Unleash the Fury: Maximizing Attacks with Action Surge in D&D 5e
So, you want to know how many times you can attack with Action Surge? The simple answer is: Action Surge doesn’t inherently limit your number of attacks. It grants you an additional action, and if you use that action to take the Attack action, you can make as many attacks as you normally would with a single Attack action. This number is primarily determined by your class features, most notably the Extra Attack feature.
The key is understanding that Action Surge provides an extra action, not an extra attack directly. It’s a crucial distinction because class features, like the Fighter’s Extra Attack, dictate how many attacks you can make when you take the Attack action. Therefore, the number of attacks possible with Action Surge depends on your level and class features.
For example, a 5th-level Fighter can make two attacks when they take the Attack action. If they use Action Surge to take another Attack action, they can make another two attacks, resulting in a total of four attacks in a single turn. This can drastically change the tide of battle!
Let’s dive deeper into the mechanics and explore some common questions to help you master the power of Action Surge.
Understanding the Mechanics of Action Surge
What exactly does Action Surge do?
Starting at 2nd level, Fighters gain the Action Surge feature. This allows them to take one additional action on their turn. It’s a powerful ability that can be used for a variety of purposes, not just attacking. You can use it to cast a spell, dash across the battlefield, take the Dodge action to improve your defenses, or even help a teammate.
Who benefits most from Action Surge?
While all Fighters benefit from Action Surge, those specializing in martial combat and maximizing their attack potential will see the most significant impact. Classes that benefit from making multiple attacks, such as Rangers and Paladins, or those that rely on specific actions like Rogues’ Sneak Attack, can also find creative ways to use Action Surge to their advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Action Surge
1. How many times can I use Action Surge?
Initially, you can use Action Surge once per rest, whether it’s a short rest or a long rest. At level 17, the Fighter gains the ability to use Action Surge twice per rest. So, high-level Fighters can really unleash a flurry of actions!
2. Can I attack 4 times with Action Surge?
Yes, if you’re a 5th-level (or higher) Fighter and you use both your standard action and your Action Surge action to take the Attack action, you can attack a total of four times. This is because the Fighter’s Extra Attack feature allows you to attack twice when you take the Attack action.
3. Does Action Surge give me multiple attacks?
Action Surge grants you another action, including the Attack Action. Extra Attack lets you attack more than once when you take the Attack action on your turn. They work in tandem to increase your offensive output.
4. Can I Sneak Attack twice with Action Surge?
No. Even with Action Surge, it’s still the same turn. The rules only allow you to apply Sneak Attack damage once per turn, regardless of how many attacks you make. However, you can apply Sneak Attack on another creature’s turn if you have a reaction-based attack trigger, such as an Attack of Opportunity.
5. Can you Action Surge twice in a row?
No. You can only use Action Surge once per turn, regardless of whether you regain its use through a rest mid-combat (which is not possible). At 17th level, you can use it twice between rests, but still only once on any given turn.
6. Can I cast Fireball twice with Action Surge?
Yes, you can cast Fireball (or any other action-based spell) as an action and then use Action Surge to take an additional action and cast Fireball again. This is because you are not casting a spell with a bonus action, and therefore the bonus action spellcasting rules don’t apply. However, be mindful of your spell slots!
7. Can I use Dread Ambusher twice with Action Surge?
Yes! The Dread Ambusher Ranger subclass feature states that “if you take the Attack action on that turn, you can make one additional weapon attack as part of that action.” Since Action Surge grants you another action to take the Attack action, it triggers Dread Ambusher again, allowing for another extra attack.
8. How many attacks does a 5th-level Fighter get with Action Surge?
As mentioned before, at level 5, Fighters can make two attacks with a single action. So, using Action Surge and taking two Attack actions results in a total of four attacks.
9. Does Haste give 4 attacks?
Haste grants an extra action that can be used to take the Attack action, but it is limited to one attack. So, no, Haste does not typically give you four attacks on its own. The strength of haste is the +2 to AC, advantage on dexterity saving throws, and doubled movement speed.
10. How can a Fighter attack 8 times?
Reaching 8 attacks in a single turn as a fighter requires some optimization, and more than just Action Surge. Consider a level 20 Fighter, with the Extra Attack(3) class feature, allowing 4 attacks in one action. With a haste action, action surge, and using feats and class feature like Great Weapon Master, Polearm Master, and the level 11 Fighter feature “Improved Extra Attack” allowing you to make one additional weapon attack after taking the attack action, it is possible to reach 8 attacks.
11. Can you attack twice on an Attack of Opportunity (AoO) in 5e?
While you can provoke an AoO multiple times in a round, you cannot make more than one AoO per triggering action. For example, if a creature moves out of your reach and provokes an AoO, you can use your reaction to make one attack. If that same creature then takes another action that provokes another AoO from you, you cannot use another reaction to attack. You only have one reaction per round, so it is important to choose which to respond to.
12. Can you get Extra Attack twice?
No, Extra Attack features from different classes do not stack. If you gain the Extra Attack class feature from more than one class, the features don’t add together. You use the best version you have. However, the Fighter’s version of Extra Attack, which improves at higher levels, does grant additional attacks beyond the standard two.
13. Can you cast Eldritch Blast twice with Action Surge?
Yes. You can cast Eldritch Blast with your regular action, then use Action Surge to take an additional action and cast Eldritch Blast again. As Eldritch Blast is a cantrip, it scales with your character level, not class level, so even multiclass characters can unleash a devastating barrage of beams.
14. How does Action Surge work with Two-Weapon Fighting?
Action Surge grants you another action that turn. Two-Weapon Fighting allows you to spend a bonus action on an extra attack when you take the Attack action. If you take two Attack actions, you can spend your bonus action during either one of those attacks, but you can’t spend it on both because you only have one bonus action to spend.
15. Can I Ready an Action Surge action?
Yes, you can use your Action Surge action to take the Ready action. The Ready action spends one action, but there is nothing preventing the use of a second action to take another one on the same turn (assuming one is available). This can be a very tactical move, allowing you to react to specific triggers on the battlefield.
Action Surge: More Than Just Attacks
While this article focuses on maximizing attacks with Action Surge, remember that it’s a versatile feature that can be used for much more. From dashing to escape danger to using powerful skills like Second Wind, Action Surge is a key tool in the Fighter’s arsenal. Use it creatively and strategically, and you’ll find it’s a game-changer in any encounter.
Exploring the tactical advantages of abilities like Action Surge in Dungeons and Dragons can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. To learn more about the educational applications of games, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
By understanding the nuances of Action Surge and its interactions with other class features, you can significantly boost your effectiveness on the battlefield. So go forth, adventurers, and unleash the fury of Action Surge!