Thirsting Blade and Extra Attack: Understanding the Mechanics

Thirsting Blade does not stack with Extra Attack in the classical sense, as it allows you to make two attacks per action, effectively replacing the need for Extra Attack under certain conditions, but there are nuances to its interaction with Extra Attack depending on the specific circumstances and multiclassing rules. The Thirsting Blade mechanic is part of the Eldritch Invocations available to Warlocks, offering a unique way to engage in combat, distinct from the Extra Attack feature found in classes like Fighter or Paladin.

How Thirsting Blade Works

Thirsting Blade is an Eldritch Invocation that enables a Warlock to make two attacks when they take the Attack action, but this does not directly stack with Extra Attack as Extra Attack is meant to provide additional attacks beyond the first in an Attack action. The interaction between Thirsting Blade and Extra Attack is nuanced, primarily because Thirsting Blade already allows for two attacks, potentially making Extra Attack redundant in its basic form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thirsting Blade and Extra Attack FAQs

1. Does Thirsting Blade work with Extra Attack?

• Thirsting Blade allows for two attacks per action but doesn’t directly stack with Extra Attack due to its inherent mechanics and the multiclassing rules.

1. How does Thirsting Blade work?

• Thirsting Blade lets you make two attacks when you take the Attack action, utilizing your Warlock’s combat prowess.

1. Does Pact of the Blade extra attack stack with Extra Attack?

• As of the latest updates, Pact of the Blade’s Extra Attack can stack with other sources of Extra Attack, offering a powerful combination for Warlocks.

1. Does Warlock extra attack stack with Fighter?

• Generally, Extra Attack features don’t stack across different classes, but there are exceptions and specific multiclassing rules to consider.

1. Do extra attacks stack with multiclass?

• The Extra Attack feature typically does not stack between different classes, with the Fighter class being a notable example where Extra Attack is gained at level 5.

1. Does Shadow Blade work with Extra Attack?

• Shadowblade can indeed work with Extra Attack, as it involves making a melee attack, which can be part of an Attack action that includes Extra Attack.

1. Can I use Green Flame Blade with Extra Attack?

• Green Flame Blade and similar spells like Booming Blade don’t stack with Extra Attack since they are cast as part of a Cast a Spell action, not an Attack action.

1. Can you dual wield Pact of the Blade?

• The Pact of the Blade boon applies to one weapon, so dual wielding with Pact of the Blade benefits is not typically allowed.

1. Can you do two weapon fighting with Extra Attack?

• Yes, you can take the Attack action, make one attack, take a bonus action for the Two-Weapon Fighting attack, and then continue with Extra Attack if applicable.

1. Does Thirsting Blade work with Shadow Blade?

   • Yes, you can use Thirsting Blade and then attack with Shadow Blade, as they serve different roles in combat.

2. Does Thirsting Blade work with Green Flame Blade?

   • No, Thirsting Blade and Extra Attack only trigger with the Attack action, not with the Cast a Spell action used for Green Flame Blade.

3. What level is Thirsting Blade?

   • Thirsting Blade is an Eldritch Invocation available to Warlocks at a certain level, offering them enhanced combat capabilities.

4. Does Extra Attack work with offhand?

   • Any class can use a bonus action to attack with an offhand weapon, but without the bonus to damage from Strength or Dexterity.

5. Does Soul Knife work with Extra Attack?

   • Soul Knife psychic blades are usable for exactly one attack, meaning Extra Attack does not directly benefit these attacks.

6. Does Flurry of Blows work with Extra Attack?

   • Unfortunately, Flurry of Blows is a bonus action and does not stack with Extra Attack since Extra Attack is part of an Attack action, not providing additional actions or stacking with bonus actions.

By understanding how Thirsting Blade and Extra Attack interact, players can make informed decisions about their character builds and optimize their combat strategies, leveraging the unique abilities of their chosen classes and Eldritch Invocations.