Can You Get Extra Attacks From Multiclassing in D&D 5e?
The short answer is a resounding no. You cannot gain additional Extra Attack features by multiclassing in D&D 5th Edition. While multiclassing can offer fantastic versatility and unique character builds, the Extra Attack feature is specifically designed not to stack. This means if you have the Extra Attack feature from the Fighter class at level 5, and then multiclass into Barbarian, reaching level 5 in that class will not grant you another Extra Attack. You will still only have a single instance of the Extra Attack feature from the class that you first gained it from.
This rule prevents characters from becoming overpowered by rapidly stacking attacks through different class combinations. Let’s delve into the specifics of how this mechanic works and address some common misconceptions, alongside other related information.
Understanding Extra Attack in 5e
The Extra Attack feature is a core part of many martial classes in D&D 5e. Typically, at level 5, classes like Fighter, Paladin, Ranger, and Barbarian gain the ability to attack twice, instead of once, when they take the Attack action on their turn. This is a significant power boost for these classes, making them more effective in combat.
However, it’s crucial to understand that Extra Attack is not the same as getting an extra action. It simply allows you to make multiple attacks during a single Attack action. Further levels in the Fighter class increase this benefit, granting three attacks at level 11 and four attacks at level 20, within the same Attack action, while other classes that have extra attack remain at two.
The Crucial Multiclassing Limitation
The rule that prohibits the stacking of Extra Attack features is fundamental to maintaining balance in the game. Imagine if every class that got Extra Attack could stack them! A level 20 character with five levels in four different classes that granted it would have the ability to make an absurd 8 attacks in a single action. This would create an unbalanced and chaotic gameplay experience. Therefore, D&D rules explicitly state that Extra Attack features from different classes do not combine.
If you have multiple instances of the Extra Attack feature, you only use the best one you possess, which is almost always going to be two attacks with the initial feature at level 5. Fighters at levels 11 and 20 can improve on this for themselves. This ensures characters are versatile without becoming overpowered.
Multiclassing: Benefits and Drawbacks
While you cannot stack Extra Attack, multiclassing can offer many benefits and create more complex and adaptable characters.
Advantages of Multiclassing
- Versatility: Gaining new skills, abilities, spells, and proficiencies from different classes allows you to fill gaps in your character’s abilities.
- Unique Combinations: You can create unique character builds tailored to specific playstyles.
- Specific Synergy: Some class combinations work exceptionally well together by improving upon what you already do well. For example, a Rogue/Fighter multiclass can be a devastating combination of skill and damage.
Disadvantages of Multiclassing
- Delayed Progression: Multiclassing slows your progress in a single class. This means you will access the highest-level features slower than a single-class character.
- Ability Score Mismatch: You must manage your ability scores so that your chosen classes work well together. A mismatch in essential abilities may result in reduced effectiveness.
- Reduced Spellcasting: Multiclassing spellcasters can complicate your spell slot and spell known progression, sometimes severely impacting your offensive or supportive ability in combat. You might have fewer high level spell slots or know fewer spells than if you were a pure spellcaster.
- No Saving Throw Proficiencies: Players will never receive new Saving Throw Proficiencies by multiclassing, and will only receive a reduced set of Weapon and Armor Proficiencies.
- Lost Fighting Styles: You can’t stack the same ability with itself, even if it’s gained from different classes. You can however, take a different fighting style with your multiclass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Extra Attack, multiclassing, and combat mechanics in D&D 5e:
1. Do you get extra skills when multiclassing?
No, when you multiclass, you get only some of the proficiencies of your second class. Specifically, you do not gain new saving throw proficiencies. Some classes, like Bard, Cleric, Druid, Rogue, Sorcerer, and Wizard, also do not get any new weapon proficiencies when multiclassing. Other classes do get weapon and armor proficiency when multiclassing.
2. What are the negatives of multiclassing?
Multiclassing can limit the level of spells you know, which can severely impact your damage output and the effect you can have on combat. Additionally, you will often experience delayed class feature progression.
3. How does dual wielding work with extra attacks?
Dual wielding and Extra Attack are separate mechanics. You attack once with one weapon as part of the Attack action, and you use your bonus action to attack with your other hand (which doesn’t benefit from your ability modifier). Extra Attack provides an additional attack or attacks as a part of the Attack Action. They can be used together.
4. Do you lose spell slots when multiclassing?
No, you do not lose spell slots when multiclassing. Your available spell slots are determined by combining your levels in spellcasting classes. The multi-classing rules state that you select the spells known or prepared based on your levels in the specific classes, but you receive spell slots based on the combination of classes, using the Multiclass Spellcaster chart.
5. Can you move between extra attacks?
Yes, if you have multiple attacks from the Attack action, you can freely move between those attacks as part of your overall movement for the turn. You can also do this between dual wielding attacks.
6. What is the most amount of attacks in D&D 5e?
With the fighter class, the most attacks you can make with one Attack Action is 4 at level 20. Additionally, action surge allows for another set of attacks. Furthermore, dual wielding and other bonus action attacks can increase that number significantly.
7. How many extra attacks do fighters get?
Fighters gain Extra Attack at level 5, allowing them to attack twice when they take the Attack action. They gain a third attack at level 11 and a fourth attack at level 20.
8. How does dual wielding work in dnd 5e?
Dual-wielding allows you to attack with a light weapon as a bonus action after you attack with your primary weapon. This second attack does not benefit from your ability modifier to damage, unless you have the relevant feat or class feature.
9. What does multiattack mean 5e?
In D&D 5e, multiattack is a monster feature that allows it to make multiple attacks in a single turn.
10. What level is best to multiclass 5e?
It is generally recommended to reach at least level 5 in your base class before multiclassing because at this point, many classes will gain significant power boosts that will serve you well throughout your campaign. This will also ensure that your chosen base class gets Extra Attack, if it is applicable to the class.
11. Is it worth Multiclassing as a bard?
A D&D bard/sorcerer multiclass can gain more cantrips and low-level spell slots while sacrificing higher-level spellcasting. A bard can be multiclassed well with many classes, but it will affect your spell progression.
12. What is the most damaging class in D&D 5e?
A wizard or a sorcerer have the most powerful attack spells, while a martial class like a paladin can do impressive single target damage.
13. How do you get extra attacks in 5E?
In 5E, Martial classes get Extra Attack at level 5 (Bladesingers, Sword Bards and Valor Bards get theirs at 6th level and Fighters get more attacks at 11th and 20th levels).
14. How does extra attack work in D&D?
The Extra Attack feature allows you to make multiple attacks during the same Attack Action. You can take the second attack regardless of whether you hit or miss with the first attack. This feature is only available when you take the Attack Action.
15. What classes are best for multiclassing?
Some of the best multiclass combinations include: Barbarian/Druid, Fighter/Wizard, Sorcerer/Warlock, Ranger/Rogue, Paladin/Bard, Paladin/Warlock, Rogue/Fighter, and Barbarian/Rogue.
Conclusion
While multiclassing offers many options for character customization, it does not allow you to gain multiple Extra Attack features. By understanding the limitations and benefits of multiclassing, you can make more informed decisions about how to build your characters, enhancing your overall D&D 5e experience. Remember that strategic character creation requires knowing not just what you gain, but also what you do not. Focus on the synergies and abilities that best suit your chosen playstyle and overall character concept.