Do Rogues Always Have Sneak Attack? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: no, rogues do not always have Sneak Attack. While it’s a core mechanic of the class, Sneak Attack is conditional. It’s not something that automatically applies to every attack a rogue makes. Instead, it requires specific circumstances to be met, turning the rogue into a tactical striker, relying on cunning and opportunity rather than brute force. This guide will break down the conditions for Sneak Attack, clarify misconceptions, and provide a detailed look at how this crucial feature operates in D&D 5th Edition.
Understanding the Conditions for Sneak Attack
The Core Mechanic
Sneak Attack is a rogue class feature that allows them to deal extra damage with an attack. Beginning at 1st level, a rogue can inflict this extra damage, but only once per turn. This is crucial: even if a rogue has multiple attacks, only one attack can benefit from Sneak Attack each turn. The dice used for Sneak Attack damage increase as the rogue levels up.
The Two Paths to Sneak Attack
The rogue doesn’t always need to be ‘sneaky’ in the traditional sense to get Sneak Attack. The two main ways to trigger Sneak Attack are:
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Advantage on the Attack Roll: This is the most straightforward route. If the rogue has advantage on their attack roll, they can apply Sneak Attack damage on a hit. Advantage typically arises from circumstances like flanking, being hidden, or when the target is incapacitated. This connection to advantage is where the traditional ‘sneaky rogue’ trope comes into play.
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Proximity to an Ally: Even without advantage, a rogue can still achieve Sneak Attack. If another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy is not incapacitated, and the rogue does not have disadvantage on their attack roll, the rogue gains Sneak Attack. This condition highlights the rogue’s ability to exploit openings in battle when their enemies are already engaged in combat.
It’s important to note that the rogue can choose to apply Sneak Attack after they hit and only on the first qualifying attack that hit.
Once Per Turn, Not Once Per Round
The “once per turn” rule is specific. It does not limit Sneak Attack to the rogue’s own turn. If a rogue has an opportunity attack on another creature’s turn, or an action using a reaction, they can still apply Sneak Attack if the conditions are met. This makes rogues surprisingly versatile in combat scenarios.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Sneak Attack and Being “Sneaky”
While stealth is a common way to gain advantage, which in turn allows for Sneak Attack, it isn’t the only way. A rogue doesn’t always have to be hidden. The key is meeting either of the two criteria outlined above, and it’s possible to get Sneak Attack repeatedly while engaging openly in combat.
Sneak Attack is Not Automatic
It is not guaranteed that a rogue will be able to apply Sneak Attack each round. They might fail to get advantage and not be in a position to benefit from the proximity to an ally condition. A rogue needs to utilize tactics, positioning and coordination to consistently land Sneak Attack, making it a reward for cleverness.
The ‘Two-Weapon Fighting’ Fallacy
Many new rogue players think that using two weapons is necessary to get two sneak attacks. While they can use the ‘two-weapon fighting’ rule to make a bonus action attack, it still only allows for one sneak attack per turn. The second attack with the bonus action is often used as a second chance to land the first sneak attack of the turn if the initial attack failed.
Disadvantage Cancels Sneak Attack
If a rogue has disadvantage on an attack roll, they cannot use sneak attack even if they have an ally next to the target or any other Sneak Attack criteria are met.
Sneak Attack is NOT Tied To Your Action
The trigger for sneak attack is once per turn and that can be fulfilled with opportunity attacks or other reactions and abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does hiding always guarantee Sneak Attack?
Yes, if you successfully hide and then attack, you will have advantage and thus be able to use Sneak Attack on the first attack you make against that creature. However, attacking reveals your location unless you have the Skulker Feat.
2. Can a rogue use Sneak Attack with spells?
Yes, if the spell requires an attack roll. For example, Ray of Frost would qualify, while Fireball (which requires a saving throw) would not. The exception is if you are an Arcane Trickster rogue, as one of their class features enables them to use Sneak Attack on spells that target a single creature.
3. Can critical hits increase Sneak Attack damage?
Yes, on a critical hit, the dice rolled for Sneak Attack are doubled, in addition to doubling the damage dice of the weapon. This also stacks with other damage modifiers.
4. Can rogues use Sneak Attack with ranged weapons?
Yes, Sneak Attack is not limited to melee attacks. It works with any ranged or melee weapon that meets the criteria mentioned above. The key is making an attack roll, not the weapon type.
5. Is a dagger a finesse weapon?
Yes, a dagger is a finesse weapon, allowing rogues to use their Dexterity modifier for attack and damage rolls instead of Strength.
6. Does the Two-Weapon Fighting style grant additional sneak attacks?
No. The Two-Weapon Fighting style provides an extra attack as a bonus action but does not grant an additional sneak attack. You can still only apply Sneak Attack once per turn. The offhand weapon is used for an extra attempt if the main-hand attack misses.
7. Can you trigger Sneak Attack on someone else’s turn?
Yes, as long as the attack is made during your turn, a reaction can also trigger Sneak Attack. This could be with an opportunity attack.
8. Do rogues get Extra Attack like fighters?
No, rogues do not get Extra Attack. Instead, they rely on Sneak Attack to deal significant damage with a single attack.
9. How do rogues get advantage outside of hiding?
Rogues can gain advantage through various means including flanking with allies, the Help action from allies, or from certain spells or conditions that grant it, like the Faerie Fire spell.
10. Can you use Sneak Attack on a creature that is incapacitated?
Yes, an incapacitated creature automatically gives you advantage on attack rolls against it, which you can use to apply Sneak Attack.
11. Can a rogue use two rapiers?
No. Rapiers are not light weapons so you cannot use them with the standard two weapon fighting rules. The Dual Wielder feat is required.
12. If you miss the first attack, can you still get sneak attack?
Yes, if you use two-weapon fighting, you can use the second attack as an opportunity to get sneak attack. You only get one Sneak Attack per turn.
13. Why is the dual-wielding option good for rogues?
Dual wielding gives a rogue a second attempt to land their sneak attack each turn.
14. What is the best Rogue weapon?
The “best” rogue weapon depends on the situation, but finesse weapons like rapiers or shortswords are favored because they use Dexterity. Rapiers do require the Dual Wielder feat.
15. Does multi-classing affect a Rogue’s Sneak Attack?
No. Sneak Attack scales solely with Rogue levels. Other classes will not increase your dice, so it is often more worthwhile to invest fully in Rogue levels to maximize damage output.
Conclusion
Rogues don’t always have Sneak Attack, but it is a consistent source of damage for the class when they fulfill the conditions. Understanding the nuances of Sneak Attack is essential for playing a rogue effectively. By carefully positioning themselves, taking advantage of opportunities, and leveraging the environment, rogues can reliably deliver devastating blows. The key is understanding the rules and finding creative ways to trigger this versatile and powerful ability.