Do sneak attacks have advantage?

Do Sneak Attacks Have Advantage?

Sneak attacks are a staple of the rogue class in Dungeons & Dragons, allowing them to deal extra damage when attacking from behind an enemy. But do sneak attacks have advantage? The answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no.

The Basics of Sneak Attacks

Before we dive into the advantages of sneak attacks, let’s quickly cover the basics. A sneak attack is a type of attack that can be made by a rogue when they are hiding or invisible, and the target is not aware of the rogue’s presence. The rogue gains advantage on the attack roll and can deal an additional 2d6 damage.

Do Sneak Attacks Have Advantage?

According to the official Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition Player’s Handbook, page 92, sneak attacks do not have advantage. The text states: "If you have advantage on an attack roll, you can add your proficiency bonus to the roll, but not if you are using the sneak attack feature."

But What About Disadvantage?

However, if the rogue is using a feature that grants them disadvantage on an attack roll, such as the "Eldritch Cannon" feature from the Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, they can still use their sneak attack ability. This is because the sneak attack ability does not override the disadvantage granted by the Eldritch Cannon feature.

Other Exceptions

There are a few other exceptions to the rule that sneak attacks do not have advantage. For example, if the rogue is using the "Haste" spell, they can use their sneak attack ability while under the effects of the spell. Additionally, if the rogue is using a magic item that grants them advantage on attack rolls, such as the "Amulet of Proof Against Detection and Illusions", they can use their sneak attack ability with advantage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sneak attacks do not have advantage in the classical sense. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, and the rogue can still use their sneak attack ability in certain situations. It’s always important to check the specific rules and features that apply to your character and the situation before making an attack.

FAQs

• Can I use my sneak attack ability if I have advantage on an attack roll?
  • No, according to the official rules, sneak attacks do not have advantage.
• Can I use my sneak attack ability if I have disadvantage on an attack roll?
  • It depends on the specific feature or spell that is granting the disadvantage. If the disadvantage is coming from a feature that allows the rogue to still use their sneak attack ability, then yes, they can use it.
• Can I use my sneak attack ability if I am using the "Eldritch Cannon" feature?
  • Yes, the Eldritch Cannon feature does not override the sneak attack ability.

Table: Sneak Attack Rules

I hope this article has helped clarify the rules surrounding sneak attacks and advantage in Dungeons & Dragons. Remember to always check the specific rules and features that apply to your character and the situation before making an attack.