How Many Action Surges Do Fighters Get? A Comprehensive Guide
The answer, in its most direct form, is that a Fighter gets one Action Surge per rest until level 17. Once a Fighter reaches level 17, they gain the ability to use Action Surge twice per rest, but importantly, they cannot use it more than once on the same turn. The Action Surge ability allows a Fighter to take an additional action on their turn, significantly boosting their offensive or tactical capabilities.
This ability, often a cornerstone of Fighter strategy, is designed to provide a burst of activity in combat, whether it’s unleashing a flurry of attacks, dashing across the battlefield, or setting up a crucial tactical maneuver.
Understanding the Core Mechanic of Action Surge
At its heart, Action Surge is a straightforward yet powerful ability. It grants the Fighter an additional action on their turn. This means that on top of their regular action and any potential bonus action, they can take another action as if it were their regular one. This added action opens up a wealth of tactical options. For example, a Fighter could move, attack, and then use Action Surge to attack again.
This extra action can be used for anything that a normal action can be used for; attack, dash, disengage, use an object, or even cast a spell. Crucially, at all levels, an Action Surge has no direct limitations on the number of attacks you can make within the additional action itself. This means if you use the attack action, any other extra attacks you would get with the attack action still apply with your second action during an Action Surge.
Progression of Action Surge
The Fighter’s Action Surge ability is designed to scale with the character’s growth. Here’s a breakdown:
- Levels 1-16: The Fighter gains the ability to use Action Surge once per rest (either a short or a long rest)
- Level 17+: The Fighter gains the ability to use Action Surge twice per rest (either short or long rests). However, it’s critical to note that both uses cannot be on the same turn. This means a level 17 Fighter can Action Surge once in a turn, and then, in a later turn, Action Surge again.
Strategic Use Cases for Action Surge
Action Surge is highly versatile, making it a powerful tool in any combat situation. Here are a few common scenarios:
- Offensive Burst: A fighter with extra attack can use their normal action to attack, then use Action Surge to perform an attack action and double their attacks for that turn.
- Maneuvering: In a situation where moving is crucial, you can move, attack, and use Action Surge to move again.
- Tactical Flexibility: Using Action Surge, a Fighter could attack, then disengage from an opponent, setting them up for a strategic retreat, or to reposition themselves.
- Spellcasting: Fighters who multi-class with classes that can cast spells may take actions to cast a spell and use Action Surge to cast a different one.
Action Surge FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Below are 15 frequently asked questions about Action Surge, providing even more clarity on this powerful feature.
1. How many attacks can a Level 20 Fighter make with Action Surge?
A level 20 Fighter using Action Surge could make up to eight attacks in a single turn. They would attack with their normal action, then attack with their Action Surge action, benefitting from extra attack. This assumes they are using the attack action and they are not using any other special feats or abilities that might affect the amount of attacks.
2. Can a Fighter Action Surge twice in one turn?
No, while at level 17 you get two uses of Action Surge per rest, you cannot use Action Surge more than once in the same turn.
3. Does Action Surge give additional attacks?
Action Surge itself doesn’t give additional attacks. Instead, it gives an extra action. If that additional action is used for the “attack” action, all extra attacks are available. For a level 5 or higher fighter, this means they get two attacks in an attack action, instead of only one.
4. Can a level 8 Fighter attack 4 times with Action Surge?
Yes, at level 8, a Fighter can attack four times using Action Surge. They attack twice with their normal action and then use their action surge to attack twice again. This is because a level 5 fighter already benefits from Extra Attack.
5. Can you use Action Surge with the Ready Action?
Yes, you can use Action Surge to take the Ready action. This gives you flexibility with the timing of your actions and reactions. There are no restrictions on what you can do with this action, so taking the Ready action qualifies.
6. Does Action Surge allow for a second Sneak Attack?
No, Sneak Attack can only be used once per turn, regardless of how many attacks you make, or actions you take. The rule of thumb for Sneak Attack is once per turn not once per action.
7. Can you cast two spells with Action Surge?
Yes, using action surge, a character could use their normal action to cast a spell, then use action surge to take another action to cast a second spell. The main limitation here is that you cannot cast any spell (leveled or cantrip) as a bonus action, then cast a non-cantrip as an action, regardless of if this is due to an action surge. You can however cast a leveled spell, then use action surge to cast a second leveled spell on the same turn.
8. Can Haste give 4 attacks on the same turn?
Yes, but Haste is different. Haste gives an extra action limited to one weapon attack. If a fighter used haste, they could then use their action to attack twice, and then use the hastened action to attack once more, making 3 attacks. They could then take their bonus action.
9. Can you attack twice with Haste?
No. Haste specifically limits the additional action to making one weapon attack only. It’s an extra action but that action has its own, specific, limitation.
10. Can you use Action Surge to Dash twice?
Yes, with your normal action, you could use Dash, then use your Action Surge action to Dash again.
11. Does Haste Affect Fly Speed?
Yes, Haste affects all forms of movement, including fly speed. Your fly speed is doubled while under the effects of haste.
12. Can you Flurry of Blows twice in a turn?
No, you cannot use Flurry of Blows twice in one turn. It is a bonus action, and you only get one bonus action per turn. Also, extra attack does not give you two actions, but instead allows you to attack twice during a single attack action.
13. Can a fighter have two fighting styles?
Yes, a fighter can have multiple fighting styles, as long as they are different. The only limitation is that you cannot choose the same fighting style twice.
14. Can you ready two actions at once using Action Surge?
No. The Ready Action takes your action to use and you can only use one ready action, at a single turn, per reaction, this can be used during a turn where you have had used Action Surge.
15. How many times can a level 20 sharpshooter fighter attack?
A level 20 Sharpshooter fighter could potentially attack 9 times using action surge. 2 attacks from their normal action, 2 attacks from their action surge action, and up to 5 extra attacks from the sharpshooter feat.
Conclusion
Action Surge is a central part of the Fighter class, providing incredible burst potential and flexibility in combat. From understanding the core mechanic to mastering its various use cases, this guide equips you with the knowledge to fully utilize this powerful ability. Whether you’re aiming for a devastating offensive strike or setting up a crucial tactical play, Action Surge is an indispensable tool for any Fighter. Remember that planning your actions, and using action surge tactically, will ensure you are getting the most out of it.