Can you do a Sneak Attack Unarmed Strike?

The answer to the question Can you do a sneak attack unarmed strike? is no, as an unarmed strike is not considered a finesse or ranged weapon, which are the requirements for a sneak attack. According to the rules, unarmed attacks are not finesse, and therefore, do not qualify for sneak attack damage, making it impossible to perform a sneak attack with an unarmed strike.

Understanding Sneak Attack

To fully comprehend the concept of sneak attack, it’s essential to delve into the specifics of this feature. Sneak attack allows rogues to deal extra damage when attacking a target that is not aware of them or when they have advantage on the attack roll. This feature is a key part of what makes rogues so formidable in combat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions related to sneak attack and unarmed strike, which provide additional insight into the rules and applications of these features in the game.

1. Can you sneak attack with unarmed Skyrim?: Unarmed sneak attacks in Skyrim yield 2x damage, nothing more, and do not follow the same rules as sneak attack in D&D 5e.
2. Does sneak attack apply to all attacks?: The sneak attack feature does not specify that it only applies to the first attack, so you can apply it to any of your attacks as long as you meet the other criteria.
3. Can unarmed strike be finesse?: No, unarmed attacks are not finesse, but you can use Dexterity instead of Strength for the attack and damage rolls of your unarmed strikes and monk weapons.
4. What are the rules for sneak attack?: The attack must use a finesse or a ranged weapon, and you don’t need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it.
5. Can you sneak attack twice a turn?: You can engineer circumstances to sneak attack twice in a round by using the Ready Action, but sneak attack remains capped at once per turn in a standard turn.
6. Can you punch with sneak attack?: No, the Rogue’s sneak attack feature requires a finesse or ranged weapon, and unarmed strikes do not qualify.
7. Can you use a whip for sneak attack?: Yes, you can use a whip for sneak attack since a whip is a finesse weapon.
8. Does unarmed count as a simple weapon?: Unarmed attacks count as a simple weapon, so almost all characters start out trained in unarmed attacks.
9. Can you sneak attack with touch spells?: Yes, any spell that has an attack roll, such as melee touch attack or ranged touch attack, qualifies for sneak attack.
10. Can you sneak attack with Eldritch blast?: No, sneak attack only triggers from weapon attacks, specifically finesse or ranged weapons, and Eldritch Blast is a spell.
11. What counts as a sneak attack in Skyrim?: In Skyrim, as long as you are hidden, you’ll deal sneak attack damage, regardless of the enemy’s position.
12. Is sneak attack always advantage?: No, you can sneak attack without advantage, but having advantage is one of the conditions that allows for a sneak attack.
13. Can you sneak attack with throwing weapons?: Throwing weapons that lack the finesse property do not work with sneak attack, even if they can be used for ranged attacks.
14. Can you smite on unarmed strikes?: No, Divine Smite isn’t intended to work with unarmed strikes because an unarmed strike isn’t a weapon.
15. Can you stunning strike with unarmed attacks?: Yes, unarmed strikes are melee weapon attacks, and Stunning Strike requires a melee weapon attack, so you can use Stunning Strike with unarmed strikes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while unarmed strikes can be a formidable tool in the right situations, they do not qualify for sneak attack due to their lack of the finesse property. Understanding the nuances of sneak attack and the conditions under which it can be used is crucial for maximizing its potential in the game. By familiarizing yourself with the rules and exceptions, you can harness the power of sneak attack to elevate your gameplay experience.