Among the many weapons available in fantasy games and roleplaying systems, the quarterstaff stands out as a simple yet surprisingly versatile option. Though often overlooked due to its humble appearance, this weapon has been used in history and mythology alike, and in many systems especially in games like Dungeons & Dragons it carries its own unique mechanical value. Players curious about how much damage a quarterstaff does may be surprised at how this unassuming stick can become a powerful asset, especially when combined with the right skills, spells, or class features.
Quarterstaff Basics
A quarterstaff is a long wooden pole, usually around six to eight feet in length. It’s typically used in two hands, although some combat systems allow it to be wielded in one hand depending on the user’s build. Due to its simple design, it is categorized as a basic melee weapon. However, in many roleplaying games, it also counts as a versatile weapon, meaning it deals different amounts of damage depending on how it’s used.
Damage Dice
In most tabletop roleplaying systems like Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, the quarterstaff deals damage using the following dice
- 1d6 bludgeoning damagewhen wielded in one hand
- 1d8 bludgeoning damagewhen wielded in two hands, using the versatile property
This means that the quarterstaff’s base damage can be slightly increased by choosing to use it with both hands, which is ideal for characters not using a shield or other off-hand item.
Damage Type
The damage type for a quarterstaff is bludgeoning. This makes it especially useful against enemies with vulnerabilities to blunt weapons, such as skeletons or constructs that are resistant to slashing and piercing damage.
Modifiers and Class Interactions
While the base damage of a quarterstaff may not seem impressive compared to other weapons, its strength lies in how it interacts with various character classes and abilities. The real damage potential comes from modifiers, enchantments, and class-based bonuses.
Ability Score Modifiers
Like any melee weapon, quarterstaff damage is increased by the user’s Strength modifier. For example, if a character has a Strength score of 16 (+3 modifier), they would deal 1d6 + 3 or 1d8 + 3 damage with the quarterstaff, depending on how many hands are used.
If the weapon is used with finesse-like features or magical means, some characters might be able to substitute Dexterity or Wisdom for the attack and damage rolls.
Monks and Martial Artists
The quarterstaff is particularly effective for monk characters. In D&D 5E, for instance, the quarterstaff is considered a monk weapon, allowing it to benefit from the Martial Arts feature. This means a monk can
- Use Dexterity instead of Strength for attack and damage
- Make an unarmed strike as a bonus action after attacking with the quarterstaff
- Use Flurry of Blows, Stunning Strike, and other monk features in tandem
Additionally, at higher levels, monks can replace the weapon’s damage die with their Martial Arts die, which increases over time and significantly enhances damage potential.
Spellcasters and Magic Enhancement
Certain spellcasting classes, like druids and wizards, often choose a quarterstaff as a focus. This is especially common with druids who use theShillelaghcantrip, which transforms a quarterstaff into a magical weapon that uses Wisdom for attack and damage rolls instead of Strength.
WhenShillelaghis active, the quarterstaff
- Deals 1d8 damage regardless of one- or two-handed use
- Uses the caster’s Wisdom modifier for attack and damage
- Counts as a magical weapon for overcoming resistances
This dramatically boosts the quarterstaff’s utility for spellcasters, especially those with high Wisdom.
Enchanted Quarterstaffs and Magical Variants
Quarterstaffs can also be found as enchanted weapons in many campaigns. A magical quarterstaff may provide
- Bonus to attack and damage rolls (+1, +2, or +3)
- Additional elemental damage (fire, frost, lightning, etc.)
- Special abilities, such as casting spells or teleporting the wielder
A Staff of Power or a Staff of the Woodlands, for example, are powerful magic items that function similarly to a quarterstaff but come with a host of powerful features. These weapons not only improve damage output but add significant versatility and utility.
Critical Hits and Damage Scaling
As with other weapons, a quarterstaff benefits from critical hits. On a critical hit, the weapon’s damage dice are doubled. This means a one-handed attack would deal 2d6 + modifier, while a two-handed strike would deal 2d8 + modifier.
Additionally, with abilities like Divine Smite (for paladins) or Sneak Attack (for rogues, if the quarterstaff were used in some creative scenarios), extra damage could be stacked onto the quarterstaff’s base damage, though these cases are more situational.
Comparing Quarterstaff Damage to Other Weapons
While the quarterstaff isn’t the most damaging weapon outright, its versatility makes it competitive with other weapons in many scenarios
- Versatile propertyAllows one- or two-handed use, unlike many one-dimensional weapons
- Monk compatibilityFunctions with Martial Arts and ki abilities
- Spell synergyWorks well with spells likeShillelaghorMagic Weapon
- Light and accessibleIt’s inexpensive, easy to carry, and not restricted by many class limitations
In contrast, heavier weapons like greatswords or battleaxes might deal more base damage, but they don’t offer the same kind of magical or class versatility.
Roleplaying and Practical Advantages
Outside of combat, a quarterstaff can also serve as a walking stick, pole for checking traps, or even a makeshift lever. It’s often carried by wise sages, travelers, and spellcasters in stories, adding to its thematic weight.
In many fantasy worlds, a quarterstaff symbolizes knowledge, balance, and control qualities that reflect its usefulness across both combat and narrative scenarios.
So, how much damage does a quarterstaff do? On the surface, it deals 1d6 or 1d8 bludgeoning damage, depending on how it’s wielded. But when you factor in modifiers, class features, magical enhancements, and versatility, its damage output can rise significantly. From monks using it for rapid martial strikes to druids turning it into a conduit for their power, the quarterstaff remains one of the most flexible and reliable weapons available. While it may not dominate with raw numbers alone, its synergy and adaptability make it a worthy choice for many adventurers.