard wielding it as an arcane focus, or a druid defending the wild, understanding the full potential of the two handed quarterstaff in 5e can give you a tactical edge in your adventures.
Understanding the Quarterstaff
Weapon Basics
The quarterstaff is a simple melee weapon that deals 1d6 bludgeoning damage when wielded with one hand. It has the versatile property, which means it can be used with two hands to deal increased damage of 1d8. This makes the quarterstaff an ideal weapon for characters who want flexibility in how they fight.
- Type: Simple melee weapon
- Damage: 1d6 (one handed), 1d8 (two handed)
- Damage Type: Bludgeoning
- Properties: Versatile
The quarterstaff is also a common choice for spellcasting classes that can use it as a spellcasting focus. This dual functionality adds further depth to its use, especially in campaigns where versatility matters more than raw damage.
When to Use a Quarterstaff Two Handed
Maximizing Damage Output
Wielding the quarterstaff with two hands increases its damage die from 1d6 to 1d8. While this may seem like a small difference, it can add up over the course of a long battle. Characters who don’t use a shield or off-hand item can benefit from the higher damage output consistently.
This is especially useful for classes that engage in melee but don’t rely on dual-wielding or shields, such as:
- Monks: Use quarterstaffs as monk weapons, allowing them to benefit from Martial Arts and bonus unarmed strikes.
- Druids: Can use quarterstaffs made of wood and enhance them with spells like Shillelagh.
- Wizards or Warlocks: May use a quarterstaff as an arcane focus and switch to two handed grip during melee emergencies.
Combat Style and Roleplay
Some players choose to wield the quarterstaff two handed not just for damage but for style and thematic reasons. The image of a cloaked wanderer or a calm monk walking with a wooden staff and then using it in fluid, sweeping combat motions is iconic in fantasy lore. This roleplaying aspect enhances immersion and gives your character a more distinctive flair in storytelling moments.
Quarterstaff and the Shillelagh Spell
Boosting Your Attacks with Magic
For druids and other characters with access to the Shillelagh cantrip, the quarterstaff becomes an even more effective two handed weapon. When enchanted by Shillelagh:
- The weapon’s damage changes to 1d8, regardless of one or two handed use
- You use your spellcasting ability modifier for attack and damage rolls instead of Strength
- The weapon becomes magical, which helps bypass resistances
While Shillelagh sets the damage to 1d8 either way, using it two handed still aligns with character theme and may signal the intention to rely more on physical combat than spellcasting in that moment. It’s a solid combo for melee-focused spellcasters.
Feats and Fighting Styles That Enhance It
Feats
Certain feats in 5e can enhance the effectiveness of a two handed quarterstaff build. Some notable options include:
- Polearm Master: Allows opportunity attacks when creatures enter your reach and gives an additional bonus action attack with the butt end of the staff (1d4).
- Great Weapon Master: Offers extra attacks on critical hits and powerful bonus damage at the cost of accuracy. Though the quarterstaff isn’t a heavy weapon, this feat can still inspire a similar fighting strategy with other polearms.
- Magic Initiate (Druid): Grants access to Shillelagh if you’re not already a druid, unlocking the quarterstaff’s magical potential for other classes.
Fighting Styles
Fighters and Rangers who choose the Defense or Dueling fighting styles may not see direct benefits when using two handed weapons, but there are still ways to make the staff worthwhile:
- Defense Style: Best with a shield, not used in two handed builds.
- Two Weapon Fighting Style: Not applicable to a two handed weapon.
- Versatile Style (Homebrew or UA): Some DMs allow unique fighting styles that reward the use of versatile weapons like the quarterstaff, giving minor bonuses to AC or attack rolls.
Quarterstaff in the Hands of a Monk
Monk Weapon Rules
The quarterstaff is one of the best weapons for monks because it qualifies as a monk weapon. This allows monks to:
- Use Dexterity for attack and damage rolls
- Benefit from Martial Arts, including unarmed strike follow-ups
- Use ki features like Flurry of Blows and Stunning Strike after quarterstaff attacks
Using the quarterstaff two handed allows monks to deal 1d8 damage per strike, which is competitive with their unarmed strikes at mid to high levels. When combined with Ki points, the monk can unleash devastating combos while keeping a consistent weapon theme.
Magic Quarterstaffs and Customization
Magical Options
Magic items enhance the quarterstaff’s usefulness further. Many magic quarterstaffs grant bonuses to attack and damage rolls, spellcasting, or other abilities. Examples include:
- Staff of Power: Adds bonuses to AC, saving throws, and attacks, while also functioning as a powerful arcane focus.
- Staff of the Woodlands: Perfect for druids, with extra spells and a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls.
- Quarterstaff +1/+2/+3: Basic enchantments that increase reliability in combat.
Even if a staff isn’t designed for direct combat, some have utility functions that make them ideal roleplaying or exploration tools. A staff that doubles as a climbing pole, light source, or arcane detector adds flavor to your character’s journey.
Tactics and Team Synergy
Controlling the Battlefield
A two handed quarterstaff user with Polearm Master can serve as a front-line controller. By placing themselves in a strategic position, they can use opportunity attacks to hinder enemy movement and protect squishier party members.
Combining with Support Spells
Characters who mix quarterstaff combat with buffs like Shield of Faith, Mage Armor, or Sanctuary can last longer in melee while dealing solid damage. This creates synergy between spell support and physical presence, a rare but valuable combination in balanced party compositions.
The two handed quarterstaff in 5e offers a surprising amount of flexibility and strength for such a simple weapon. Whether you play as a monk, druid, or another versatile class, this weapon provides a reliable, flavorful, and customizable tool for both roleplay and combat. With the right feats, spells, and magical enhancements, the quarterstaff becomes more than a stick it becomes a symbol of balance, strategy, and personal expression on the battlefield. Embrace the potential of this humble weapon, and you may find it outshining more exotic choices in your adventuring journey.