Do extra attacks stack 5e – In the realm of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, the concept of extra attacks plays a crucial role in determining a character’s combat prowess. This guide delves into the intricacies of extra attacks, exploring the rules, stacking mechanics, and strategic implications that shape this fundamental aspect of 5e combat.
Understanding the nuances of extra attacks empowers players to optimize their characters’ offensive capabilities, maximizing their impact on the battlefield.
Extra Attacks in 5e D&D
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), extra attacks are a special ability that allows a character to make more than one attack per turn. This ability is granted by certain classes, subclasses, feats, and other features.
Definitions and Rules
Extra attacksare defined as any attack beyond the first attack made on a character’s turn. The number of extra attacks a character can make is determined by their level and class features.
To determine the number of extra attacks a character can make, consult the table in the Player’s Handbook (PHB) on page 75. For example, a level 5 fighter has two extra attacks, meaning they can make a total of three attacks on their turn.
There are several abilities or features that can grant extra attacks. Some examples include:
- The Fighter class’s Extra Attack feature
- The Paladin class’s Divine Smite feature
- The Great Weapon Master feat
- The Polearm Master feat
Stacking Rules
In general, effects in 5e D&D do not stack unless they specifically state otherwise. This means that extra attacks from different sources do not stack.
For example, a level 5 fighter with the Great Weapon Master feat can make a total of four attacks on their turn. This is because the Extra Attack feature grants two extra attacks, and the Great Weapon Master feat grants an additional attack when using a heavy weapon.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, the Haste spell grants an additional action, which can be used to make an extra attack.
Exceptions and Interactions
There are a few exceptions to the general stacking rules for extra attacks. For example:
- Haste spell: The Haste spell grants an additional action, which can be used to make an extra attack.
- Action Surge: The Action Surge ability, available to fighters, allows a character to take an additional action on their turn, which can be used to make an extra attack.
- Extra Attack feature: The Extra Attack feature, available to certain classes, grants an additional attack on a character’s turn. This feature can stack with other sources of extra attacks, such as the Great Weapon Master feat.
Extra attacks can also interact with other abilities or features that affect attacks. For example:
- Sharpshooter feat: The Sharpshooter feat grants a bonus to attack rolls made with ranged weapons, but it also imposes a penalty to damage rolls. This penalty can be offset by using an extra attack, which allows a character to make two attacks with a ranged weapon without incurring the penalty on both attacks.
- Great Weapon Master feat: The Great Weapon Master feat grants a bonus to damage rolls made with heavy weapons, but it also imposes a penalty to attack rolls. This penalty can be offset by using an extra attack, which allows a character to make two attacks with a heavy weapon without incurring the penalty on both attacks.
Table of Examples, Do extra attacks stack 5e
| Source | Number of Attacks | Stacking Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Fighter’s Extra Attack | +2 attacks | Yes, with other sources of extra attacks |
| Paladin’s Divine Smite | +1 attack | Yes, with other sources of extra attacks |
| Great Weapon Master feat | +1 attack | No, does not stack with other sources of extra attacks |
| Polearm Master feat | +1 attack | No, does not stack with other sources of extra attacks |
| Haste spell | +1 action | Yes, can be used to make an extra attack |
| Action Surge | +1 action | Yes, can be used to make an extra attack |
FAQ: Do Extra Attacks Stack 5e
Can extra attacks from different classes stack?
Yes, extra attacks from different classes stack as long as they are granted by different features or abilities.
Do extra attacks stack with the Haste spell?
Yes, the Haste spell grants an additional action, which can be used to make an extra attack.
Are there any exceptions to the stacking rules for extra attacks?
Yes, some abilities or features may specify that their extra attacks do not stack with other sources of extra attacks.