Do Rangers Get Two Attacks? A Deep Dive into Ranger Combat Prowess
Yes, Rangers get two attacks! Starting at 5th level, the Ranger class gains the Extra Attack feature in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) 5th Edition. This means that whenever a Ranger takes the Attack action on their turn, they can make two attacks instead of just one. This significantly boosts their combat effectiveness.
Understanding the Ranger’s Extra Attack Feature
The Extra Attack feature is a cornerstone of many martial classes in D&D 5e, greatly enhancing their damage output from the mid-game onward. For Rangers, reaching level 5 marks a turning point, shifting them from competent skirmishers to formidable combatants. Let’s explore the intricacies of how this feature works.
How Extra Attack Works
At its core, Extra Attack is simple. It allows a character to make an additional attack when they take the Attack action. The key word here is “action.” The Ranger must use their action to attack in order to trigger the extra attack. This means that if a Ranger uses their action to do something else, such as cast a spell or Dodge, they don’t get the extra attack.
Weapon Versatility
The Extra Attack feature doesn’t restrict the types of weapons the Ranger can use. Whether wielding melee weapons like swords and axes, or ranged weapons like longbows and crossbows, the Ranger benefits from making two attacks with the same weapon or even using different weapons for each attack. This versatility allows for dynamic combat tactics and adaptation to different enemy types and situations.
Action Economy
The Extra Attack feature doesn’t grant an additional action. It enhances the efficiency of the Attack action. Therefore, the Ranger still has a bonus action available for other abilities such as casting Hunter’s Mark, using Two-Weapon Fighting (if applicable), or taking other tactical actions. Understanding action economy is crucial for optimizing a Ranger’s effectiveness in combat.
Ranger Combat Styles and Extra Attack
Rangers in D&D 5e can adopt various combat styles that further synergize with the Extra Attack feature. Let’s examine a few popular styles and how they interact with this key ability.
Dual-Wielding Rangers
Rangers who choose the Two-Weapon Fighting style can take full advantage of the Extra Attack feature. By wielding a weapon in each hand, a Ranger can potentially make three attacks per turn: two from the Attack action (thanks to Extra Attack) and one additional attack as a bonus action using their off-hand weapon. This makes dual-wielding Rangers incredibly potent damage dealers, especially in the early to mid-game. The specific rules for Two-Weapon Fighting require that both weapons are light, and you don’t add your ability modifier to the damage of the bonus action attack unless you have the Two-Weapon Fighting fighting style.
Ranged Rangers
Rangers who specialize in ranged combat also benefit immensely from Extra Attack. They can fire two arrows (or bolts) per turn, significantly increasing their damage output at a distance. The Archery Fighting Style grants a +2 bonus to attack rolls with ranged weapons, further enhancing their accuracy and consistency. This combination makes ranged Rangers deadly snipers and reliable damage dealers in any combat scenario.
Melee Rangers (Single Weapon)
Even Rangers who prefer to wield a single melee weapon benefit from Extra Attack. The increased attack rate allows them to apply status effects, such as those granted by poisons or Hunter’s Mark, more frequently. Moreover, using a versatile weapon with Extra Attack allows them to switch between one-handed and two-handed grips, adding strategic depth to their combat style.
Class Features That Enhance Extra Attack
Several Ranger class features and subclass options synergize exceptionally well with the Extra Attack feature, augmenting the Ranger’s combat capabilities.
Hunter’s Mark
Hunter’s Mark is a quintessential Ranger spell that allows them to mark a target and deal extra damage whenever they hit it with a weapon attack. With Extra Attack, the Ranger gets two chances to apply this additional damage each turn, making it an essential spell for maximizing damage output.
Horde Breaker
The Hunter subclass offers the Horde Breaker feature at 3rd level, which allows the Ranger to make an additional attack against a different creature within 5 feet of the original target. While this doesn’t stack directly with Extra Attack, it provides an opportunity to damage multiple enemies in close proximity, making the Ranger incredibly effective against groups of foes.
Colossus Slayer
Another Hunter subclass feature, Colossus Slayer, allows the Ranger to deal extra damage once per turn when they hit a creature that is already wounded. With Extra Attack, the Ranger has two opportunities to trigger this bonus damage, making them especially effective against single, tougher enemies.
Strategic Considerations for Rangers with Extra Attack
Leveraging Extra Attack effectively requires careful planning and strategic decision-making in combat. Here are some key considerations:
Positioning
Rangers should position themselves strategically to maximize their opportunities for attack. Ranged Rangers need clear lines of sight and cover to stay safe while delivering consistent damage. Melee Rangers should coordinate with allies to flank enemies and create openings for attack.
Target Selection
Choosing the right targets is crucial. Focusing attacks on weakened enemies can quickly eliminate threats, while targeting high-priority targets like spellcasters or enemy leaders can disrupt the enemy’s strategy. Extra Attack allows the Ranger to quickly shift focus between targets as needed.
Action Economy Management
Managing action economy effectively is vital. Deciding when to use a bonus action for Two-Weapon Fighting, casting a spell, or taking a tactical action like Disengage or Hide requires careful assessment of the combat situation. Prioritizing actions that maximize damage output while maintaining survivability is key.
Practical Examples in Combat Scenarios
To illustrate how Extra Attack works in practice, let’s consider a few combat scenarios:
- Ranged Engagement: A Ranger with a longbow faces two goblins. They use their action to attack, making two ranged attacks, potentially eliminating one or both goblins in a single turn.
- Melee Skirmish: A Ranger with a shortsword and dagger is engaged in melee combat with an orc. They use their action to attack twice with the shortsword and then use their bonus action to attack with the dagger, potentially dealing significant damage in a single round.
- Strategic Maneuvering: A Ranger casts Hunter’s Mark as a bonus action and then uses their action to attack twice, applying the additional Hunter’s Mark damage to each hit, maximizing their damage output against the marked target.
In each scenario, the Extra Attack feature significantly enhances the Ranger’s combat effectiveness, allowing them to deal more damage, control the battlefield, and adapt to changing combat conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. At what level do Rangers get Extra Attack in D&D 5e?
Rangers get Extra Attack at 5th level. This allows them to attack twice, instead of once, whenever they take the Attack action on their turn.
2. Does Extra Attack stack with other classes’ Extra Attack features?
No, the Extra Attack feature does not stack between different classes. If you multiclass into another class that also gets Extra Attack (like Fighter), you do not gain an additional attack. You only get the benefit of Extra Attack once.
3. Can a Ranger use Extra Attack with any weapon?
Yes, a Ranger can use Extra Attack with any weapon they are proficient with. This includes melee weapons, ranged weapons, and even thrown weapons.
4. Does Extra Attack use up a bonus action?
No, Extra Attack does not use up a bonus action. It is part of the Attack action. You still have your bonus action available for other actions such as casting spells, using class features, or making an off-hand attack with Two-Weapon Fighting.
5. Can a Ranger use Extra Attack to cast two spells?
No, Extra Attack only applies to weapon attacks. It cannot be used to cast two spells in one turn unless they have another feature that specifically allows it (such as the Sorcerer’s Quickened Spell metamagic).
6. Does Extra Attack apply to opportunity attacks?
No, Extra Attack only applies when you take the Attack action on your turn. It does not apply to opportunity attacks, which are reactions triggered by an enemy’s movement.
7. If a Ranger has Hunter’s Mark, does Extra Attack apply the extra damage twice?
Yes, if a Ranger has Hunter’s Mark active, each successful attack made with Extra Attack will deal the additional Hunter’s Mark damage. This makes Hunter’s Mark a very effective spell for Rangers with Extra Attack.
8. Does Horde Breaker stack with Extra Attack?
Horde Breaker from the Hunter subclass allows you to make an additional attack against a different creature within 5 feet of your original target. This attack is separate from Extra Attack, providing you with an additional attack when the conditions are met.
9. How does Colossus Slayer interact with Extra Attack?
Colossus Slayer allows you to deal extra damage once per turn when you hit a creature that is below its maximum hit points. With Extra Attack, you have two chances to trigger this bonus damage, making you more likely to deal the extra damage.
10. Can I attack twice with a bow using Extra Attack?
Yes, Extra Attack applies to ranged weapons as well. You can attack twice with a bow, such as a longbow or shortbow, when you take the Attack action on your turn.
11. What if I multiclass and get Extra Attack from another class?
The Extra Attack feature does not stack. You only gain the benefit of attacking twice once you have the feature, even if you get it from multiple classes.
12. Does Extra Attack allow me to make two different types of attacks?
Yes, you can make two different types of attacks using Extra Attack. For example, you can make a melee attack with a sword and then a ranged attack with a thrown dagger, as long as you are proficient with both weapons.
13. How does Two-Weapon Fighting interact with Extra Attack?
With Two-Weapon Fighting, you can make an additional attack with your off-hand weapon as a bonus action. Combine this with Extra Attack, and you can potentially make three attacks per turn (two with your action and one with your bonus action).
14. Does the Revised Ranger get Extra Attack at the same level?
Yes, the Revised Ranger also gets Extra Attack at 5th level. The core mechanics of the Extra Attack feature remain the same in both the standard and Revised Ranger versions.
15. What are some good feats to combine with Extra Attack for a Ranger?
Some good feats to combine with Extra Attack for a Ranger include:
- Sharpshooter: Great for ranged Rangers, allowing you to ignore cover and take a penalty to hit for increased damage.
- Crossbow Expert: Allows you to ignore the loading property of crossbows and make a bonus action attack with a hand crossbow.
- Great Weapon Master: Ideal for melee Rangers wielding heavy weapons, allowing you to take a penalty to hit for increased damage or make a bonus action attack after scoring a critical hit or dropping a creature to 0 hit points.
By understanding the Ranger’s Extra Attack feature and its interactions with different combat styles, class features, and feats, you can build a powerful and versatile Ranger character ready to tackle any challenge.