What is the rarity of Returning Weapons? Specifically, a trident.

I thought Returning Weapons don't technically exist? They're what DNDBeyond uses to simulate the effects of the Artificer's Returning Weapon Infusion.

Quote from Emmber >>

I thought Returning Weapons don't technically exist? They're what DNDBeyond uses to simulate the effects of the Artificer's Returning Weapon Infusion.

 This.

They don't have an assigned rarety because they do not exist as loot. They are created by a class feature.

As a house rule, they would be around uncommon or rare (+1 weapon with upside effect).

The only one I know of off the top of my head is the dwarven thrower, which is considered "very rare".

Both the Javelin of Backbiting and the Spear of Backbiting are also very rare.

I can't see the Javelin or Spear because I don't own that content but the Dwarven Thrower at least is +3 so you'd expect the +1 returning weapons to be a bit more common than that - if they existed.

Quote from Emmber >>

I can't see the Javelin or Spear because I don't own that content but the Dwarven Thrower at least is +3 so you'd expect the +1 returning weapons to be a bit more common than that - if they existed.

 The javelin and spear are +2 with extended ranges and a curse that causes the weapon to attack you on a nat 1.

So a normal returning weapon should probably be rare.

I dunno.  Returning Weapon is available as a level 2 infusion, which are all exclusively Uncommon or less on the artificer.  yeah, it's a +1-with-bonus, but the bonus is relatively tame and also only applies to a grouping of relatively suboptimal weapons.  When was the last time you saw someone use a handaxe, dagger, or javelin as a primary weapon outside of story-specific reasons with the understanding that they're being deliberately suboptimal?

I'd probably allow them as Uncommon in my game, with the understanding that a +1 weapon is on the common end of Uncommon anyways.  Even if it breaks the gol-durned game a little bit.

Enhanced defense is +1 armor which is rare.

4e got it right on this count - every magic thrown weapon automatically returned. It was just part of being a magic weapon. Add this property to any weapon and I guarantee it won't break anything. Aside from darts, thrown weapons need a lot of support and effort just to approach viability and even then you're essentially stuck with nonmagical weapons unless you think it's a good idea to throw your most prized possession straight into the hands of your enemy and then spend the next turn trying to get it back.

I thought it was pretty strange that they dropped that rule for 5E.

I don't think they dropped it so much as left it up to the DM to decide what do at their individual tables  I don't see a problem  with Returning weapons,  for things like shurikens or Darts  rather than returning  i would rather see it like a set of 12 darts or shuriken and after you throw them  they reappear after a short or long rest   as long as you don't throw the last one. 

What's the point of selling it in a pack of 12 if you're only allowed to use 11?

Would it not be easier to just have the bandolier make new ones and the old ones vanish? 

Quote from Xeresia >>

I don't think they dropped it so much as left it up to the DM to decide what do at their individual tables  

 It was dropped from what I can surmise - why have a returning weapon infusion if that's a valid inherent property of all magic items anyway? You'd also think that it would be mentioned somewhere - it existing in previous editions is of precisely zero help with indicating it being present in a current one. I'd be fine with a DM house ruling it in, so long as it's done before an Artificer uses their infusion, but I don't think it's a rule for 5e.

Quote from 6thLyranGuard >>

What's the point of selling it in a pack of 12 if you're only allowed to use 11?

 You then have the dilemma to throw your last one or to keep it and use more mundane or weaker weapons instead. Same as those magic items break or at least potentially break if you use the last charge. I'm not entirely convinced that it's a good mechanic, but that seems to be the game-side logic at least.

I recently gave a Returning Spear to a player and made it rare.

Returning Spear

Weapon (spear), rare (requires attunement)

You have a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this magic weapon. and it returns to your hand immediately after it is used to make a ranged attack.

 

Quote from Linklite >>

Quote from Xeresia >>

I don't think they dropped it so much as left it up to the DM to decide what do at their individual tables  

 It was dropped from what I can surmise - why have a returning weapon infusion if that's a valid inherent property of all magic items anyway? You'd also think that it would be mentioned somewhere - it existing in previous editions is of precisely zero help with indicating it being present in a current one. I'd be fine with a DM house ruling it in, so long as it's done before an Artificer uses their infusion, but I don't think it's a rule for 5e.

It's not.

I would make it uncommon. Returning is just not on the same tier as a +2 weapon, IMO.

The Elven Thrower has since been added as a returning spear with elvish origins, via “The Book of Many Things”, as well.

Which was confusingly originally listed on this site as being from Glory of the Giants.