Unleashing Fury: Multiple Attacks and the Paladin in D&D
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Yes, Paladins do get multiple attacks. Beginning at the 5th level, a Paladin gains the Extra Attack feature, allowing them to attack twice whenever they take the Attack action on their turn, instead of just once. This significantly boosts their damage output and synergizes beautifully with their Divine Smite ability. Let’s delve deeper into how this works and explore some common questions about Paladin attacks and related abilities.
Understanding the Paladin’s Combat Prowess
The Paladin, a holy warrior, is a formidable force on the battlefield, blending martial skill with divine power. Their ability to deliver punishing blows, especially when enhanced with Divine Smite, makes them a dangerous opponent. The Extra Attack feature is a cornerstone of their combat effectiveness.
At level 1, Paladins can only attack once per Attack action. This is perfectly fine as it gives you time to choose the best moves to make. But that changes at level 5. Extra attack, allows you to attack an extra time! That may not seem like a huge deal, but it really is.
The Significance of Extra Attack
Gaining Extra Attack at 5th level is a significant power spike for Paladins. It effectively doubles their potential damage output in melee combat, assuming both attacks hit. This increase in attack frequency also means more opportunities to trigger Divine Smite, adding even more damage.
Think about it this way: before level 5, a Paladin might hold back a Divine Smite, waiting for a critical hit. After level 5, the increased attack frequency makes it more likely they’ll land that critical hit, or simply land two hits instead of one, making Divine Smite a more consistently valuable option.
Paladin Attack Strategy
Paladins are known for being able to deal massive damage with each attack, however, their number of attacks is limited. So, it’s best to strategize your battles!
- Prioritize targets. Focus your attacks on high-priority targets such as enemy spellcasters or weakened foes.
- Don’t forget to use Divine Smite! You can declare Divine Smite on each hit, so it can be stacked.
- Keep your weapons sharp. Paladins are proficent with martial weapons, so it’s best to keep yours upgraded, as it is your main damage output.
Paladin Attack Tactics
- Keep in mind your surroundings, your enemies, and your team mates. These are all factors that can play into your attack.
- If you can, try to get in close to your enemy, as the main source of damage that Paladins can deal is melee.
- Use a shield to protect yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Paladin Attacks
1. Do Paladins get more than two attacks?
Without multiclassing or specific magic items/feats, Paladins typically only get a maximum of two attacks per turn through their Extra Attack feature at level 5. Some multiclass options, particularly with Fighter (Action Surge) or certain feats, can temporarily grant additional attacks.
2. Can a Paladin use Divine Smite on both attacks?
Yes! A Paladin can use Divine Smite on every successful melee weapon attack, including both attacks granted by Extra Attack. You can declare Divine Smite after the outcome of the attack roll is determined. This means you can choose to Smite only if you hit, maximizing your spell slot efficiency.
3. Can a Paladin dual wield for more attacks?
While a Paladin can dual wield, it’s not generally optimized for their class. They do not have the Two-Weapon Fighting Style by default, so they won’t add their ability modifier to the damage roll of the off-hand attack. Furthermore, using a bonus action for the off-hand attack competes with other valuable Paladin bonus action options, like casting certain spells.
4. Does Action Surge give a Paladin more attacks?
Yes, if a Paladin multiclasses into Fighter and gains the Action Surge feature (typically at Fighter level 2), they can use it to take an additional action on their turn. This allows them to take the Attack action again, granting them another set of attacks (potentially two more, if they have Extra Attack).
5. What fighting style is best for increasing a Paladin’s attack effectiveness?
The Dueling fighting style (if using a one-handed weapon and shield) provides a consistent +2 bonus to damage rolls. Alternatively, Great Weapon Fighting can slightly increase damage output when using two-handed weapons by allowing you to reroll 1s or 2s on damage dice. Defense offers a +1 bonus to AC which can help you land your attacks.
6. Can a Paladin multiclass to get even more attacks?
Yes, multiclassing into classes like Fighter (Battle Master) or Ranger (Hunter) can provide additional combat benefits and potentially grant additional attacks or attack-related abilities. However, multiclassing often delays the acquisition of higher-level Paladin features, so it requires careful planning.
7. Does Haste give a Paladin an extra attack?
The Haste spell grants an additional action on each of your turns. You can use that additional action to Attack (one weapon attack only). So, while it doesn’t directly grant a full Extra Attack, it does provide an additional single attack, synergizing well with Divine Smite.
8. How does Great Weapon Master interact with Paladin attacks?
The Great Weapon Master feat (requires proficiency with heavy weapons) allows you to take a -5 penalty to your attack roll in exchange for +10 damage on a successful hit. It also grants a bonus action attack if you reduce a creature to 0 hit points with a melee attack or score a critical hit. This feat can greatly increase Paladin damage output, especially when combined with abilities that increase accuracy or grant advantage on attack rolls.
9. Can a Paladin use a ranged weapon and still smite?
Prior to certain optional rules, Divine Smite traditionally only worked with melee weapon attacks. Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything introduced optional class features that allow Divine Smite to work with ranged weapons, expanding a paladin’s horizons.
10. Do Paladins attack with Strength or Dexterity?
Paladins generally attack with Strength for melee weapons. They can use Dexterity with finesse weapons, but this isn’t usually optimal for their class build. Some Paladins might have Sacred Weapon that allows stacking Cha+Str on to-hit rolls with that weapon.
11. Can a Paladin use Polearm Master to get more attacks?
The Polearm Master feat grants an additional attack as a bonus action when you take the Attack action and attack with a glaive, halberd, quarterstaff, or spear. This can provide a Paladin with an additional attack option, especially if they choose to wield such a weapon.
12. What’s the best way to increase a Paladin’s chance to hit with their attacks?
Increasing your Strength score is paramount for better attack rolls. Other methods include:
- Gaining advantage on attack rolls (through spells, class features, or positioning).
- Using spells like Bless or Divine Favor to add to your attack rolls.
- Acquiring magic weapons that grant attack roll bonuses.
13. How do Paladin oaths impact their attack strategy?
Different Paladin oaths can subtly influence their attack strategy. For example, a Vengeance Paladin might prioritize single-target damage to eliminate threats quickly, while a Devotion Paladin might focus on protecting allies and controlling the battlefield.
14. Can a Paladin smite on an opportunity attack?
Yes, a Paladin can use Divine Smite on an opportunity attack if they hit with a melee weapon attack.
15. How does the Games Learning Society relate to understanding Paladin mechanics?
The Games Learning Society, as seen on GamesLearningSociety.org, explores the educational and cognitive benefits of games, and is a fun way to learn new concepts. Understanding the rules and mechanics of D&D, including Paladin attack options, requires cognitive skills like strategic thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving. Engaging with these systems enhances these skills.
Conclusion: Mastering the Paladin’s Attack
The Paladin’s Extra Attack feature is a vital component of their combat effectiveness. By understanding how Extra Attack works, how it interacts with Divine Smite, and how various feats and multiclass options can further enhance their attack capabilities, players can truly unleash the full potential of this powerful and iconic class. Embrace the divine power, master the martial arts, and let your Paladin strike with righteous fury!