Can a Druid Wild-Shaped into a Giant Spider Use the Sharpshooter Feat on Its Web Attack in DD 5E?

Understanding the Nature of Wild Shape

In 5th Edition Dungeons Dragons (DD 5E), when a druid uses Wild Shape to transform into a giant spider, they assume the statistics and abilities of the beast. This includes the giant spider's attacks and abilities. However, it does not grant the druid access to their own features such as feats. This is a fundamental concept to understand when considering the feasibility of using the Sharpshooter feat in this scenario.

The Sharpshooter Feat

The Sharpshooter feat in DD 5E is designed to enhance ranged weapon attacks, allowing the character to make them from a further distance and ignore certain penalties for ranged attacks. Specifically, it applies to ranged weapon attacks that you make. However, it's important to note that the giant spider's web attack is not a ranged weapon attack. With this in mind, let's delve into why the Sharpshooter feat does not apply to the web attack.

Understanding the Web Attack

The web attack of the giant spider is a special ability that allows the creature to shoot a web at a target. The target must then succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or be restrained. This attack is not classified as a weapon attack. Due to this classification, the Sharpshooter feat does not apply to the web attack.

Official Rulings and Sage Advice

DD 5E is not without official guidance on such matters. Sage Advice, a column by Dale FFine and Jeremy Crawford, the game's rules designers, provides an official answer to this question. According to Sage Advice, the web attack is not a ranged weapon attack, and therefore the Sharpshooter feat does not apply.

Some rulings suggest that druids in the form of giant spiders should still benefit from their long-range abilities and cover rules, even when they cannot add the Sharpshooter feat's benefits. This is because the web attack is a special ability, and not a weapon attack. However, others argue that no damage bonus should be added to a web attack, as it does not deal damage in the first place, much like a net weapon.

Dungeon Master's Decision

Ultimately, the decision on whether a druid in the form of a giant spider can use the Sharpshooter feat lies with the Dungeon Master (DM). The DM has the authority to make rulings based on the flavor and balance of the game. Many DMs would likely allow such a feat, as it enhances the druid's strategic options and makes the character more versatile.

In summary, while a druid in the form of a giant spider assumes the giant spider's web attack abilities, they do not benefit from the Sharpshooter feat for this attack. The web attack is not a ranged weapon attack, and the feat does not apply to special attacks like webbing. However, the DM has the final say and could allow some flexibility in this ruling.