Does Savage Attacker Work with Unarmed Strikes?
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The short answer, based on a careful reading of the rules and common interpretations, is a resounding no. The Savage Attacker feat, in both Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e) and its popular digital adaptation, Baldur’s Gate 3, does not work with unarmed strikes. This limitation stems from the precise wording of the feat and how unarmed strikes are defined in the game mechanics. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case and explore some common misconceptions.
The Core Issue: Melee Weapon Attacks
The Savage Attacker feat specifies that its benefit applies to melee weapon attacks. The crucial word here is “weapon.” Unarmed strikes, while they involve physical combat at close range, are not classified as weapons. Instead, they are considered melee attacks but lack the weapon designation.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Savage Attacker: The feat allows you to reroll the damage dice of a melee weapon attack once per turn. You can choose to keep the original result or the rerolled one.
- Unarmed Strike: This is a melee attack you can make with your body. It’s not a weapon, unlike a sword, axe, or dagger.
Because of this fundamental difference, the damage reroll provided by Savage Attacker does not trigger when you use your fist, elbow, head, or foot as a weapon, even though it is a melee attack.
Exploring the Nuances and Misconceptions
The distinction between “melee attack” and “melee weapon attack” can be confusing. Here’s a further clarification:
- Melee Attack: A broad category of attacks that occur at close range. This includes unarmed strikes, attacks with melee weapons, and even some spells that involve physical contact.
- Melee Weapon Attack: A specific type of melee attack that requires a weapon. This includes swords, axes, maces, and other implements specifically designed to inflict damage.
Therefore, while an unarmed strike is indeed a melee attack, it is not a melee weapon attack. This fundamental distinction is why Savage Attacker doesn’t apply to it.
Savage Attacker in Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3, while faithful to D&D 5e in many respects, does introduce its own interpretations. However, in the context of Savage Attacker and unarmed strikes, it generally adheres to the same principle. The tooltips and in-game mechanics clearly show that Savage Attacker works only on melee weapon attacks, thus excluding unarmed strikes.
Related FAQs: Unarmed Strikes and Savage Attacker
To further clarify how Savage Attacker interacts with unarmed strikes and other related mechanics, here’s a series of frequently asked questions:
1. Does Savage Attacker work with natural weapons like claws?
No, Savage Attacker does not work with natural weapons. Similar to unarmed strikes, natural weapons (claws, bites, etc.) are generally not considered weapons for the purpose of the feat, unless specifically defined otherwise. This also means they don’t qualify for the reroll provided by Savage Attacker.
2. Does Savage Attacker work with Monk weapons?
Yes, Savage Attacker does work with Monk weapons as long as they are melee weapons, and the Monk has proficiency. The key factor here is whether the attack is made with a melee weapon, and if they do not have the Heavy tag.
3. Does Duelist Fighting Style work with unarmed strikes?
No, the Duelist fighting style which requires a weapon in one hand while the other is free. Unarmed strikes do not qualify.
4. Does Dual Wielder feat work with unarmed strikes?
Dual Wielder does not work with unarmed strikes. It requires a light weapon in each hand to work, and unarmed strikes don’t fit this criteria.
5. Can you use Flurry of Blows with weapons?
Yes, Monks with the Monastic Weaponry class feature can use Flurry of Blows with any weapon that has the Monk tag.
6. Can you make an unarmed strike while holding a two-handed weapon?
Yes, you can make an unarmed attack when holding a two-handed weapon. As long as your not using the weapon to attack.
7. Does Savage Attacker work with smites?
Yes, Savage Attacker does work with smites, in Baldur’s Gate 3. It rerolls all damage dice of your attack, this includes smite dice.
8. Does Primal Savagery count as an unarmed strike?
No, Primal Savagery is a melee spell attack, and it has no interaction with unarmed strikes at all.
9. Does Improved Unarmed Strike work with natural weapons?
Yes, you can combine natural weapons with unarmed strikes.
10. Does Weapon Finesse work with unarmed strike?
No, Weapon Finesse does not work with unarmed strikes. Finesse is a property of a weapon, and unarmed strikes are not weapons. Monk DEX for attack roll is a class feature.
11. Can you use Hunter’s Mark with Unarmed Strike?
Yes, you can use Hunter’s Mark with unarmed strikes. Hunter’s Mark specifies on weapon attacks, but unarmed strike is still a weapon attack, despite the fact that it’s not a weapon.
12. Do you get proficiency with unarmed strikes?
Yes, everyone is proficient in unarmed strikes. This means you add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll when making an unarmed strike.
13. Does Savage Attacks work with Wild Shape?
Yes, the Savage Attacks ability will work while Wild Shaped. You retain features from class, race, and other sources as long as your new form can utilize them.
14. Does Backstab affect unarmed?
No, Backstab does not affect unarmed attacks. Backstab requires a one-handed weapon, and unarmed strikes do not count as weapons.
15. Does rage work with unarmed strikes?
Yes, according to DnD 5e rules, barbarians can add rage modifier to unarmed and off-hand attacks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Savage Attacker can be a powerful feat for certain melee builds, it is not effective with unarmed strikes or natural weapons. It is critical to understand the specific language and mechanics of the game to avoid such misconceptions. Remember, Savage Attacker requires a melee weapon attack, not just any melee attack. When planning your character, always ensure you carefully consider the definitions and interactions of feats and features to optimize your gameplay.