Is Sneak Attack Only Once Per Turn?
Sneak attack can only be used once per turn, but it is not limited to your turn, meaning you can use sneak attack once on your turn, but subsequent attacks on other turns could also include sneak attack damage. The Sneak Attack feature is a key component of the Rogue class in D&D 5e, allowing players to deal extra damage when attacking from a position of advantage, and understanding its usage is crucial for effective gameplay.
Understanding Sneak Attack
General Rules
To answer the question of whether sneak attack is only once per turn, we must delve into the specifics of how sneak attack works. Sneak Attack is a feature that allows Rogues to deal extra damage when they attack a creature that is not immune to sneak attacks and when the Rogue has advantage on the attack roll or when another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn’t incapacitated, and the Rogue doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: Can You Sneak Attack More Than Once a Turn?
No, Sneak Attack can only be used on one attack per turn, regardless of how many attacks a Rogue can make. This means that even with Two-Weapon Fighting or other abilities that grant additional attacks, Sneak Attack can only be applied to one of those attacks per turn.
FAQ 2: Can You Only Sneak Attack Once?
The Sneak Attack description specifies that you can use the feature once per turn, but it’s not limited to your turn. This means you can use Sneak Attack on your turn and also during opportunity attacks with your reaction on other turns.
FAQ 3: What Are the Rules for Sneak Attack?
For Sneak Attack, the attack must use a finesse or a ranged weapon. You don’t need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn’t incapacitated, and you don’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.
FAQ 4: How Many Attacks Do Rogues Get Per Turn?
Rogues don’t get Extra Attack, which allows for multiple attack rolls when using the Attack action. However, they can use their Action and Bonus Action to make attacks, with Sneak Attack applicable only once per turn.
FAQ 5: Do Rogues Ever Get Two Attacks?
Rogues can make more than one attack in a turn through Two-Weapon Fighting or other features, but Sneak Attack can only be applied to one of those attacks.
FAQ 6: How Many Times Per Turn Can You Sneak Attack?
You can Sneak Attack only once per turn, but this is not limited to your turn, allowing for Sneak Attack damage on opportunity attacks during other creatures’ turns.
FAQ 7: Do You Double Sneak Attack Dice on a Critical Hit?
Yes, if the attack involves other damage dice, such as from the Rogue’s Sneak Attack feature, you roll those dice twice as well on a critical hit.
FAQ 8: Does Sneak Attack Have to Be the First Hit?
No, you can choose when to apply the Sneak Attack damage; it’s not automatically on the first hit.
FAQ 9: Can You Add Sneak Attack to Two-Weapon Fighting?
Yes, but Sneak Attack can only be used once per turn, regardless of the number of attacks made during Two-Weapon Fighting.
FAQ 10: Is Sneak Attack Damage Doubled?
Sneak Attack damage is doubled on a critical hit, along with any other damage dice from the attack.
FAQ 11: What Is the Difference Between Once Per Turn and Once Per Round?
Once per turn means you can do something once on your turn and potentially again if you take a reaction that applies. Once per round means it can be done on your turn or in a reaction but cannot be done twice in the same round.
FAQ 12: Do Rogues Get Advantage on Sneak Attack?
Rogues get Sneak Attack (but not advantage automatically) if the target is engaged in melee with another enemy within 5 feet.
FAQ 13: Do I Roll for Sneak Attack?
You roll the attack roll to hit, and if you hit while satisfying Sneak Attack conditions, you add Sneak Attack damage by rolling the Sneak Attack dice.
FAQ 14: Can You Use Sneak Attack While Polymorphed?
No, when polymorphed, your character’s stats and abilities are replaced by those of the creature, so you cannot use Sneak Attack.
FAQ 15: Does Sneak Attack Damage Get Halved?
Sneak Attack damage is halved if the target has resistance to the type of damage dealt by Sneak Attack, unless otherwise stated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sneak Attack is a powerful feature of the Rogue class in D&D 5e, allowing for extra damage under certain conditions. Understanding that Sneak Attack can only be used once per turn, but not limited to your turn, is key to maximizing its potential in gameplay. By clarifying the rules and addressing common questions, players can better utilize Sneak Attack to enhance their Rogue’s combat effectiveness.