Can An Arcane Trickster Sneak Attack With Spells?
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The short answer is: it’s complicated. Arcane Tricksters, the spellcasting rogues of D&D 5e, bring a unique blend of cunning and magic to the table. However, the interaction between their spellcasting and the classic Sneak Attack feature is not always straightforward. While generally, you cannot directly sneak attack with spells, the Arcane Trickster has specific features and nuances that require careful consideration. The crux of the issue lies in the core mechanics of Sneak Attack and the types of attacks spells use.
The Core of the Issue: Attack Rolls vs. Saving Throws
The primary reason why spell attacks and sneak attacks don’t normally mix lies in the mechanics of how spells work. The Sneak Attack feature of rogues specifically states that it requires an attack using a finesse or ranged weapon.
- Weapon Attacks: These are attack rolls made with weapons, usually involving the user’s Dexterity or Strength modifier.
- Spell Attacks: Some spells also require attack rolls, typically involving a spellcasting ability modifier like Intelligence for Arcane Tricksters.
- Saving Throws: Most spells, however, do not require attack rolls from the caster. Instead, they force the target to make a saving throw to resist the spell’s effects.
The crucial distinction here is the attack roll. Sneak Attack triggers on weapon attack rolls and while spell attack rolls qualify, most spells do not require attack rolls, using saving throws instead, thereby excluding them from the sneak attack.
When Spell Attacks and Sneak Attacks Align
Despite these limitations, there are specific instances where an Arcane Trickster can trigger sneak attack with a spell:
- Spells Requiring Attack Rolls: Certain spells, such as Shocking Grasp, require the caster to make an attack roll. If the requirements are met (such as advantage or another enemy within 5ft of the target), this qualifies for a sneak attack. However, most spells such as fireball which forces a saving throw, cannot benefit from sneak attack.
- Touch Spells: Spells that are touch-based and require an attack roll can also trigger sneak attack, provided the standard conditions are met.
- Arcane Trickster and Spells: While it is a common misconception, sneak attack requires a finesse or ranged weapon attack, and spell attacks are generally not considered weapon attacks. The Arcane Trickster feature does not change the fact that spells are not weapons and generally will not be able to benefit from sneak attack.
The Arcane Trickster’s Unique Spellcasting
The Arcane Trickster subclass is special for rogues. They are half-casters, meaning they only progress to a maximum of 4th-level spell slots, gaining up to 11 spell slots at level 20. They have access to a limited number of wizard spells but do not use a spellbook in the same way as a wizard. Their spell selections are also primarily limited to Enchantment and Illusion spells.
How the Arcane Trickster Can Enhance Sneak Attacks
While the Arcane Trickster’s spellcasting cannot directly fuel Sneak Attack in most cases, the spells can be used to set up advantageous scenarios:
- Invisibility: Illusion spells such as Invisibility can allow the Arcane Trickster to gain advantage on their attacks, which automatically triggers Sneak Attack on a hit.
- Mind Control: Spells that temporarily mind control or stun can put enemies in the position where the player gains advantage on attack rolls, allowing sneak attack to be triggered.
- Distraction: Using spells to distract or hinder enemies can create the necessary conditions for a successful melee weapon Sneak Attack.
FAQs: Arcane Tricksters and Sneak Attack
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Arcane Tricksters, spellcasting, and Sneak Attack:
1. Can an Arcane Trickster use a spellbook?
No, an Arcane Trickster does not use a spellbook. They learn a limited number of spells and cannot prepare different spells after each long rest.
2. What is the best race for an Arcane Trickster?
Races that provide a bonus to Dexterity and Intelligence are generally the best for Arcane Tricksters. The High Elf or Forest Gnome are often recommended from the Player’s Handbook.
3. What are the limitations of the Arcane Trickster?
The Arcane Trickster’s spell list is primarily limited to Enchantment and Illusion spells. They cannot apply Sneak Attack to the majority of their spell attacks, and have only half the spellcasting power of a full caster like a wizard.
4. Can an Arcane Trickster use a spell scroll?
Yes, Arcane Tricksters can use spell scrolls from the wizard list, even scrolls for spells higher than they can normally cast.
5. Can an Arcane Trickster dual wield?
While not directly related to spellcasting and sneak attack, the War Caster feat allows an Arcane Trickster to effectively “dual-wield” spells in combat, similar to how regular rogues dual wield weapons, but not for additional sneak attack damage.
6. Does Sneak Attack apply to magic damage?
Sneak Attack is not considered a magical attack. If your weapon is magical, then that damage is magical, but the damage from Sneak Attack is the same damage type as your weapon (such as Piercing, Bludgeoning or Slashing).
7. Can you sneak attack with unarmed strikes?
No, Sneak Attack requires a weapon with the finesse or ranged property. Unarmed strikes are not considered weapons, so they do not qualify.
8. Can you throw a dagger and sneak attack?
Yes, you can throw a dagger and sneak attack if the target has advantage or another enemy nearby. But you cannot throw a dagger and apply bonus effects on top of a sneak attack.
9. Can Sneak Attack be non-lethal?
Yes, Sneak Attack damage can be made non-lethal.
10. Can I cast a spell then attack in the same turn?
Normally, no. Casting a spell is an Action, and attacking is another Action. You can’t do both in one turn unless you use specific features (such as Action Surge) or are using a cantrip and use your bonus action to attack.
11. Can an Arcane Trickster replace spells?
Yes, an Arcane Trickster can replace one known spell each time they gain a level.
12. Is Arcane Trickster the best Rogue subclass?
Many consider the Arcane Trickster to be the best Rogue subclass due to its spellcasting abilities, which provide both combat utility and unique roleplaying opportunities.
13. Can you sneak attack on a charge?
Yes, you can Sneak Attack on a charge if the target is denied Dexterity or flanked when you complete the charging movement.
14. Can you sneak attack with touch spells?
Yes, you can sneak attack with touch spells that require an attack roll, provided you meet the other Sneak Attack conditions.
15. Is Arcane Trickster’s Mage Hand invisible?
Yes, starting at 3rd level, when an Arcane Trickster casts Mage Hand, the hand can be made invisible, and additional tasks can be performed with it, such as stowing items and disarming traps.
Final Thoughts
While the Arcane Trickster cannot directly synergize their spells with Sneak Attack in the way some players might hope, their unique spellcasting abilities provide a powerful array of options to gain advantage on attacks and set up the conditions required to trigger a successful Sneak Attack. Careful planning, tactical spell use, and a deep understanding of the rules are critical for making the most of this rewarding subclass. The key is to use spells to create opportunities for weapon attacks rather than trying to directly Sneak Attack with the majority of spell attacks.