Decoding D&D 5e: Do Multiple Extra Attacks Stack?
The short, definitive answer is: no, the Extra Attack feature from different classes does not stack. If you gain the Extra Attack feature from multiple classes, you don’t add the number of attacks together. You only get the benefit of one instance of the Extra Attack feature unless a specific class feature (like the Fighter’s ) explicitly states otherwise.
Unraveling the Extra Attack Mechanic
The Extra Attack feature is a cornerstone of martial prowess in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. It allows characters who excel in combat to make multiple attacks during their turn, reflecting their training and skill. However, the rules governing Extra Attack can be a bit tricky, especially when multiclassing is involved. Understanding how it works is crucial for optimizing your character and ensuring you’re playing the game as intended.
The Core Concept
The Extra Attack feature, typically gained at 5th level in classes like Fighter, Barbarian, Paladin, and Ranger, allows you to attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn. This dramatically increases your damage output and tactical options.
The Fighter Exception
The Fighter class is unique in its treatment of Extra Attack. The Fighter gains additional attacks at 11th and 20th level within the Fighter class itself. These additional attacks do stack with the initial Extra Attack at 5th level. This means a 20th level Fighter makes four attacks when they take the Attack action.
Multiclassing and Extra Attack
The most common point of confusion arises when characters multiclass into multiple classes that grant the Extra Attack feature. The Player’s Handbook clearly states that these features do not stack. If you are a level 5 Barbarian and you take a level in Fighter, you will not get a second Extra Attack feature. You continue to attack twice as long as you take the Attack action.
Beyond the Attack Action: Other Ways to Get More Attacks
Even though the Extra Attack feature itself doesn’t stack, there are other ways to gain more attacks in a single turn.
- Action Surge (Fighter): This ability grants you an additional action on your turn. If you use this action to take the Attack action, you can attack again, using any Extra Attack features you possess. This is a great way to burst down an enemy with many attacks in one turn.
- Haste Spell: The Haste spell grants you an additional action that can be used to Attack (one weapon attack only), Dash, Disengage, Hide, or Use an Object.
- Bonus Action Attacks: Dual wielding, certain feats (like Polearm Master), and class features can grant you attacks as a bonus action, increasing your total number of attacks.
- Multiattack (Monsters): Monsters often have a special ability called Multiattack. This is a unique action that lets them make a specific number of attacks as described in their stat block. It is not the same as Extra Attack and works independently.
- Opportunity Attacks: When a creature leaves your reach, you can make an opportunity attack. This is an additional attack outside of your turn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Extra Attack in D&D 5e
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Extra Attack to solidify your understanding of the rules.
1. Does Improved Extra Attack for level 11 Fighter stack with regular Extra Attack?
Yes, the Fighter’s Extra Attack feature at 11th level specifically enhances the existing Extra Attack feature. This is an exception to the general rule that Extra Attack doesn’t stack. This stacks again at level 20.
2. Do extra attacks from multiple classes stack?
No, Extra Attack does not stack between classes. You only benefit from one instance of the Extra Attack feature, typically the one you obtain first.
3. Does Multiattack stack with extra attack?
No. Multiattack is an action performed by creatures, usually monsters. Extra Attack is a feature that lets the player perform additional attacks when they take the Attack action. These are different and unrelated.
4. How many times can you use extra attack?
The number of times you can attack with Extra Attack depends on your class level, and specifically in the case of the Fighter, on your Fighter level. Most classes can attack twice with Extra Attack. Fighters can attack three times at 11th level and four times at 20th level.
5. Can you use extra attack twice?
No, you cannot use Extra Attack twice unless you are a Fighter at 11th or 20th level.
6. Can you use 2 spells with extra attack?
No, the Extra Attack feature allows for additional attacks when you take the Attack action. Spells are cast using the Cast a Spell action. These are separate actions.
7. Can you grapple multiple times with extra attack?
Yes! When you take the Attack action, you can elect to perform special attacks such as grappling or shoving instead of weapon attacks. Extra Attack allows you to perform one of those special attacks in place of each of the extra attacks granted by the Extra Attack feature.
8. How many times can I use extra attack 5e?
See answer 4! In the vast majority of cases, you can attack twice when you take the Attack action.
9. Can you sneak attack twice with extra attack?
No. A rogue can only apply sneak attack damage once per turn. It doesn’t matter how many times you attack.
10. Can Multiattack target multiple people?
Yes. The creature that is performing the Multiattack can select whatever targets they wish, unless the specific ability states otherwise.
11. How many extra attacks do barbarians get?
Barbarians get one Extra Attack at level 5.
12. Can you extra attack twice with action surge?
Yes! Action surge gives you another action. You can then take the Attack action using that extra action, triggering your Extra Attack feature.
13. Can you attack twice on attack of opportunity 5e?
No. Attack of opportunity is a reaction. You only get one reaction per round.
14. Can you attack multiple targets with extra attack 5e?
Yes, you can divide your attacks between multiple targets.
15. Can you use Eldritch blast twice with extra attack?
No. Eldritch Blast is cast by performing the Cast a Spell action, not the Attack action. Extra attack only grants additional attacks when you perform the Attack action.
Mastering the Martial Arts
Understanding the nuances of Extra Attack is essential for building effective martial characters in D&D 5e. While the feature itself doesn’t stack across classes, you can still find ways to make additional attacks through other class features, spells, and tactical choices. By mastering these mechanics, you can become a formidable force on the battlefield. For more information on gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.