Can You Extra Attack with Two Different Weapons?
As a Dungeon Master (DM) or player in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) 5th Edition, you’re probably familiar with the Extra Attack feature, which allows a character to make an additional attack on their turn. But have you ever wondered if you can extra attack with two different weapons? In this article, we’ll explore the rules surrounding dual wielding and extra attacking, and provide a direct answer to this burning question.
Direct Answer
Yes, you can use different weapons for your Extra Attack. Nothing in the text of Extra Attack states which weapon or hand you must attack with, so you may attack with any weapon you are holding at the time. However, this does assume that you have the action economy necessary to grab or equip the additional weapon during your turn.
Underlying Rules
To understand how dual wielding and Extra Attack work together, it’s essential to understand the underlying rules.
- Action Economy: In D&D, your action economy refers to the number of actions you can take during your turn. You typically have one Main Action, one Bonus Action, and possibly additional reactions. To take advantage of Extra Attack, you must have at least one Main Action left available.
- Two-Weapon Fighting: To use two weapons simultaneously, you must have the Two-Weapon Fighting feat or meet specific prerequisites (e.g., being a rogue with expertise in both Short swords and Long swords). With Two-Weapon Fighting, you can attack once with each hand, but the feat does not grant Extra Attack.
- Extra Attack: As mentioned earlier, Extra Attack allows a character to make an additional attack on their turn. To trigger Extra Attack, you must take the Attack action with a melee or ranged weapon. The extra attack is considered a Main Action, and you must have at least one Main Action left available to trigger it.
How Dual Wielding and Extra Attack Work Together
When combining dual wielding with Extra Attack, things get a bit more complicated. Here’s how the rules play out:
| Situation | Outcome |
|---|---|
| You have a main action and two-weapon fight with both hands, then take a bonus action to attack with your second hand. | You get one attack with each hand as part of your two-weapon fighting, but no Extra Attack. |
| You have a main action and use your primary hand to attack, then take a bonus action to grab a second weapon and attack with your off hand. | You get one attack with your primary hand, and then an additional attack with your off hand (triggering Extra Attack). |
| You have a main action and attack with your primary hand, then take a bonus action to attack with your secondary hand. | You get one attack with your primary hand, but no Extra Attack. |
Tips and Tricks
When considering dual wielding and Extra Attack, keep the following in mind:
- Prerequisites: Ensure you meet the prerequisites for Two-Weapon Fighting, such as having the feat or the required proficiency bonus.
- Action Economy: Be mindful of your action economy, as taking an action that triggers Extra Attack will reduce the number of actions available to you for the turn.
- Weapon Proficiency: Choose weapons with which you are proficient, as this will increase the likelihood of success and improve your overall combat performance.
In conclusion, the answer to the question "Can you extra attack with two different weapons?" is yes. By understanding the underlying rules of action economy, Two-Weapon Fighting, and Extra Attack, you can effectively combine these features to deal more damage and increase your combat versatility. Remember to consider prerequisites, action economy, and weapon proficiency when dual wielding and extra attacking. Happy gaming!