Can You Sneak Attack with a Cantrip?
Sneak Attack is a popular feature in Dungeons & Dragons that allows players to deal extra damage when attacking from behind their enemies. But can you use this feature with a cantrip? In this article, we’ll dive into the rules and explore the answer to this question.
Direct Answer
No, you cannot sneak attack with a cantrip. According to the Sneak Attack feature in the Player’s Handbook, you can only use it with melee or ranged weapon attacks that have the finesse or heavy property. Cantrips, on the other hand, are a type of spell that does not fit into these categories.
Why Can’t You Sneak Attack with a Cantrip?
To understand why you can’t sneak attack with a cantrip, let’s break down the rules. The Sneak Attack feature states that you can only use it with attacks that have the following properties:
- Melee weapon attack
- Ranged weapon attack
- Finesse property
- Heavy property
Cantrips, on the other hand, are a type of spell that is cast as an action. They do not have the properties listed above, which means you cannot use them with the Sneak Attack feature.
Can You Cast a Cantrip and Then Attack?
While you can’t sneak attack with a cantrip, you can cast a cantrip and then attack as normal. For example, if you cast the Booming Blade cantrip, which includes a melee attack, you can then use the Sneak Attack feature on that attack.
Table: Cantrips That Include Melee Attacks
Here is a table of cantrips that include melee attacks:
| Cantrip | Melee Attack Included |
|---|---|
| Booming Blade | Yes |
| Green-Flame Blade | Yes |
| Mage Hand | No |
| Prestidigitation | No |
As you can see, only Booming Blade and Green-Flame Blade cantrips include melee attacks, which means you can use the Sneak Attack feature with these cantrips.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you cannot sneak attack with a cantrip. Cantrips are a type of spell that do not fit into the categories listed in the Sneak Attack feature. However, you can cast a cantrip and then attack as normal, and you can use the Sneak Attack feature with cantrips that include melee attacks, such as Booming Blade and Green-Flame Blade.
Additional Tips
- Make sure to read the specific rules for each cantrip to see if it includes a melee attack.
- Keep in mind that cantrips are a type of spell, not a type of attack.
- You can always cast a cantrip and then attack as normal, even if it’s not a melee attack.
I hope this article has helped clarify the rules around sneaking attacking with cantrips. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!