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Unleashing Fury: Understanding Action Surge and Extra Attacks in D&D 5e

Action Surge doesn’t directly grant extra attacks. Instead, it provides one additional action on your turn. If you use this action to take the Attack action, you then make as many attacks as you normally would with the Attack action, based on your class features like Extra Attack. A 5th level fighter, who typically gets two attacks with the Attack action, would get two more attacks from taking the Attack action with action surge for a total of 4 attacks.

Diving Deep: How Action Surge Works

Action Surge is a powerful fighter class feature that provides tremendous flexibility in combat. Beginning at 2nd level, a fighter can, once per short or long rest, take one additional action on their turn. This might not sound like much, but it can be game-changing. The core aspect to understand is that Action Surge grants you an extra action, not extra attacks specifically. What you do with that action dictates how many attacks you ultimately make.

For instance, you could use your standard action to Attack (making the appropriate number of attacks for your level and class features, like Extra Attack), and then use your Action Surge action to Attack again. Or you might use your extra action to Dash, Disengage, Cast a Spell (with restrictions), or take any other action available to you.

The key takeaway is that Action Surge is a versatile tool. It doesn’t inherently give you more attacks, but it allows you to use the Attack action a second time in the same turn, potentially leading to more attacks depending on your other abilities. This opens up a wealth of tactical possibilities, allowing fighters to adapt to diverse combat scenarios. The strategic implications of Action Surge can be studied in further detail via resources found at educational sites like the Games Learning Society.

The Synergy with Extra Attack

The true power of Action Surge shines when combined with the Extra Attack feature, which fighters gain at 5th level. Extra Attack allows you to make multiple attacks whenever you take the Attack action. Here’s how it breaks down:

Without Action Surge (Level 5 Fighter): One action allows for two attacks via Extra Attack.
With Action Surge (Level 5 Fighter): One action allows for two attacks (Extra Attack), plus an additional action via Action Surge that allows for another two attacks (Extra Attack) = a total of four attacks.

As fighters level up, they gain even more attacks with the Attack action. This compounds the benefits of Action Surge, potentially leading to a flurry of strikes in a single turn.

Consider a high-level fighter with the Improved Extra Attack feature (gained at 11th level), which grants them three attacks with each Attack action. Using Action Surge, they could make six attacks in a single turn, before even considering bonus actions or other abilities. At 20th level, a fighter could use Action Surge to make 8 attacks on a single turn, without factoring in any fighting styles, subclass abilities, feats, spells, etc.

Bonus Actions and Action Surge

It’s crucial to understand that Action Surge does not grant you an additional bonus action. You are still limited to one bonus action per turn, regardless of how many actions you take. This is a common point of confusion.

For example, a dual-wielding fighter who uses Action Surge to attack twice will still only be able to make one bonus action attack.

Tactical Implications of Action Surge

Action Surge is more than just a damage-dealing tool. Its versatility makes it invaluable in a variety of situations:

Burst Damage: Unleash a devastating barrage of attacks against a single, high-priority target.
Crowd Control: Target multiple enemies in a single turn.
Mobility: Use Action Surge to Dash twice, covering a significant distance.
Escape: Use Action Surge to Disengage and then Dash, creating space between yourself and the enemy.
Spellcasting: Use Action Surge to cast two spells in a single turn (with certain restrictions on bonus action spells and potentially the rule that states You must use a bonus action on your turn to cast the spell, provided that you haven’t already taken a bonus action this turn. You can’t cast another spell during the same turn, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action. )

FAQs: Action Surge and Attacks

Here are some frequently asked questions about Action Surge to clarify its usage:

Does Action Surge give you another Sneak Attack? No. Even with Action Surge, it’s still the same turn. Only one Sneak Attack roll applies, no matter how many attacks you can make or actions you can take.
Does Extra Attack give you an extra action? No. Extra Attack is part of the Attack action, not a separate action. Bonus actions are only for bonus actions.
Can you dash twice with Action Surge? Yes! If you take a couple of Fighter levels to get Action Surge, one per Short Rest you could Dash AGAIN.
Does Action Surge and Haste stack? Yes. They each add one action. Haste has restrictions on how that action may be used, though Action Surge does not.
Does Action Surge give you two bonus actions? No, Action Surge does not grant you an additional bonus action.
Can you use Action Surge to cast 2 spells? Action Surge does allow a second action, so you can cast another spell, with the limitations that only one bonus action spell can be cast and you have to cast it first.
How many attacks does a 5th level fighter get with Action Surge? At level 5, fighters can make 2 attacks with a single action, so 2 actions results in 4 attacks.
Are bonus actions unlimited? No, your limit is always one Bonus Action per turn.
How many bonus actions per combat? During each round of combat, players are allowed to use one bonus action.
How does Action Surge work with dual wielding? By default, you have one bonus action per round, regardless of how many other actions you have. If you’re a level 11 fighter who gets three attacks per attack, and you Action Surge for three more attacks, then you still only get one bonus action attack for dual wielding.
Do multiclass Extra Attacks stack? Sorry, Extra Attack doesn’t stack between classes.
Can you cast Eldritch Blast twice with Action Surge? You can only cast Eldritch Blast with an action. So long as you have an action, you can cast it. So with Action Surge, you could cast it twice in a round.
Can you use Dread Ambusher twice with Action Surge? If you take the Attack action on that turn, you can make one additional weapon attack as part of that action. And since Action Surge gives you attack action again, it gives you Dread Ambusher again.
How many attacks do Rangers get? A dual wielding melee ranger may take up to 4 attacks, a ranged ranger or a ranger who is single wielding may take up to 3 attacks.
What are the rules for Action Surge? A level-two feat from the Fighter main class, this feat allows you to make one additional full Action after using your first full Action on the same turn. It can be used once per rest (short or long) until level 17 where you can use this feat twice per rest.

Mastering the Art of Action Surge

In conclusion, Action Surge is a key component of the fighter class, offering incredible versatility and burst potential. Understanding how it interacts with features like Extra Attack and bonus actions is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness. Experiment with different combinations of actions to discover the full range of possibilities. Remember to check out GamesLearningSociety.org for further insights into game mechanics and strategy. With practice and a strategic mindset, you can become a master of Action Surge and dominate the battlefield.

How many extra attacks does action surge give?