Unleashing Fury: How Many Extra Attacks Does Action Surge Grant?

Action Surge, the Fighter class’s bread and butter, is often misunderstood when it comes to its impact on the number of attacks a character can make. So, how many extra attacks does Action Surge actually grant? The answer is zero. Action Surge doesn’t grant extra attacks directly. Instead, it grants an extra action. What you do with that action is where the increased number of attacks comes from, particularly for Fighters at level 5 and above. They can take the Attack action, which, thanks to their Extra Attack feature, translates into two attacks (or more at higher levels) with that single action.

Think of Action Surge as a blank canvas. It gives you another turn within your turn – a second chance to act. What you paint on that canvas is up to you and limited by the normal action economy rules. You could use it to cast a spell, dash across the battlefield, or, most relevantly, unleash a flurry of blows.

The Synergy with Extra Attack

The real power of Action Surge comes when combined with the Extra Attack feature. As mentioned, at 5th level, Fighters gain the ability to attack twice when they take the Attack action. When a Fighter uses Action Surge and chooses to take the Attack action with both their regular action and their action granted by Action Surge, they effectively double the number of attacks they can make. So, a 5th-level Fighter with Extra Attack can make four attacks in a single turn when utilizing Action Surge. At higher levels, with features like Improved Extra Attack, this number increases dramatically.

It’s also crucial to remember that Action Surge simply gives you another action. It doesn’t grant additional bonus actions. You are still limited to one bonus action per turn. So, while you can potentially make several attacks with your actions, bonus action attacks (like those from dual-wielding) remain capped at one per turn. This is important for managing your overall combat efficiency.

Common Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Action Surge grants bonus actions, which it does not. The rule is clear: one bonus action per turn.

Another point of confusion is the interaction with spells. Action Surge allows you to cast multiple spells in a single turn, but only under specific circumstances. If you cast a spell as a bonus action, you are restricted to only casting cantrips with your action (or Action Surge action). There is no restrictions on spells cast on the main action. You can cast Fireball twice in one turn using Action Surge, but you can’t cast a leveled spell with your bonus action and then cast another leveled spell with your Action Surge action.

Ultimately, Action Surge is a powerful and versatile tool. Understanding how it interacts with Extra Attack and other action economy rules is key to maximizing its potential. It’s a feature that embodies strategic decision-making, a core element explored in the GamesLearningSociety.org‘s research on the educational applications of games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Action Surge

How many times can you use Action Surge?

Action Surge can be used once per rest (short or long) until level 17, where you can use the feat twice per rest. However, even at level 17, you can only use it once on the same turn.

Can you Sneak Attack twice with Action Surge?

Even with Action Surge, it’s still the same turn. Only one Sneak Attack roll applies per turn, regardless of how many attacks you can make or actions you can take. However, Sneak Attack can be applied outside of your turn on your reaction if the conditions are met.

Can I attack 4 times with Action Surge as a level 5 fighter?

Yes. A 5th-level Fighter with the Extra Attack feature can use their action to attack twice, then use Action Surge to take another Attack action and attack twice more, resulting in a total of four attacks in a single turn.

Can you cast Fireball twice with Action Surge?

Yes, you can cast Fireball (a 3rd-level spell) as an action and then use Action Surge to take an additional action and cast Fireball again. The bonus action spellcasting rules don’t apply as long as neither spell is cast as a bonus action.

How many bonus actions do you get with Action Surge?

Action Surge does not grant extra bonus actions. You are still limited to one bonus action per turn, regardless of whether or not you use Action Surge.

Can you Action Surge twice in a row?

No, you cannot Action Surge twice in a row, even at level 17. While you can regain Action Surge uses twice before a rest at higher levels, you can only use one Action Surge per turn.

Can you cast Eldritch Blast twice with Action Surge?

Yes, you can cast Eldritch Blast twice in a round by using your action to cast it once and then using Action Surge to cast it again.

Does Haste give 4 attacks?

Haste grants an extra action that is limited to a single attack. Therefore, a character with Extra Attack using Haste will make their normal attacks, and then only a single attack from the Haste granted action. So no, it does not normally provide for 4 attacks in total.

Does Haste stack with Action Surge?

Yes, Haste stacks with Action Surge. The only limitation Haste applies is to the specific action it gives – it can only be used for a single attack. You can use your other actions, including the one from Action Surge, as you normally would.

How does dual wielding work with Extra Attack and Action Surge?

Dual wielding allows you to attack once with one weapon using your action. Then, you can attack once with your other weapon as a bonus action (without adding your ability modifier to the damage unless you have the Dual Wielder feat). Extra Attack allows you to attack twice with your action. Action Surge gives you another action, which you can use to take the Attack action again. You can only use your bonus action once per turn, no matter how many actions you take, which means only one off-hand attack.

Do multiple Extra Attack features stack?

No, the Extra Attack class feature doesn’t stack. If you gain Extra Attack from multiple classes, you only benefit from it once.

Can you move between Extra Attacks?

Yes. The rules explicitly state that if you take an action that includes more than one weapon attack, you can break up your movement even further by moving between those attacks.

Can you Ready an Action Surge?

Yes, you can use the action gained from Action Surge to take the Ready action. There are no restrictions on what you can do with this action.

How does Action Surge work in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)?

In BG3, Action Surge functions similarly to the tabletop game, allowing the Fighter to take another action in the same turn.

Does a bonus action count as an action?

No, a bonus action does not count as an action. They are separate actions within the action economy of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. You cannot exchange actions for bonus actions, or vice-versa.