Is Sneak Attack Based on Rogue Level? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is a resounding yes. Sneak Attack damage directly scales with your Rogue class level. This core mechanic is fundamental to the Rogue class in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition (5e), shaping their role as damage dealers. As your Rogue levels up, the amount of extra damage you inflict with a successful Sneak Attack increases, ensuring your combat effectiveness remains relevant throughout your adventures. It is not based on your overall character level, only your rogue level.

Sneak Attack: The Rogue’s Bread and Butter

Sneak Attack isn’t just a flat bonus; it’s a conditional ability that requires specific criteria to be met. Before delving into how it scales, let’s recap the basics:

Sneak Attack Conditions

A Rogue can apply Sneak Attack damage once per turn if at least one of these conditions is true:

• Advantage on the Attack Roll: If you have advantage on your attack roll against the target, you can use Sneak Attack.
• Enemy Adjacent to Target: If another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of the target, and you do not have disadvantage on the attack roll, you can use Sneak Attack. The other enemy must be capable of attacking – not incapacitated.

Essentially, you need to either get a positional advantage or the target needs to be distracted by another threat.

Sneak Attack Damage Progression

Here’s how Sneak Attack damage scales with your Rogue levels:

• Level 1: 1d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 2: 1d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 3: 2d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 4: 2d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 5: 3d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 6: 3d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 7: 4d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 8: 4d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 9: 5d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 10: 5d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 11: 6d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 12: 6d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 13: 7d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 14: 7d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 15: 8d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 16: 8d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 17: 9d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 18: 9d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 19: 10d6 Sneak Attack damage
• Level 20: 10d6 Sneak Attack damage

As you can see, the damage dice increase by one die every other level. This consistent increase ensures that a Rogue’s damage output keeps pace with the increasing challenges of higher-level play. This is a key element of the rogue class.

Multiclassing and Sneak Attack

It’s important to note that Sneak Attack is tied to your Rogue class level only. If you multiclass into another class, such as Fighter or Wizard, your Sneak Attack damage will not increase just because you gain levels in those classes. Your Sneak Attack progression is determined solely by your levels as a Rogue. If you take a single level in rogue, you only get 1d6.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sneak Attack

Here are some common questions that players often have about how Sneak Attack works:

1. Does Sneak Attack damage count as weapon damage?

Yes, Sneak Attack damage is considered extra damage dealt by your weapon. This means that if your weapon does slashing damage, your Sneak Attack damage will also be considered slashing damage. If your weapon is magical, then the sneak attack damage is also magical. This can be crucial when facing creatures with resistances or immunities.

2. Can you apply Sneak Attack more than once per round?

No, you can only apply Sneak Attack once per turn, regardless of how many attacks you make within the turn. However, it is not limited to just your turn, you can use it on other players’ or NPCs turns.

3. If I have advantage and disadvantage, can I use sneak attack?

No. The condition for using sneak attack is needing advantage or an enemy of the target within 5 feet of the target and NOT having disadvantage. If you have both, the advantage and disadvantage cancel out, which means you CAN NOT use sneak attack.

4. Does Sneak Attack work with ranged attacks?

Absolutely. Sneak Attack can be applied to both melee and ranged attacks as long as you meet the required conditions (advantage or an adjacent enemy). You do not need to be in melee to use it.

5. Do I need a finesse weapon for Sneak Attack?

No, you do not need a finesse weapon for sneak attack. However, you can only sneak attack with finesse weapons and ranged weapons. You can’t use sneak attack with a greatsword, for example.

6. Can I use sneak attack with a bonus action attack?

Yes. If you meet the Sneak Attack conditions, you can use it with any attack made on your turn. This includes attacks made as a bonus action, such as those from dual-wielding weapons, if eligible.

7. Does Sneak Attack damage get halved by resistance?

Yes, Sneak Attack damage is halved if the target has resistance to the damage type. Since the damage type matches the weapon, any resistance or immunity the target has to the weapon damage also applies to Sneak Attack damage.

8. Does hiding grant advantage for sneak attack?

Yes, if you take the hide action as a bonus action (Cunning Action) or your action, and you are hidden from a creature, you have advantage on your next attack roll against that creature. This makes hiding a critical tactic for Rogues.

9. Do monk fists count as finesse weapons?

No, unarmed strikes from monks do not count as finesse weapons. They might use dexterity for damage, but are not technically finesse weapons for any other purpose.

10. Can you get multiple sneak attacks with haste?

No, haste does not grant more sneak attacks. You can still only apply sneak attack once per turn, even when you have additional actions granted from Haste. However, the Haste Action can give you another chance to sneak attack in your turn, if you failed your first opportunity.

11. What happens if I miss with an attack?

If you miss with an attack, you do not apply Sneak Attack damage. The sneak attack d6s are only added if the attack roll meets the AC requirements for hitting.

12. Can I choose which attack I apply sneak attack to?

Yes, if you attack multiple times on a turn (due to dual wielding, for example) you can choose which successful attack gets to add the sneak attack damage. If you make a roll via an online D&D tool, usually the first eligible attack is picked for you, so be careful.

13. Does sneak attack work with spells?

No, sneak attack only applies to weapon attacks. You cannot apply sneak attack with a spell that requires an attack roll.

14. Can a rogue attack twice?

No, Rogues do not have an “extra attack” feature. They rely on using bonus actions to try and trigger sneak attack multiple times per round via the offhand attack.

15. What is the best way to use sneak attack?

The best way to utilize sneak attack involves understanding the conditions. Use your cunning action to hide often, use your allies to your advantage, and focus on getting the maximum number of attacks, within the rules, per round.

Conclusion

Understanding how Sneak Attack scales with your Rogue level is crucial for maximizing the class’s potential. Remember, Sneak Attack is a fundamental damage mechanic for rogues and mastering it is key to any successful Rogue character. By carefully positioning yourself, taking advantage of opportunities for advantage, and understanding the conditions, you can ensure your Sneak Attack damage remains a devastating force throughout your D&D adventures.