Does sneak attack apply to Multiattack?

Does Sneak Attack Apply to Multiattack?

As a rogue, one of your most valuable abilities is Sneak Attack. It allows you to deal extra damage to enemies that are caught off guard. But have you ever wondered if you can use Sneak Attack with your Multiattack feature? In this article, we’ll dive into the rules and answer the question: Does Sneak Attack apply to Multiattack?

Direct Answer:

No, Sneak Attack does not apply to Multiattack. According to the official 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons rulebook, Sneak Attack is a feature that can only be used once per turn, and it can’t be used with a multiattack. (Source: Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, p. 113)

Why Multiattack Isn’t Compatible with Sneak Attack

Multiattack is a feature that allows a character to make multiple attacks in a single turn. This can be particularly useful for characters who have multiple attacks per day or have abilities that allow them to make additional attacks. However, Sneak Attack is a feature that requires the character to use a single attack per turn.

According to the Dungeon Master’s Guide (p. 269), Sneak Attack can only be used if the rogue "makes an attack." This implies that the character can only use Sneak Attack once per turn, as making multiple attacks per turn would render the feature redundant.

The Limitations of Sneak Attack

Sneak Attack is a powerful feature, but it’s not without its limitations. Some of these limitations include:

• Once per turn: As mentioned earlier, Sneak Attack can only be used once per turn. This means that even if you have multiple attacks per day, you can only use Sneak Attack once.

• Single attack: Sneak Attack requires a single attack to be made. This means that if you’re making multiple attacks in a single turn, Sneak Attack won’t be applicable.

• Only works with finesse or ranged weapons: Sneak Attack can only be used with finesse or ranged weapons. This means that melee weapons are not eligible for Sneak Attack.

• Advantage or no advantage: Sneak Attack doesn’t require advantage on the attack roll, but if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, and that enemy is hostile and not incapacitated, you get advantage on the attack roll.

What You Can Do Instead

If you’re a rogue looking to deal extra damage with your Multiattack, there are a few things you can do instead:

• Use your Multiattack ability: As mentioned earlier, Multiattack allows you to make multiple attacks in a single turn. This can be particularly useful if you have multiple attacks per day or have abilities that allow you to make additional attacks.

• Use a different feature: Some classes, such as barbarians or paladins, have features that allow them to deal extra damage with their attacks. You may be able to use a different feature to achieve the same effect as Sneak Attack.

• Optimize your build: As a rogue, you can optimize your build by taking advantage of your ability scores, skill choices, and equipment to deal more damage with your attacks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sneak Attack does not apply to Multiattack. While this may be a limitation, there are still many ways you can use Sneak Attack to deal extra damage. Remember to take advantage of your ability scores, skill choices, and equipment to optimize your build and maximize your damage output. Happy adventuring!