Can You Multiattack with Extra Attack in D&D 5e?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is no, you cannot Multiattack with Extra Attack in D&D 5e, because they are two distinct mechanics. However, this leads to a common point of confusion, so it’s important to understand what each of these abilities does and how they function in combat. Extra Attack is a feature that primarily applies to player characters (PCs), while Multiattack is a special action used by monsters and NPCs (Non-Player Characters). While they both deal with multiple attacks, they operate very differently. Let’s delve deeper into the nuances.
Understanding Extra Attack
How Extra Attack Works
The Extra Attack feature, typically gained by martial classes like Fighters, Barbarians, Paladins, and Rangers at 5th level (with some exceptions like Bladesingers, Sword Bards and Valor Bards getting theirs at 6th level), allows a character to make two attacks instead of one when they take the Attack action on their turn. This number of attacks can increase further, with Fighters gaining a third attack at 11th level and a fourth at 20th level. Crucially, Extra Attack is not an extra action, it’s a way to enhance the potency of the Attack action. Each attack within this action is a separate attack, requiring its own attack and damage roll. These attacks can be directed at the same target or different ones.
Limitations of Extra Attack
It’s essential to understand Extra Attack‘s limitations. You cannot use Extra Attack with actions other than the Attack action. For example, you cannot make extra attacks when using the Cast a Spell action, the Dash action, the Disengage action, or other actions. The Extra Attack ability is only triggered when the character explicitly takes the Attack action. Additionally, Extra Attack doesn’t stack from multiple sources, such as by multiclassing into different classes that grant the feature. If a character has Extra Attack from both Fighter and Paladin, they still only get to attack twice on the Attack action at level 5 overall.
Understanding Multiattack
How Multiattack Works
Multiattack is a special action used by monsters and some NPCs. It is a specific action that lists a specific number and type of attacks that a monster will make, which could be melee or ranged attacks, and often will include additional, non-attack abilities as part of that action. When a creature takes the Multiattack action, it makes the exact attacks listed in its stat block. Unlike Extra Attack, which only enhances the potency of the Attack action, Multiattack is its own distinct action.
Limitations of Multiattack
A creature with Multiattack cannot perform multiple instances of that same action, or combine it with the Attack Action unless its stat block explicitly states that it can. For example, if a monster has a Multiattack action that includes a bite and two claw attacks, it cannot then take the regular Attack Action to make an additional attack unless a specific ability allows it. A creature with Multiattack is generally restricted to making the attacks listed in that action’s description. Additionally, a creature with a Multiattack that includes three claw attacks will still need to roll each attack and damage roll separately as if it were three separate instances of the attack.
Key Differences and Clarifications
The core difference boils down to this: Extra Attack is a feature that enhances the Attack action, while Multiattack is a specific action itself that creatures use instead of a standard Attack action. Multiattack is typically used by monsters, while Extra Attack is a primary martial ability that player characters use. A creature with Multiattack will only make the attacks that are listed in its action’s description, whereas a character with Extra Attack is still taking the Attack action, which means they can attack with any weapon they are wielding, use special abilities that activate during an Attack Action, or otherwise engage in the normal functions of an Attack Action.
Another key distinction is the flexibility of target selection. While a character using the Attack action with the benefit of Extra Attack can choose to divide their attacks among multiple foes, a creature using a Multiattack action can generally also do the same, targeting different foes unless there is a specific limitation. Both are still single instances of their respective actions, just capable of making multiple attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use my bonus action between attacks with Extra Attack?
Yes, you can absolutely use your bonus action between attacks granted by Extra Attack, as long as it does not specifically violate the rules of the bonus action itself. For instance, a character could attack once, use a bonus action to cast a spell, and then attack again, or use a bonus action to attack off-hand with dual-wielding.
2. Can I use Extra Attack to perform more than one shove or grapple?
Yes. When taking the Attack action, you can replace any of your attacks with a grapple or shove attempt, meaning with Extra Attack, a PC can take a grapple, an attack, and a shove if they have access to at least two attacks from that feature.
3. Does Multiattack use a bonus action?
No. Multiattack is a special action, not a bonus action. You cannot mix using multiattack with using bonus actions unless specifically stated by the ability in use, such as Two Weapon Fighting, and Multiattack is not a trigger for Two Weapon Fighting either.
4. Can I split my movement between attacks when using Extra Attack?
Yes, you can move between individual attacks in your Attack action when you have Extra Attack available. You are not required to take all your attacks at the same time, or in the same place.
5. Does Extra Attack apply to opportunity attacks?
No, Extra Attack does not apply to opportunity attacks. Opportunity attacks occur when the character makes a reaction attack, which doesn’t use the standard Attack action.
6. Can you attack multiple targets with Extra Attack?
Absolutely! Each attack in your Attack action with Extra Attack is separate and can target a different creature, meaning if you have two attacks, you can attack two different creatures, or the same one twice.
7. Does dual wielding work with Extra Attack?
Yes, but not directly. Dual wielding allows for an additional off-hand attack as a bonus action and does not interact with the Attack Action itself, or Extra Attack. You can use Extra Attack to make two attacks, and then use your bonus action to make a third attack with your off-hand if you have two light weapons.
8. Do Extra Attacks stack when multiclassing?
No, Extra Attack does not stack when multiclassing. You only benefit from the Extra Attack feature once from one class, you cannot gain multiple instances of it from other classes.
9. Can you use Eldritch Blast twice with Extra Attack?
No, as Eldritch Blast is a spell, and is not an attack. Extra Attack only applies when you take the Attack action, and not when you take the Cast a Spell action.
10. Does Multiattack allow a creature to use its bonus action between attacks?
No. Multiattack is a single action and does not allow a creature to use a bonus action in between attacks made as part of a Multiattack action unless the stat block states that this is possible.
11. Can a monster with Multiattack also use the Attack action?
Generally, no. A monster with a Multiattack action will typically use that action instead of a standard Attack action, unless its stat block specifically says that it can make an Attack action, or it is under the effects of another ability that grants it.
12. Can a monster split movement with Multiattack?
Yes. Just like a PC, a monster with a Multiattack action can split its movement between the attacks listed in that action if it has movement available.
13. Can Extra Attack be used on readied attacks?
By the rules as written, no. Extra Attack is only activated when you take the Attack action during your turn, not when you perform an action as a reaction, like a readied attack. It is common to allow Extra Attack on readied actions in home games.
14. Can you use Extra Attack with a cantrip like Green Flame Blade?
Some class abilities will allow for this, such as the Bladesinger subclass for the Wizard, but otherwise, generally not. Extra Attack only activates on the Attack action, which does not include casting a spell.
15. Can you take the same fighting style more than once?
No. You cannot take the same Fighting Style option more than once, even if you have a way to choose it again.
Conclusion
While both Extra Attack and Multiattack involve making multiple attacks, they operate under different rules and conditions in D&D 5e. Extra Attack enhances the Attack action for player characters, while Multiattack is a special action specific to monsters and NPCs. Understanding the distinction between these abilities is crucial for playing the game effectively. By keeping the rules clear and engaging with these details, you can ensure a more balanced and enjoyable D&D experience.