Does sneak attack only apply to the first attack?

Does Sneak Attack Only Apply to the First Attack?

As a rogue, one of the most exciting features of the game is the ability to use sneak attack. This allows you to deal extra damage to enemies, making it a crucial part of any rogue’s strategy. But what about when you have multiple attacks? Does sneak attack only apply to the first attack, or can you use it multiple times? In this article, we’ll dive into the rules and provide a comprehensive answer.

The Rules

To answer this question, let’s first take a look at the official rules. In the 5th edition Player’s Handbook, we find the following text:

"…if you have advantage or can see an enemy that is not in a position to react, you can make a sneak attack against it."

[PHB p. 93]

As you can see, there’s no mention of only applying sneak attack to the first attack. In fact, the text specifically mentions making a sneak attack against an enemy, implying that it can be done multiple times.

Bonus Action

But what about bonus actions? Can you use sneak attack on a bonus action, or does it only apply to your main attack? To answer this, let’s look at the rogue’s ability description:

"Rogue (Fighter Archetype): You can take a bonus action to make a melee or ranged attack."

[PHB p. 96]

As you can see, the rogue’s bonus action specifically allows for making a melee or ranged attack. And since sneak attack can be made with a melee or ranged attack, this implies that you can use sneak attack on a bonus action.

The Key

So, what’s the key to using sneak attack multiple times? The answer lies in the enemy’s position and reaction. As the rulebook states, you need to have advantage or be able to see an enemy that is not in a position to react. This means that as long as the enemy is in a position where they can’t react to your attack, you can use sneak attack.

Table: Sneak Attack Applications

As you can see, the table above outlines the different situations where you can use sneak attack. As long as the enemy is in a position where they can’t react, you can use sneak attack.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sneak attack does not only apply to the first attack. Instead, it can be used multiple times, as long as the enemy is in a position where they can’t react. Whether you’re making a main attack, bonus action, or opportunity attack, sneak attack can be a powerful tool to deal extra damage to your enemies.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when using sneak attack:

• Make sure you have advantage or can see an enemy that is not in a position to react before using sneak attack.
• Use your bonus action to make a sneak attack, especially if the enemy is not in a position to react.
• Remember that sneak attack only works with melee or ranged attacks, not spells.
• Use your environment to your advantage, setting up ambushes or distractions to get the enemy in a position where they can’t react.

By following these tips and understanding the rules, you can make the most of sneak attack and deal massive damage to your enemies.