How Many Extra Attacks Can You Have in D&D?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of how many attacks a character can make in D&D 5th Edition is a common one, and the answer, while seemingly simple, often involves multiple layers of rules and class features. The short answer is that a character can potentially make up to 17 attacks in a single turn, utilizing a combination of class features, spells, and actions. However, this is a highly specific and optimized scenario. Most characters will generally attack far fewer times per turn. The number of attacks a character can make is largely dictated by a core mechanic called the Attack action and the Extra Attack class feature. Let’s delve into the details.
Understanding the Attack Action and Extra Attack
The foundation of combat in D&D is the Attack action. Typically, when you take the Attack action, you make one weapon attack. However, the Extra Attack feature, predominantly found in martial classes like Fighters, significantly increases this number.
The Fighter’s Extra Attack
The Fighter class exemplifies how extra attacks work. At 5th level, a Fighter gains the ability to attack twice instead of once when they take the Attack action. This number further increases to three at 11th level, and four at 20th level. This means a high-level Fighter can unleash a flurry of blows every turn.
Beyond Fighters: Other Sources of Extra Attacks
While the Fighter is the most straightforward example of multiple attacks, several other classes and abilities can contribute to increased attack potential:
- Monks: Monks, through their Martial Arts and Flurry of Blows features, can make additional unarmed strikes. A 5th level Monk can typically make 3 attacks, and up to 4 with Ki points spent for flurry of blows.
- Rangers: A Ranger, particularly one focusing on melee, can achieve multiple attacks through Extra Attack and, in certain scenarios, an ability like Horde Breaker, which provides an extra free attack under specific conditions. Dual wielding further increases their number of attacks.
- Haste Spell: The Haste spell grants an additional action that can be used for one weapon attack, increasing a character’s attack potential per turn.
- Action Surge: The Fighter’s Action Surge feature allows them to take an additional action, which they can use to take another Attack action, doubling the number of attacks they can make in that turn.
- Other Features: Certain subclasses, feats, and magic items can also grant additional attack options.
Multiclassing and Extra Attack
It’s vital to understand that the Extra Attack feature doesn’t stack when multiclassing. If you gain Extra Attack from multiple classes, you won’t get additional attacks beyond what is granted by the class that has the highest level of extra attack. Only features such as action surge, haste, or specific subclass features can increase the number of attacks.
Multiattack vs. Attack Action
It’s important to differentiate between the Attack action and Multiattack. The Multiattack action is a special action used primarily by monsters and NPCs. It doesn’t trigger Extra Attack. A monster will typically use multiattack every turn.
Maximum Theoretical Attacks
The absolute maximum number of attacks (17) is achievable in a very specific scenario involving a combination of class features and a multi-class build:
- A character at level 20, combining 2 levels of fighter with action surge, 2 levels of warlock for eldritch blast and agonizing blast, and the rest of the levels as a sorcerer to be able to quicken spells.
- On the first action, cast quickened eldritch blast, doing 4 rays of damage.
- On the second action, use the base action to cast eldritch blast, for 4 more rays of damage.
- On the action surge action, do another action of eldritch blast, for another 4 rays of damage.
- Use haste and attack for another attack.
- Use your bonus action to attack with a hand crossbow from the crossbow expert feat and attack another time
- Then, finally, use a reaction on an attack of opportunity.
Total attacks = 4+4+4+1+1+1 = 17.
This is a highly optimized and rarely seen scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some related questions and answers to clarify further:
Can you get Extra Attack twice?
No, the Extra Attack feature from multiple classes doesn’t stack. You don’t get more than two attacks with this feature unless a specific class feature states otherwise (like the Fighter’s higher-level Extra Attack).
Does Action Surge allow 4 attacks?
Yes, if a 5th-level Fighter uses Action Surge and both actions to take the Attack action, they can attack a total of four times. At level 11 they can attack a total of 6 times using both actions to attack.
How many times can you Multiattack in 5e?
A creature can use Multiattack every turn, as it is not dependent on class features. It is the primary way many creatures attack.
Can you hold Multiattack?
Yes, you can ready a Multiattack action. You can also ready an Attack action. However, readying an Attack action only results in one attack because the Extra Attack feature specifies “on your turn.” If a readied action is triggered on your turn, it can indeed benefit from Extra Attack.
Is there a limit to multiclass in D&D?
There is no strict hard limit on multiclassing in D&D. However, it’s generally not advantageous to multiclass too many times because you dilute your class progression and delay access to high-level abilities.
Do multiclass extra attacks stack?
No, as previously mentioned, Extra Attack features from different classes do not stack. It is a common misconception.
Does Haste give 4 attacks?
Haste grants an extra action that you can use to make one weapon attack. The spell allows you to do an extra attack, not an extra action that allows for another attack action.
Can you Multiattack with Extra Attack?
Extra Attack only applies when taking the Attack action, and Multiattack is a separate special action, not the Attack action, thus extra attack will not apply.
Can you stack Extra Attacks?
No, Extra Attack features do not stack. If you want more attacks, you need to rely on class-specific features like Action Surge or other spells, abilities, and feats.
Does Extra Attack apply to Cantrips?
Extra Attack does not apply to Cantrips. Some class features may allow you to cast a cantrip as part of a multi-attack sequence but they do not gain multiple attacks.
How many times can you Sneak Attack in D&D?
Rogues can only Sneak Attack once per turn, not per round. This can potentially allow for two Sneak Attacks per round if triggered by a reaction.
Can you move between extra attacks?
Yes, if you take an action that includes multiple attacks, you can break up your movement between those attacks.
Can you stack advantage in D&D?
No, if multiple situations grant advantage, you still only roll one extra d20.
Do spell slots combine when Multiclassing?
Yes, spell slots are combined when multiclassing spellcasting classes, using a specific rule set. This does not mean you have more spells available to you, it just allows you to cast spells from one class using slots from another.
What happens if you multiclass?
When multiclassing, you are choosing to take a level in a different class, instead of progressing in your current class. This can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the synergy between the classes chosen.
How many attacks can a Ranger have in D&D?
A dual wielding ranger may take up to 4 attacks if they also have horde breaker. A single wielding or ranged ranger may take up to 3 if they have horde breaker.
Conclusion
The number of attacks a character can make in D&D is more complex than it initially seems. The Attack action, the Extra Attack feature, Action Surge, Haste, and various other class-specific abilities all play a role. The potential for up to 17 attacks is achievable but incredibly specialized. Most characters will generally attack a more realistic number of times, usually between 1 and 4 attacks per turn, depending on their class, level, and build. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for mastering combat in D&D 5e and optimizing your character’s damage output.