There is nothing to say that your wizard can't use a crossbow or even a non-proficiency weapon* instead of spells. This was quite common for 3e/3.5e/PF where the cantrips were less potent than the 5e versions (usually doing 1d3 or 1d4).
But yes, as Warlocke points out, it is balance. Non-casters get abilities that need 'recharging' during short or long rests, but they tend to be less fundamental to the class build than spells are to Wizards. IF it helps any, higher level Wizards tend to overshadow their more martial colleagues. The Fighter may be able to Cleave through three adjacent enemies, but the Wizard can neutralise or blow up entire companies of the enemy with a flick of the fingers. Nothing funnier than Dominating a giant and making him fight against his mates while everyone else eats popcorn and lays bets. Or letting a Summoned owlbear loose inside the goblin camp.
* A suitably DEXtrous magic user can be surprisingly effective using Finesse weapons, even taking the penalty due to non-proficiency.
Last edited by Sadurian; 22/10/20 03:29 PM.
