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The sling is one of the oldest and simplest weapons in human history – and in Dungeons & Dragons often one of the most underestimated. While bows and crossbows stand in the spotlight, this inexpensive ranged weapon usually leads a shadowy existence in equipment lists. This could change with the 2024 rules, as the sling has received some interesting improvements.

The most important changes between 2014 and 2024

The most noticeable difference between the editions is the damage type: While the sling still dealt bludgeoning damage in 2014, it now deals piercing damage. This change makes perfect sense – after all, sharp sling bullets made of lead or stone pierce the target instead of just crushing it.

Even more important is the new Slow property from the 2024 Player’s Handbook 🛒. This Weapon Mastery ability allows experienced fighters to reduce their targets’ movement speed by 10 feet if they hit the attack. This makes the sling a tactical tool for battlefield control – especially useful for stopping fleeing enemies or slowing down fast foes.

Who benefits from the sling?

The sling is a simple ranged weapon that practically every class can use. It’s particularly interesting for:

• Clerics and Druids: Many of these classes don’t have access to bows, but the sling offers a solid ranged option
• Halflings: With their racial trait they can even reroll a 1 on the damage die
• Beginning characters: At only 1 silver piece, it’s the cheapest ranged weapon in the game
• Survivalists: Ammunition can be improvised – stones will do in a pinch

Creative uses

Experienced players constantly find creative ways to use the sling. Why not sling alchemist’s fire or Tanglefoot Bags? Some Dungeon Masters even allow slinging small magic items or potions. The Slow property also opens up new tactical possibilities: A fighter can slow down enemies so allies can escape more easily or take better positions.

The sling might not be the most impressive weapon in your arsenal, but it’s reliable, cheap and now also tactically interesting. In a world full of magic swords and powerful spells, this humble weapon has its firm place – especially for characters who value versatility and pragmatism.

This article was created using AI, based on data from the 5e-database project (D&D 5e System Reference Document, licensed under CC BY 4.0).

The post Sling in D&D: The underestimated classic gets an update was first posted at Dice Scroller.