Does Sneak Attack Work with Thrown Daggers? The Ultimate Guide

Yes, Sneak Attack can work with thrown daggers in D&D 5e, provided you meet all the necessary criteria. The dagger must be used as a ranged weapon attack, you must be using a finesse or ranged weapon, and the usual Sneak Attack conditions regarding advantage or a nearby enemy must be satisfied. Now, let’s break down the nuances and finer points of using this deadly combination.

Sneak Attack: The Rogue’s Bread and Butter

At its core, Sneak Attack is what defines the Rogue class in Dungeons & Dragons. It allows them to deal significant extra damage under the right circumstances, turning them into lethal damage dealers on the battlefield. However, activating Sneak Attack isn’t as simple as just wanting to do it. Certain conditions must be met:

• Weapon Requirement: The attack must use a finesse or a ranged weapon. Daggers qualify as finesse weapons, and when thrown, they are used for a ranged attack.

• Advantage or Allies: You must have advantage on the attack roll. Advantage means you roll two dice and take the higher result. You don’t need advantage if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn’t incapacitated, and you don’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.

• Once per Turn: You can only apply Sneak Attack once per turn, not once per round. If you somehow get multiple turns in a round, this allows you to use it again, potentially in Reaction attacks.

Thrown Dagger Mechanics

When you throw a dagger, you’re essentially using it as a ranged weapon. This is a crucial distinction because it changes the rules that apply to your attack. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Ranged Weapon Attack: A thrown dagger utilizes the rules for ranged weapon attacks. This means you use your Dexterity modifier for the attack roll and damage roll (assuming you choose to use Dexterity, since the dagger is a finesse weapon).
• Ammunition: While not explicit “ammunition”, you need the dagger in hand each time to throw it. A single dagger can only be used once per turn unless you are wielding/drawing others.
• Range: Daggers have a normal range of 20 feet and a long range of 60 feet. Attacking beyond the normal range imposes disadvantage on the attack roll.

Combining Thrown Daggers and Sneak Attack: How it Works

To successfully land a Sneak Attack with a thrown dagger, you need to align all the pieces:

1. Declare the Attack: Declare that you are throwing the dagger as a ranged attack.
2. Meet the Conditions: Ensure you meet the Sneak Attack conditions. This means having advantage on the attack roll (through hiding, flanking, or other means) or having an ally within 5 feet of your target who is not incapacitated.
3. Make the Attack Roll: Roll your attack roll, adding your Dexterity modifier and proficiency bonus if you are proficient with daggers.
4. Apply Damage: If the attack hits, apply the dagger’s normal damage, plus the extra Sneak Attack damage. The amount of Sneak Attack damage depends on your Rogue level (e.g., 2d6 at 1st level, 3d6 at 3rd level, and so on).

Example Scenario

Let’s say a 3rd-level Rogue named “Silas” is hiding behind a crate. He sees an enemy goblin distracted by Silas’s fighter friend, who is engaged in melee combat with it.

1. Silas declares he is throwing his dagger at the goblin.
2. Silas has advantage on the attack roll because he is hidden. (alternatively, he doesn’t need advantage because his ally is engaged in melee).
3. Silas rolls 1d20 + his Dexterity modifier + his proficiency bonus. Let’s say he rolls a 16 (after applying advantage) and hits the goblin.
4. Silas deals the dagger’s damage (1d4 + his Dexterity modifier) plus 2d6 Sneak Attack damage (since he is 3rd level).

Common Pitfalls and Considerations

• Forgetting Advantage: Many players forget about the advantage requirement. Be proactive in finding ways to gain advantage, such as hiding, flanking, or using class features like Steady Aim (if you’re a Steady Aim Rogue).
• Disadvantage: Remember that disadvantage cancels out advantage. If you have both, you roll a single die normally.
• Versatile Weapons: Finesse weapons like daggers can be used with Strength or Dexterity, but Dex is typically the more optimized stat for Rogues.
• Two-Weapon Fighting: If you use your action to throw a dagger, you can use your bonus action to throw a second dagger (if you have the Two-Weapon Fighting feat or the Dual Wielder feat). The second dagger attack can also qualify for sneak attack, as long as it’s still during the same turn.

Dagger Specialization

Daggers are a classic rogue weapon in Skyrim. They are characterized by their short blade and fast attack speed, making them ideal for quick strikes and sneak attacks.

Final Thoughts

Using thrown daggers with Sneak Attack is a viable and effective strategy for Rogues in D&D 5e. It combines the versatility of ranged attacks with the raw damage potential of Sneak Attack. By understanding the rules and mechanics involved, you can turn your Rogue into a deadly ranged assassin. Remember to leverage your environment, your allies, and your class features to consistently trigger Sneak Attack and dominate the battlefield. Understanding the nuances of the rules can improve not only your gameplay experience but also your appreciation for the game’s mechanics and strategic depth. Consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to further enhance your understanding of game-based learning and strategic thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use Sneak Attack with any thrown weapon?

No. Sneak Attack requires the use of a finesse or ranged weapon. While any weapon can be thrown (with the Improvised Weapon rules), only daggers, darts, or weapons that are already ranged weapons qualify for Sneak Attack when thrown.

2. Does the Sharpshooter feat apply to thrown daggers?

Parts of it do, and parts do not. A thrown dagger still counts as a ranged weapon attack and so you don’t get disadvantage and ignore half and three-quarter cover. It does not however count as an attack with a ranged weapon so you can’t take the -5 penalty to hit in exchange for the +10 to damage.

3. Can I throw multiple daggers in a single turn and apply Sneak Attack to each one?

No. Sneak Attack can only be applied once per turn, regardless of how many attacks you make.

4. Do I need to be proficient with daggers to use them for Sneak Attack?

Yes. You must be proficient with the weapon you are using to trigger Sneak Attack. Since daggers are simple weapons, most classes, including Rogues, are proficient with them.

5. What if I have disadvantage on my attack roll? Can I still use Sneak Attack?

If you have disadvantage on the attack roll, you cannot use Sneak Attack, even if you also have advantage. Disadvantage cancels out advantage.

6. Does the Two-Weapon Fighting style allow me to apply Sneak Attack with both daggers?

No. The Two-Weapon Fighting style allows you to make a second attack as a bonus action. However, Sneak Attack can only be applied once per turn.

7. If I multiclass into Fighter and get Action Surge, can I use Sneak Attack twice in one round?

No, unless you are getting two turns in one round. Action Surge grants you an additional action in your turn, but Sneak Attack is limited to once per turn, not per action.

8. Can I use Sneak Attack if my target is hidden from me but an ally is next to them?

No. You need advantage on the attack roll (which you wouldn’t have if they are hidden from you) or the target needs to be engaged with another enemy that you can see.

9. Can I throw a dagger with Strength instead of Dexterity and still use Sneak Attack?

Yes, you can use Strength as the attack modifier since daggers are finesse weapons. However, Rogues are typically built with high Dexterity, making it the more optimal choice.

10. If I have the Dual Wielder feat, can I draw and throw two daggers in the same turn?

With the Dual Wielder feat, you can draw two weapons as part of the same action, and attack with one of those weapons as part of the same action. If you have Extra Attack, then you can attack with the other weapon drawn.

11. How does the Assassin subclass affect using thrown daggers with Sneak Attack?

The Assassin subclass enhances the use of thrown daggers with Sneak Attack. If you surprise a creature and hit it with an attack, that attack deals extra damage (as per the Assassinate feature), which stacks with Sneak Attack.

12. Can I use the Ready action to throw a dagger and apply Sneak Attack?

Yes. You can use the Ready action to hold your attack and release it when certain conditions are met. If you meet the Sneak Attack requirements when you release the attack, you can apply Sneak Attack damage.

13. Are there any feats that specifically enhance thrown dagger attacks for Rogues?

While there are no feats that specifically enhance thrown dagger attacks, feats like Sharpshooter (for ignoring cover and range penalties), Fighting Initiate (Thrown Weapon Fighting style), and Dual Wielder (for drawing two daggers) can be beneficial.

14. Can I throw a dagger as an opportunity attack?

Yes, if the opportunity attack triggers a finesse weapon. Typically, opportunity attacks are made with melee weapons. However, if you have the Polearm Master feat and a dagger, or the Thrown Weapon Fighting style, you can make a ranged opportunity attack.

15. Does Sneak Attack damage get multiplied on a critical hit?

Yes. When you score a critical hit, you roll double the dice for your weapon damage and Sneak Attack damage. This can result in a massive burst of damage.