Do spell attacks count as attacks?

Do Spell Attacks Count as Attacks?

In Dungeons & Dragons, the phrase "attack" can evoke different meanings depending on the context. While a martial character may understand an "attack" as a sword swing or an arrow fire, a caster may comprehend it as a spell aimed at a specific target. But do spell attacks technically count as attacks? We’ll delve into the intricate world of 5E mechanics to find the answer.

Initial Clarification: What’s an Attack?

Let’s start with the baseline definition of an attack according to the official 5E Player’s Handbook:

"An attack is any action that lets you damage or disable a creature (or object)." (Player’s Handbook, p. 195)

This explanation encompasses both physical and non-physical interactions, meaning that spells, as non-physical forms of dealing damage or applying effects, can indeed be considered as attacks.

Casting Spells as Attacks

However, there are specific categories of spells that involve explicit attacks, which we need to examine:

• Melee spells: Spells that function as melee attacks, as seen in examples like Blade Ward or Blazing Wrath, clearly qualify as attacks (Blade Ward, Official D&D Product, July 2015).
• Ranged spells: While not all ranged spells might be considered as attacks in the classical sense, if a spell directly targets and affects a specific creature at a distance (e.g., Magic Missile), these spells can still be characterized as attacks.
• In melee spells and ranged attacks, the caster still needs to roll an attack roll based on their proficiency and Dexterity (Dex)/Strength (Str) stat, which solidifies this classification.

Exceptions to the Rule

Not every spell can be considered a traditional attack:

• Evocation spells: Spells without direct targets or effects focused on the environment (fireball, storm, meteor shower) should not be regarded as attacks.
• Area of effect (AOE) spells: spells affecting multiple creatures within an area, without targeting them individually, shouldn’t count as attacks either (Dimension Door, Hold Monster) (Sourcebook: A Guide to Official D&D 5E Products for DMs).
• Unarmed attacks: Spells explicitly designed for use without relying on physical force, where the caster themselves is responsible for the impact (Levitate), should still be considered as attacks as they still deliver damage.