Unlocking the Shadows: A Comprehensive Guide to Sneak Attack in D&D 5e

Sneak Attack is the defining feature of the Rogue class in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, a devastating burst of extra damage that can turn the tide of battle. It’s more than just being sneaky; it’s about exploiting vulnerabilities. But what exactly triggers this potent ability? In short, a Rogue can use Sneak Attack once per turn if they hit a creature with an attack using a finesse weapon or a ranged weapon, and one of the following conditions is met:

• The Rogue has advantage on the attack roll.
• An ally of the Rogue is within 5 feet of the target, and the Rogue doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.

Let’s delve deeper into each aspect of this definition to truly understand how to maximize your Rogue’s potential.

The Core Components of a Sneak Attack

Understanding the nuances of each component is critical for any aspiring Rogue player. Mastering these details can mean the difference between a successful assassination and a wasted action.

Once Per Turn, Not Once Per Round

This is perhaps the most crucial point. You can only apply Sneak Attack damage once per turn. This is regardless of how many attacks you make on your turn. However, the “once per turn” rule opens the door to opportunities outside of your turn. Opportunity attacks or attacks made possible by features like the Haste spell or a Fighter’s Action Surge can also trigger Sneak Attack, provided the other conditions are met.

Finesse or Ranged Weapons

The attack must be made with a finesse weapon (like a rapier or dagger) or a ranged weapon (like a shortbow or hand crossbow). This limitation ensures that Sneak Attack is tied to weapons that reward precision and agility, reflecting the Rogue’s combat style. Remember that the weapon MUST have the finesse property to work.

The Advantage Condition

Having advantage on the attack roll is the most straightforward way to enable Sneak Attack. Advantage means you roll two d20s and take the higher result, significantly increasing your chances of hitting. There are numerous ways to gain advantage, including:

• Hiding: If you are hidden from a creature and attack it, you have advantage on the attack roll. This is a classic Rogue tactic.
• Help Action: An ally can use the Help action to grant you advantage on your next attack roll against a specific creature.
• Spells and Abilities: Certain spells (like Faerie Fire) and class features can grant advantage in specific situations.

The Ally Condition

Even without advantage, you can trigger Sneak Attack if an ally (someone friendly to you) is within 5 feet of the target, and you don’t have disadvantage on the attack roll. This represents you exploiting the distraction your ally provides. The ally must be conscious and not incapacitated. This condition is often easier to meet than gaining advantage, making positioning and teamwork crucial for Rogues.

Avoiding Disadvantage

Even if you have advantage or an ally nearby, you cannot use Sneak Attack if you have disadvantage on the attack roll. Disadvantage cancels out advantage, resulting in a normal roll. If you have both advantage and disadvantage, you roll normally (only one d20). Common sources of disadvantage include:

• Being Restrained: You have disadvantage on attack rolls.
• Attacking a target in dim light or darkness when you do not have darkvision: You have disadvantage on attack rolls.
• Certain spells and conditions.

Maximizing Your Sneak Attack

Understanding the rules is only the first step. The real mastery comes from knowing how to apply them effectively in various combat situations. Consider the following tips:

• Coordinate with your party: Communicate with your allies to ensure they are in position to provide the “ally within 5 feet” condition.
• Utilize hiding: Invest in skills like Stealth and consider feats like Skulker to become a master of hiding in plain sight.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Look for opportunities to exploit environmental factors or enemy weaknesses to gain advantage.
• Consider feats: Feats like “Lucky” can help mitigate disadvantage when it arises.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions regarding Sneak Attack and its mechanics:

1. Can I use Sneak Attack with any weapon?

No. Sneak Attack can only be applied to attacks made with finesse weapons or ranged weapons. This restriction encourages Rogues to use weapons that rely on precision and agility.

2. Can I use Sneak Attack more than once per round?

No. The rule states “once per turn,” but the “turn” is yours and everyone elses.

3. If I have advantage and disadvantage, can I still use Sneak Attack?

No. If you have both advantage and disadvantage, they cancel each other out. You roll one d20, and you do not meet the advantage condition for Sneak Attack. To clarify, the Advantage condition has to be met to preform the sneak attack.

4. Does my ally need to be fighting the same target for me to get Sneak Attack?

No. Your ally simply needs to be within 5 feet of the target, as long as you do not have disadvantage. They don’t need to be actively engaged with the target.

5. Can I use Sneak Attack on a creature that is immune to critical hits?

Yes, if all other conditions are met. Sneak Attack is not a critical hit, although some creatures immune to critical hits are also immune to sneak attacks.

6. Can a familiar trigger Sneak Attack?

Yes. A familiar can grant advantage via the Help action, which can then trigger Sneak Attack. Additionally, if your familiar is within 5 feet of the target, that can fulfill the ally-adjacent condition, provided you don’t have disadvantage.

7. What creatures are immune to Sneak Attack?

Creatures without discernible anatomies are often immune. This typically includes undead, constructs, oozes, plants, and incorporeal creatures.

8. Can I use Sneak Attack with thrown weapons?

Thrown weapons are ranged weapons. If the weapon in question has the finesse property, it can proc Sneak Attack. So, yes, a dagger or dart would work.

9. Can I make a Sneak Attack non-lethal?

Yes. You can specify that your Sneak Attack damage is non-lethal.

10. Does being surprised automatically grant me Sneak Attack?

Not necessarily. Surprise gives you advantage on attacks against a surprised creature. If you have advantage (and meet the weapon requirement), then yes, you can use Sneak Attack.

11. Can I combine Sneak Attack with Two-Weapon Fighting?

Yes. You can make your Sneak Attack. If you miss your on-hand attack, you can proc it with your off-hand. However, it only works once per turn.

12. Can I use Sneak Attack with natural weapons like claws?

No, unless the natural weapon is a finesse weapon. Natural weapons typically do not qualify as finesse weapons under the rules as written.

13. Can I use Sneak Attack with spells like Eldritch Blast?

No. Sneak Attack only applies to weapon attacks, not spell attacks. Eldritch Blast is a spell attack.

14. Does the Alert feat prevent me from using Sneak Attack?

No. The Alert feat does not directly prevent Sneak Attack. It grants you a bonus to initiative and prevents you from being surprised, but it does not affect the conditions for triggering Sneak Attack.

15. Is Sneak Attack always advantage?

No. While having advantage guarantees the ability to sneak attack, it is not the only path to do so. The second condition to perform a sneak attack involves having a hostile ally within 5ft of the target.

The Rogue’s Edge

Sneak Attack is more than just a damage boost; it’s a core element of the Rogue’s identity. Mastering the intricacies of its activation allows you to become a truly effective and deadly combatant. By understanding the conditions, maximizing opportunities, and coordinating with your party, you can ensure that your Rogue always strikes from the shadows with devastating precision.

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