Decoding the Extra Attack Feature in D&D 5e: A Comprehensive Guide
The Extra Attack feature in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) 5th Edition is a game-changer for martial classes. Simply put, it allows you to make multiple attacks when you take the Attack action on your turn. Instead of just one swing of your sword or one shot with your bow, you can unleash a flurry of attacks, significantly increasing your damage output.
How Extra Attack Works
The core rule is straightforward: Beginning at a specific level (usually 5th, but this varies by class), when you take the Attack action on your turn, you can attack twice instead of once. Some classes, like the Fighter, even get more attacks as they level up, eventually reaching three attacks at 11th level and four at 20th level.
This means the Attack action becomes incredibly valuable. You’re not just getting one attack, but a volley, limited only by your character’s progression and the number of attacks granted by the feature.
It’s crucial to understand that Extra Attack is tied directly to the Attack action. It doesn’t grant you an additional action; it modifies the Attack action itself. This distinction is vital when considering interactions with other abilities, spells, and feats.
Nuances and Considerations
While the concept is simple, there are nuances to consider. Firstly, Extra Attack only applies when you take the Attack action on your turn. This means that if you use your action to do something else, like cast a spell or Dodge, you don’t get the extra attacks. Reactions and actions taken outside your turn also don’t benefit from Extra Attack.
Secondly, Extra Attack only applies to attacks made as part of the Attack action. It doesn’t grant you extra bonus action attacks, reaction attacks, or attacks granted by other features that don’t specifically rely on the Attack action.
Extra Attack and Multiclassing
Multiclassing can influence how Extra Attack functions. If you gain the Extra Attack feature from multiple classes, they do not stack. As stated in the Player’s Handbook, you don’t gain additional attacks for having the feature multiple times.
For example, if you’re a Fighter 5/Rogue 5, you would not get four attacks per Attack action. You would still only get two because you only get the extra attack feature once.
Why is Extra Attack Important?
Extra Attack is a key feature for martial classes because it directly translates to increased damage output. As monsters get tougher, more attacks mean more chances to hit and deal damage. It also provides more opportunities to trigger other effects, like sneak attack (for Rogues in a multiclass build) or other on-hit effects granted by magic items or class features.
Moreover, Extra Attack plays a significant role in character optimization and build choices. It encourages players to focus on abilities and equipment that enhance their attack rolls and damage output, leading to more effective and engaging combat encounters. You can learn more about game mechanics and teaching resources at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Extra Attack
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the Extra Attack feature:
1. Does Extra Attack grant me an extra action?
No, Extra Attack does not grant you an extra action. It only modifies the Attack action to allow you to make multiple attacks.
2. Can I use Extra Attack with spells like Eldritch Blast?
No. Extra Attack only applies when you take the Attack action, which is specifically for making weapon attacks or unarmed strikes. Eldritch Blast is a spell, and casting it uses the Cast a Spell action.
3. Does Haste give me an additional Extra Attack?
No. The Haste spell grants you an additional action that can be used to Attack, but it limits that action to a single attack. This means that if you also have Extra Attack, you can only do one attack with the Haste action.
4. Can I cast a spell as one of my Extra Attacks?
Generally, no. Most classes with the Extra Attack feature must use all their attacks for weapon attacks or unarmed strikes. However, the Bladesinger Wizard’s Extra Attack feature allows you to replace one of your attacks with casting a cantrip.
5. Can I use Sneak Attack with every attack granted by Extra Attack?
No. The Rogue’s Sneak Attack ability can only be triggered once per turn, regardless of how many attacks you make.
6. If I have Extra Attack from multiple classes, do they stack?
No. The Player’s Handbook explicitly states that Extra Attack features from multiple classes do not stack. You only benefit from the highest number of attacks granted by a single class.
7. Does Extra Attack work with bonus action attacks?
No. Extra Attack only affects the number of attacks you make when you take the Attack action. Bonus action attacks are separate and not affected.
8. Can I hold an attack granted by Extra Attack?
No. The Extra Attack feature only applies when you take the Attack action on your turn. You can’t hold the attacks granted by the feature for later use or reactions.
9. If I have Extra Attack, can I split my attacks between different targets?
Yes! You can divide your attacks between as many or as few targets as you like. For example, if you have two attacks, you can attack one enemy twice, or attack two different enemies once each.
10. How does Action Surge interact with Extra Attack?
Action Surge grants you an additional action on your turn. You can use this action to take another Attack action, which then benefits from Extra Attack. This allows you to make significantly more attacks in a single turn.
11. Does the Thirsting Blade invocation stack with Extra Attack?
No. The Thirsting Blade Eldritch Invocation for Warlocks grants them a second attack when they take the Attack action. This does not stack with the Extra Attack feature for multiclassing reasons.
12. Can I use two spells in one turn with Extra Attack?
No. The Extra Attack feature only applies to attacks made with weapons or unarmed strikes as part of the Attack action. It doesn’t allow you to cast multiple spells.
13. How does Extra Attack benefit from feats like Great Weapon Master or Sharpshooter?
Feats like Great Weapon Master and Sharpshooter allow you to make a single attack with -5 to hit but +10 damage. While the -5 to hit can be significant, extra attack makes it more viable as you have more attack actions and more chances to hit.
14. Does Extra Attack work with the Ready Action?
Extra Attack only applies when you take the Attack action on your turn. Using a Ready action to attack means you are not using it on your turn, and extra attack does not apply.
15. What about spells like Green Flame Blade and Booming Blade?
Green Flame Blade and Booming Blade are spells that take an Action to cast, and you make a single attack with a weapon as part of the casting of the spells. The only exception is bladesinger wizard’s extra attack that they get at level 6 which allows one of the attacks to be a cantrip.
Conclusion
The Extra Attack feature is a cornerstone of many martial classes in D&D 5e, offering a significant boost to their combat effectiveness. Understanding how it works, its limitations, and its interactions with other abilities is essential for optimizing your character and mastering the battlefield. By grasping the nuances of Extra Attack, you can unlock the full potential of your martial prowess and become a formidable force in any D&D campaign. Explore the deeper intersections of games and learning at the Games Learning Society.