The upside to making the offhand attack free is that it makes the comparisons a lot easier, because all options are just a Attack Action now. Either find a site that already ran the damage numbers for two weapons, two handers, and one hander / shield, or do it yourself if you're up for it. Make sure to include a multiplier for the number of attacks, and adjust for fighting styles & feats as desired. The site Anydice.com is a big help on the math side, and relatively easy to use.
After that, decide if using two weapons does too much extra damage to not require a Bonus Action, and as Lyxen noted, what other options are now more available since the offhand attack isn't using up your BA every turn.
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This isn't really a "in your experience" question, IMO. Damage is purely numbers, so do the math & make a decision. Going by feels is filled with bias, and there isn't a good reason to voluntarily poke that bear when objectively reviewing the numbers holds the true answer to your question.
Also, before your players get too excited, remind them that NPCs will also get free offhand attacks, and that there are more of them than there are of you. Swarms of goblins, for example, will become a lot more dangerous with a free offhand attack every turn.
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Has anyone else removed the bonus action requirement for the off hand attack when two weapon fighting? If so, what has been your experience with it?
A TPK by being cowardly and curious?!?!
I want to know more but I’m scared to ask!
The upside to making the offhand attack free is that it makes the comparisons a lot easier, because all options are just a Attack Action now. Either find a site that already ran the damage numbers for two weapons, two handers, and one hander / shield, or do it yourself if you're up for it. Make sure to include a multiplier for the number of attacks, and adjust for fighting styles & feats as desired. The site Anydice.com is a big help on the math side, and relatively easy to use.
After that, decide if using two weapons does too much extra damage to not require a Bonus Action, and as Lyxen noted, what other options are now more available since the offhand attack isn't using up your BA every turn.
---
This isn't really a "in your experience" question, IMO. Damage is purely numbers, so do the math & make a decision. Going by feels is filled with bias, and there isn't a good reason to voluntarily poke that bear when objectively reviewing the numbers holds the true answer to your question.
Also, before your players get too excited, remind them that NPCs will also get free offhand attacks, and that there are more of them than there are of you. Swarms of goblins, for example, will become a lot more dangerous with a free offhand attack every turn.