Can you move in between extra attacks?

Can You Move in Between Extra Attacks?

The Extra Attack feature, introduced in the fifth edition of the Dungeons & Dragons game, allows warriors to take two separate actions during their turn, each consisting of a single attack. However, there may be instances where players wonder whether they can move in between these attacks. This article aims to clarify this and provide additional information on moving between Extra Attacks.

Direct Answer: Yes, You Can Move in Between Extra Attacks

The game’s rules do not prevent players from moving in between their Extra Attacks. Since each attack is a separate action, there is nothing in the rules that would hinder a character from moving from one location to another or performing any other action after completing an attack and before starting the next one. This is particularly relevant in situations where the player character needs to move to attack a new target or engage in a different activity before the end of their turn.

Extra Attack Timings and Interactions with Other Actions

When dealing with Extra Attacks, it is essential to understand that each attack is considered an individual action, even when they occur in quick succession. The rules specify that Extra Attacks are part of the Action action, indicating that the entire action consisting of both attacks should be considered a single, comprehensive action. This allows characters to take a single movement action between the two Extra Attacks.

Here are the key takeaways:

Interaction with Bonus Actions and Action Surge

To further complicate the scenario, consider the following:

• Bonus Actions: Like Extra Attacks, bonus actions are individual actions. Thus, characters can perform other actions (like moving or using bonus actions) before or after the Extra Attack, provided these actions comply with the game’s timing rules.
• Action Surge: When a character takes an Action Surge, it adds an extra action (including the ability to cast an Extra Attack). For Action Surge purposes, treat the entire action as an Action. Characters can continue to perform individual actions between these two actions.

Here is a simplified illustration:

• Action (Attack) -> Movement (moving to new target) -> Extra Attack

Examples and Situations

Consider the following scenario:

• A Fighter gains the Extra Attack feature through their Fighter subclass and possesses a sword with a shorter range than their preferred attacks.
• During their turn, the Fighter takes a position with an advantageous combat stance (advantage against an enemy 5 feet away) but wants to adjust their stance to be farther away (moving 5 feet to maintain advantage on their next attack).
  In this scenario, the character can take their initial action (the first Extra Attack), then move to maintain their combat stance before conducting the second Extra Attack from the new position.