One of my players is a crossbow expert.

TLDR: When using the rules as intended, he needs to use 2 crossbows to make use of this feat, so he can't be using a shield at the same time.

I think this is misquoting what the devs said pretty badly.

First we have Mike Mearls saying:

John Proudfoot @GX_Sigma

@mikemearls @Eoffram_Troyas @Wizards_DnD Is it intentional that you can use it to get two attacks with 1 hand crossbow + shield?

Mike Mearls @mikemearls

@GX_Sigma @Eoffram_Troyas @Wizards_DnD I'd rule it should specify a different weapon, not same weapon twice

Then, later, Jeremy Crawford specifies:

Matt Petruzzelli @mpetruzz

@JeremyECrawford @mikemearls A player claims Crossbow expertise should just let him double attack with a hand crossbow. Is that intended?

Jeremy Crawford @JeremyECrawford

@mpetruzz @mikemearls Crossbow Expert does allow a character to shoot a hand crossbow as an action and again as a bonus action.

When asked about the conflict, the devs say:

Jeremy Crawford @JeremyECrawford

@MLenser Here's the difference: Mike was telling people how he would run it. I was telling people how it works as printed. @mikemearls

Mike Mearls @mikemearls

@JeremyECrawford @MLenser exactly! my "rulings" are my opinions, not canon.

So, the rule as written by the devs does allow you to use the same weapon for both attacks. In Mike's opinion it shouldn't, but that's not "canon".

In the end, it comes down to the DM. The DM can overwrite any rule in the book if it benefits their game as a whole. So if you really think that the feat as written is imbalancing the game, you can change it - but I personally don't agree that it is doing that.

/r/dndnext Thread