Extra Attack Explained: Rolling Dice and Unleashing Fury in 5E

Yes, absolutely! If you have Extra Attack in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, you roll separately for each attack. This means each attack requires its own attack roll (a d20 plus modifiers) to determine if it hits, and a separate damage roll if it does. This is fundamental to how combat flows, ensuring each swing of your weapon, or cast of your spell, is individually calculated. It’s not one roll to rule them all; it’s multiple rolls for multiple attacks!

Understanding Extra Attack: The Core Mechanic

The Extra Attack feature is a cornerstone of martial character builds in D&D 5E, drastically increasing their combat effectiveness. However, understanding its nuances is crucial to playing your character to their full potential.

What is Extra Attack?

Extra Attack is a class feature that grants you the ability to make multiple attacks when you take the Attack action on your turn. Typically, this starts at 5th level for many classes, allowing you to attack twice instead of once. Fighters get another at 11th (three attacks) and 20th level (four attacks), showcasing their mastery of combat.

How It Works

When you take the Attack action, your Extra Attack feature kicks in. For each attack you are entitled to, you:

1. Make an attack roll: Roll a d20, add your relevant ability modifier (usually Strength or Dexterity), and your proficiency bonus if applicable.
2. Compare to the target’s AC: If your attack roll equals or exceeds the target’s Armor Class (AC), you hit.
3. Roll for damage: If you hit, roll the appropriate dice for your weapon or attack and add any relevant damage modifiers.
4. Repeat: Do steps 1-3 for each attack granted by your Extra Attack feature.

Each attack is independent, meaning you can choose a different target for each attack. You can also choose to make fewer attacks than you are capable of, such as when you’re grappling or trying to accomplish other tasks.

Important Considerations

• Attack Action is Key: Extra Attack only applies when you take the Attack action. Using a cantrip like Fire Bolt involves the Cast a Spell action, not the Attack action, so Extra Attack does not trigger.
• No Stacking: If you gain the Extra Attack feature from multiple classes (through multiclassing), the features do not stack. You only gain the benefit of the highest number of attacks granted by a single class.
• Bonus Actions: Extra Attack only affects the Attack action. It doesn’t restrict or grant you bonus actions. You can still use bonus action attacks (like those granted by Two-Weapon Fighting) in addition to your attacks from Extra Attack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Extra Attack

Here are some common questions to further clarify the rules around Extra Attack:

1. Does Extra Attack apply to opportunity attacks? No. Extra Attack only applies when you take the Attack action on your turn. An opportunity attack is a reaction, not an action.

2. If I have a bonus action attack, can I use it before or after my Extra Attacks? Yes! Your bonus action attack is separate from the Attack action, so you can use it before, after, or even in between your attacks granted by Extra Attack.

3. Can I move between my Extra Attacks? Yes! The rules allow you to break up your movement between multiple attacks made as part of the Attack action. This adds tactical flexibility to your combat maneuvers.

4. Does Action Surge give me more Extra Attacks? No, but it gives you another Action. If you have Extra Attack, using Action Surge to take a second Attack action will allow you to make all the attacks granted by your Extra Attack feature again. Therefore, the number of extra attacks you get depends on the number of attacks you can do at your level

5. How does Multiattack differ from Extra Attack? Multiattack is a special action typically used by monsters. It allows them to make a specific number of attacks as part of a single action, as described in their stat block. Extra Attack is a class feature that modifies the Attack action, allowing player characters to make multiple attacks.

6. Can I use Extra Attack with spells? Yes, but only if the spell is an attack spell, and if you cast them with the attack action. Eldritch Blast, for example, can be used to take the Attack action.

7. If I multiclass, do Extra Attacks stack? No. As stated previously, the Extra Attack features from different classes do not stack. You only benefit from the highest number of attacks granted by a single class.

8. Can I target different enemies with my Extra Attacks? Yes! Each attack you make as part of the Attack action is independent, allowing you to choose a different target for each one.

9. Can I choose to only make one attack if I have Extra Attack? Yes, absolutely. You are not obligated to use all the attacks granted by your Extra Attack feature.

10. How does Two-Weapon Fighting interact with Extra Attack? Two-Weapon Fighting allows you to make an additional attack as a bonus action if you attack with a light melee weapon with the Attack action. This is separate from Extra Attack, and you can use both.

11. What is the attack bonus formula in 5e? Your attack bonus is your ability modifier + proficiency bonus. This is added to your d20 roll when making an attack.

12. Can I ready an Extra Attack? You can ready the attack action. If the trigger happens on your turn, your extra attacks will be added to the attack.

13. Can you attack twice on attack of opportunity 5e? No, you can only provoke one attack of opportunity.

14. Can you split up extra attacks? Yes, you can! Per the rules, you can break up your movement even further by moving between those attacks.

15. Can extra attack be used on multiple targets? Yes! Each attack is a separate attack made within the Attack action.

Mastering the Attack: Practical Application

Understanding Extra Attack is more than just knowing the rules; it’s about using them effectively in gameplay. Here are some tips:

• Prioritize Targets: Assess the battlefield and determine which enemies pose the greatest threat. Spread your attacks strategically to maximize damage and control.
• Combine with Maneuvers: If you’re a Battle Master Fighter, use your maneuvers with each attack to add extra effects like disarming, tripping, or pushing enemies.
• Coordinate with Allies: Work with your party to focus fire on key targets. Use your multiple attacks to quickly eliminate threats or set up opportunities for your allies.
• Optimize Your Build: Choose feats and abilities that enhance your attack rolls and damage output. Great Weapon Master and Sharpshooter are excellent choices for maximizing your damage potential.

By understanding the rules and applying these strategies, you can wield Extra Attack effectively and become a formidable force on the battlefield.

Continuous Learning and Resources

The world of D&D is ever-evolving, and continuous learning is key to becoming a master player. Engage with the community, explore different character builds, and always strive to deepen your understanding of the rules. For resources and insights into the world of gaming and learning, consider exploring the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org website.