Difference between light and heavy crossbows?

[The Spastic Tuna]

I come from Pathfinder where there is a major difference between the two i.e. load times etc. I havent had a chance to use them in 5e and I dont know the rule set for them. However reading other posts it seems that a lot of the differences between wepaons that exist in 5e simply dont exist here i.e. daggers being almost worthless except to throw throw when they should have a crit multiplier. That brings me back to ranged weapons writ large. Are the only differences between the ranged weapons purely damage?

[solaris32]

In this game at least heavy has higher damage rolls, that's it. There are unique crossbows for each. So if you have proficiency in both use whichever is stronger or has perks you want. Same thing with bows.

Hand crossbows are unique in that they're the only ranged weapon that can be dual wielded.

[Deitrix]

In the game... heavy crossbows do more damage and are harder to use, so not every class can use them.

Light crossbows are simple weapons and nearly EVERYONE can use them.

That's your difference.

[Hobocop]

Heavy Crossbows are Martial Weapons with a larger damage die, while light crossbows are Simple Weapons. BG3 gives each weapon short rest abilities to use, and heavy crossbows also get more of them, being martial weapons.

[HoneyDrake]

Normally you should have been forced to reload crossbows. Right now there is nothing of that sort.

Light and Heavy have no real difference, besides heavy dealing more base dmg and light can be used by most characters.