What Attacks Can a Rogue Do? A Comprehensive Guide
A Rogue’s prowess in combat is defined not by the sheer number of attacks they can unleash, but by the precision, versatility, and opportunistic strikes they employ. Unlike classes that rely on multiple attacks per action, the Rogue operates with a focus on maximizing the impact of each individual attack, often enhanced by Sneak Attack damage. A Rogue doesn’t have a high attack frequency, but they can be incredibly potent in combat if played strategically, making use of their unique skill set.
Fundamentally, a Rogue can execute the following types of attacks:
- Weapon Attacks: Rogues use a variety of finesse or ranged weapons to make attacks as part of the Attack action. This includes melee weapons like rapiers and shortswords, and ranged weapons like light crossbows and short bows.
- Off-Hand Attacks: If a Rogue uses the Attack action to attack with a light melee weapon, they can use their bonus action to attack with a different light melee weapon in their off-hand. This is commonly known as two-weapon fighting.
- Sneak Attack: The signature move of a Rogue, Sneak Attack allows them to deal extra damage, but the trigger requirements make this more complex than just a simple attack. Sneak Attack can only be used once per turn, and only when the Rogue has advantage on the attack roll, or when a target is within 5 feet of an ally who is not incapacitated.
- Opportunity Attacks: When an enemy moves out of the Rogue’s melee range, the Rogue can make an opportunity attack, using their reaction. This can be a critical element in a Rogue’s fighting style and help disrupt enemy movement.
These attacks can be used in combination and with strategic thinking and tactics, to create a powerful and effective combatant. A Rogue’s power doesn’t lie in brute force, but in the deadly precision they bring to every strike.
Rogue Attack Mechanics Explained
Understanding Sneak Attack
Sneak Attack is the cornerstone of the Rogue’s damage output. It’s not a separate attack action, but rather an addition to a normal weapon attack. The extra damage dice (starting at 1d6 at level 1, scaling upwards) are what make a Rogue’s single attack so potent. The trigger conditions for sneak attack must be met: either the Rogue must have advantage on their attack, or another enemy of the target must be within 5 feet of the target, and not be incapacitated. This ability greatly rewards tactical positioning and teamwork.
Two-Weapon Fighting
Using two light weapons in combat, a Rogue can make a second attack as a bonus action. The off-hand attack won’t add the Rogue’s ability modifier to the damage, but provides another chance to land a hit and trigger Sneak Attack if the first attack failed. This is a common tactic early on to provide greater chance at hitting and getting Sneak Attack to apply.
Opportunity Attacks and Reactions
Rogue’s use their reactions for opportunity attacks, allowing them to make an attack if an enemy moves out of melee range. Utilizing this option to punish enemy movement is an important part of being a Rogue in combat and can be combined with movement of their own to maximize effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many attacks does a Rogue get?
A Rogue typically only gets one attack per action. They do not gain the ability to make multiple attacks with the Attack Action, even at higher levels.
2. Can a Rogue make a second attack with their bonus action?
Yes, if they are using two-weapon fighting. If a Rogue makes an attack with a light melee weapon using the attack action, they can make an additional attack with a different light melee weapon using their bonus action.
3. What weapons can a Rogue use for Sneak Attack?
A Rogue can use any finesse or ranged weapon for Sneak Attack. This includes weapons like rapiers, shortswords, daggers, shortbows, and light crossbows.
4. Can a Rogue use Sneak Attack on every attack?
No. Sneak Attack can only be used once per turn. Additionally, the Rogue must have either advantage on the attack roll, or an ally must be within 5 feet of the target.
5. What is the benefit of a Rogue using two weapons?
Using two weapons allows a Rogue to make an additional attack with a bonus action which gives them another chance to land a hit and trigger Sneak Attack. This is useful for increasing the chance of applying Sneak Attack each turn.
6. Does a Rogue get a fighting style?
Rogues do not gain a fighting style naturally. However, they can gain one by taking the Fighting Initiate feat. This is a great option for a rogue that wants to specialize further into ranged combat with the Archery fighting style or two weapon fighting.
7. Can a Rogue use a shield?
Rogues can use shields, but they don’t gain proficiency in them, so doing so could be risky. Most Rogues prefer to keep a hand free for dexterity or to use a second weapon.
8. What are some good feats for a Rogue focused on damage?
Some beneficial feats for a Rogue are Dual Wielder if they focus on melee combat, Sharpshooter if they focus on ranged combat, and Lucky to help make sure the sneak attack lands. The Fighting Initiate feat is a powerful choice to further improve their combat capabilities.
9. How does advantage affect a Rogue’s attacks?
Advantage provides the Rogue with a higher chance of landing a successful hit, as they roll two dice and take the highest result. Advantage also triggers the Sneak Attack, making it an essential part of a Rogue’s fighting style.
10. Can a Rogue use their reaction to make more than one attack per round?
A Rogue only gets one reaction per round which they can use for an opportunity attack. They are otherwise restricted to their action for attacking.
11. Can a Rogue use a crossbow for Sneak Attack?
Yes, a Rogue can use a light crossbow for Sneak Attack because it is a ranged weapon, making it a viable option for ranged combat.
12. What is the best starting weapon for a Rogue?
Many players choose a rapier for melee combat and a light crossbow for ranged, as they both provide good damage potential. A dagger is a good secondary melee weapon for two-weapon fighting.
13. Is a Rogue stronger when working with allies?
Yes, Rogues are more effective when working with allies due to the condition to get sneak attack when an ally is adjacent to the target. It is important to position yourself with your allies to maximize your potential.
14. How does critical hits impact a Rogue’s damage?
A critical hit doubles all of the attack’s damage dice, including the Sneak Attack damage. This means a Rogue’s critical hit can be extremely potent when paired with Sneak Attack.
15. What is the best way to consistently trigger Sneak Attack?
The most reliable way to trigger Sneak Attack is to position yourself close to an ally who is also engaged in combat with the target. Alternatively, hiding or having an ally provide advantage is another way to consistently trigger the Sneak Attack.