Does action surge double attacks?

Does Action Surge Double Attacks?

In Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition, action surge is a popular bonus action that allows a player to take an additional action on their turn. With the recent release of Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, the functionality of action surge has expanded to include the possibility of doubling attacks. But, does action surge really double attacks?

The Original Functionality of Action Surge

Action surge is a bonus action that allows a player to take an additional action on their turn, without spending their reaction or another action. This action can be used to make an attack, cast a spell, or take a bonus action. In the case of a fighter with two extra attacks, the original action surge rule meant that the player could use the action surge to make all four attacks.

The Expansion of Action Surge

With the release of Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, action surge was expanded to allow for additional functionality. In the case of a fighter with two extra attacks, the expanded action surge rule allows the player to take the Attack action twice, using each action to make one of the extra attacks.

Does Action Surge Double Attacks?

The short answer is no. Action surge does not double attacks, but rather provides an additional action to be taken on the player’s turn. The player still only has one Attack action, and the action surge is simply an additional chance to make an attack or take another action.

Key Takeaways

• Action Surge is an additional action, not an additional attack: The player still only has one Attack action, and the action surge is simply an additional chance to make an attack or take another action.

• Action Surge doesn’t double attacks: Action surge doesn’t provide the player with an additional Attack action, but rather allows them to take an additional action on their turn.

• Action Surge only affects one action: In the case of a fighter with two extra attacks, the action surge only affects the second extra attack, and the first extra attack must still be made with the player’s original Attack action.

Example Scenario

To illustrate the concept of action surge and its relation to attacks, let’s consider the following scenario:

Player: A 5th-level fighter with two extra attacks

Original Action: The fighter uses their Attack action to make one attack, gaining a critical hit.

Action Surge: The fighter uses their action surge to make another attack, hoping to land another critical hit.

Result: The fighter has made two attacks, one with the original Attack action and one with the action surge. If both attacks hit, the fighter has gained two critical hits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, action surge does not double attacks. Rather, it provides an additional action to be taken on the player’s turn. While action surge does expand the possibilities of attack sequences, it is not a doubling of attacks, but rather an additional opportunity to make an attack or take another action.