Can You Get Extra Attack from Multiple Classes in D&D 5e?
The short, definitive answer is no, the Extra Attack feature from different classes in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition does not stack. If you gain the Extra Attack feature from multiple classes through multiclassing, you don’t get to add them together to make additional attacks. You only benefit from the feature once, typically taking the version that grants the most attacks (which is usually the Fighter’s version at higher levels).
This rule is crucial for maintaining balance within the game. Imagine the potential power creep if a character could stack Extra Attack from Fighter, Ranger, and Paladin levels! It would become incredibly difficult to challenge such a character effectively. Understanding this limitation is key to making informed decisions about character builds and multiclassing options. The intent is to encourage players to invest deeply into one martial class rather than dipping briefly into several for maximum attacks.
The Mechanics Behind Extra Attack
The wording of the Extra Attack feature is designed to prevent stacking. It usually states, “Beginning at 5th level, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.” Notice that it doesn’t say, “You gain an additional attack.” Instead, it replaces your single attack with two. If you then gain Extra Attack from another class, it would simply replace your single attack with two again, not give you a third attack.
The Fighter Exception
There is one significant exception to this rule: the Fighter class. Fighters gain additional attacks beyond the standard Extra Attack. At 11th level, they can attack three times, and at 20th level, they can attack four times when they take the Attack action. This makes the Fighter a formidable damage dealer in melee combat. The specific wording of the Fighter’s Extra Attack feature allows it to scale beyond the basic Extra Attack. It increases the number of attacks you can make, instead of just providing an Extra Attack.
Action Surge: A Powerful Alternative
While you can’t stack Extra Attack, the Fighter’s Action Surge ability provides a powerful alternative for unleashing a flurry of attacks. Action Surge grants you an additional action on your turn, allowing you to take the Attack action a second time. This essentially doubles the number of attacks you can make in a single turn, even if you are multiclassed. Combining Action Surge with Extra Attack can lead to devastating bursts of damage.
Multiattack vs. Extra Attack
It’s also important to distinguish between Multiattack, which is a monster ability allowing them to perform multiple attacks as part of a single action, and Extra Attack, which is a class feature. They function differently. The Extra Attack feature only applies when you take the Attack action on your turn. Multiattack is an action that some monsters possess that allows them to make several attacks. The rule against stacking Extra Attack refers specifically to the class feature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Extra Attack and related mechanics in D&D 5e:
1. What classes grant Extra Attack?
Fighter, Ranger, Paladin, Barbarian, Monk, Artificer (Battlesmith and Armorer), and Warlock (Pact of the Blade) all gain the Extra Attack feature at various levels. However, as stated earlier, these do not stack.
2. When do classes typically gain Extra Attack?
Most classes gain Extra Attack at 5th level.
3. Does Multiattack stack with Extra Attack?
No. If a creature uses the Multiattack action, it does not also gain an additional attack from Extra Attack. Extra Attack only triggers when you take the Attack action.
4. Can I use Extra Attack for grappling or shoving?
Yes. When you take the Attack action, you can replace one or more of your attacks with a grapple or shove attempt. So, if you have Extra Attack, you could grapple with one attack and then make a weapon attack with your second.
5. Does Extra Attack allow me to cast two spells?
No. Extra Attack only applies when you take the Attack action. Casting a spell requires the Cast a Spell action.
6. How does Two-Weapon Fighting interact with Extra Attack?
Two-Weapon Fighting allows you to make an additional attack with a light weapon using your bonus action. This is separate from Extra Attack, which grants additional attacks when you take the Attack action.
7. Can I make opportunity attacks with Extra Attack?
No. Opportunity attacks are single melee attacks. You can’t use Extra Attack with an opportunity attack because you are not taking the Attack action on your turn.
8. What is the difference between an action and a bonus action?
An action is the main thing you can do on your turn. A bonus action is a smaller, secondary action you can take if you have something that grants you one. Actions and bonus actions are distinct, and you typically can’t convert one into the other.
9. Does haste give you an extra attack?
The Haste spell grants an additional action on each of your turns. That action can be used to Attack (one weapon attack only), Dash, Disengage, Hide, or Use an Object action.
10. Is there a way to gain more than four attacks in a turn?
Yes. A 20th-level Fighter can make four attacks with the Attack action. By using Action Surge, the Fighter can take the Attack action again, making another four attacks. Furthermore, if the Fighter is wielding two weapons, they could make an additional attack with their bonus action. Certain feats, such as Great Weapon Master or Polearm Master, may also grant additional bonus action attacks depending on the situation.
11. Does Extra Attack apply to ranged attacks?
Yes, Extra Attack applies to both melee and ranged attacks, as long as you take the Attack action.
12. Can I move between attacks with Extra Attack?
Yes, you can move between attacks made as part of the Attack action, as long as you have movement speed remaining.
13. How does Extra Attack interact with spells like Booming Blade or Green-Flame Blade?
These cantrips require you to take the Cast a Spell action, not the Attack action. Therefore, Extra Attack does not apply.
14. How can I optimize my character for making multiple attacks?
Focusing on the Fighter class is the most direct route to maximizing the number of attacks you can make per turn. Feats like Great Weapon Master or Polearm Master can also add extra attacks or damage. Coordinate with your party so that you are getting advantage on attack rolls to make sure that your attacks connect. Also make sure your DM is aware that you are trying to maximize your attacks.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and the impact of rules on player experience?
To further explore the intricacies of game design and how rules influence player engagement, you should visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org offers valuable insights into the educational and social aspects of gaming.
Conclusion
While you can’t stack Extra Attack from multiple classes, understanding the rules surrounding this feature is crucial for building effective characters in D&D 5e. Focus on maximizing your potential within a single class, utilizing features like Action Surge, and choosing feats that enhance your combat capabilities. By mastering these mechanics, you can create a powerful and versatile character that excels in combat.