What Counts as an Attack Roll?
In many fantasy role-playing games, attacks are a crucial element of gameplay. But when we talk about attack rolls, what exactly do we mean? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of attack rolls, exploring what counts as an attack roll, what doesn’t, and offer some helpful tips and guidance for players and game masters alike.
What Does the Rulebook Say?
Before we dive deeper into the world of attack rolls, let’s consult the rulebook. Specifically, the Player’s Handbook (PHB) defines an attack as "a strike done with a melee weapon or unarmed strike" (emphasis mine). This definition leaves no room for confusion. According to the rulebook, when you attack with your sword, fist, or bare hands, you are performing an attack roll.
Types of Attacks: Unarmed, Melee, Ranged
There are several types of attacks: unarmed, melee, and ranged. Unarmed attacks include, you guessed it, attacks without the use of a weapon or item. Melee attacks involve using your character’s body or weapons (like swords, claws, or fists) at close range. Ranged attacks, like with bows, crossbows, or magic, come into play at longer distances. We’ll explore each type separately to better understand attack rolls.
Unarmed Attacks
Unarmed attacks involve using your character’s natural abilities, such as kicks, punches, elbows, or headbutts. These attacks are essentially "attacks" without equipment or weapons. When counting attack rolls, unarmed strikes do indeed count as, you guessed it, an attack roll!
Table 1: Attack Roll Count (Unarmed)
| Attack Type | Count as? |
|---|---|
| Unarmed Strikes | Attack Rolls |
Melee Attacks
Melee attacks encompass a wide range of methods, from sword-wielding to clawing enemies with your bare hands. For the purposes of countability, melee attacks unquestionably count as attack rolls!
Table 2: Attack Roll Count (Melee)
| Attack Type | Count as? |
|---|---|
| Melee Weapons | Attack Rolls |
| Clawing/Unarmed Fights | Attack Rolls |
Ranged Attacks
Ranged attacks, like those delivered via bows, crossbows, or magic, engage your opponent from a distance. This type of attack rarely enters the realm of grappling, but when it comes to attack rolls, this question arises: do Ranged Attacks count as attack rolls?
Table 3: Attack Roll Count (Ranged)
| Attack Type | Count as? |
|---|---|
| Ranged Magical/Bow/Crossbows | **Attack Rolls (except for spells)*** |
| Spells (including projectiles) | Don’t Count as Attack Rolls (see below) |
*Note: These rules apply to spells other than those that involve making attack rolls, such as Bless or Shield.
Here lies the crucial distinction within Ranged Attacks: for bows, crossbows, or other projectile-based assaults, the answer is undoubtedly "yes," they constitute an attack roll. Magical attacks, however, should not be lumped into the same classification unless they involve making actual attack rolls (like rolling d20s). Exceptions will be discussed below (See Spells – Magical Attacks).
Ability Checks vs. Ability Score Checks
Anatomy of an Attack
When performing a basic attack, you’d use your Strength Score, Dexterity, and Proficiency with that weapon (only relevant for melee and thrown weapon attacks). In reality, this is an important subtlety: is a Death Save Counting as an Attack?