Omar Bennett
Sneak Attack is a popular feature of the Rogue class in Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition. It allows Rogues to deal extra damage on attacks, but only under certain conditions. The specifics of applying and getting the most out of Sneak Attack can be challenging for newer players. This is because it requires planning and teamwork for maximum damage output, encouraging a trickier and less direct playstyle. The Sneak Attack feature is popular for its ability to deal massive amounts of damage against a single target. However, some players have expressed concerns about the overpowered nature of Sneak Attack, while others defend it as balanced.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Class | Rogue |
| Weapon type | Finesse or ranged |
| Attack type | Single |
| Damage | Additional d6 |
| Level | 1 |
| Scaling | Up to 10d6 at level 20 |
| Requirements | Advantage on attack roll |
| Enemy proximity | Within 5 feet |
| Invisibility | Not incapacitated |
| Disadvantage | None |
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What You'll Learn
Rogues are popular
The rogue class and its subclasses are unique among martial classes for having several features devoted to mostly out-of-combat scenarios, encouraging a trickier and less direct playstyle befitting a cunning thief or assassin. For example, rogues can use their stealth and cunning to scout hostile areas or steal objects with a relatively low risk of failure.
In combat, Sneak Attack allows rogues to deal extra damage on attacks that they hit once per turn, but only when certain conditions are met. First, the attack must be made using a finesse or ranged weapon, such as a dagger, rapier, or bow. Second, the attack must either have been made with advantage or on a target that has another creature hostile to it within five feet. Finally, Sneak Attack cannot be applied if the attack was made with disadvantage or if the target is incapacitated.
The amount of extra damage from Sneak Attack increases as the rogue gains levels, scaling up to a significant 10d6 just before the level cap of 20. This high damage output is balanced by the fact that rogues typically only have a single attack action per round, compared to other martial classes that can get up to 5 attacks in a single round.
Rogues also have other features that make them engaging to play, such as their ability to Dash, Disengage, or Hide as a bonus action, allowing them to attack on the same turn that they use any of those actions. Additionally, as rogues gain levels, they become increasingly evasive and gain the ability to halve the damage of incoming attacks, further enhancing their survivability.
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Requires planning and teamwork
Rogues in Dungeons & Dragons have a unique approach to combat in Sneak Attack, requiring planning and teamwork for maximum damage output. Sneak Attack is the rogue's primary combat mechanic, emphasising strong single attacks over more complex manoeuvres.
Planning is essential for a successful Sneak Attack. Rogues must carefully consider their positioning, taking advantage of cover and hiding places to remain unseen by their opponents. They must also be mindful of their allies' positions, as Sneak Attack can be triggered when attacking an enemy that has an ally within five feet of them. Additionally, rogues can use their cunning action to Dash, Disengage, or Hide as a bonus action, allowing them to set up their attacks more effectively.
Teamwork is also crucial to a successful Sneak Attack. Rogues benefit from coordinating their actions with their allies to create opportunities for Sneak Attacks. For example, a rogue might work with their allies to flank an enemy, or take advantage of distractions created by their allies to launch a surprise attack. By working together, rogues can maximise their damage output and create dramatic moments in combat.
The use of trickery and deception is also an important aspect of Sneak Attack. Rogues may employ stealth and subterfuge to approach their targets unseen, taking advantage of their enemies' distractions or lack of awareness. This can involve hiding behind allies, using cover to move undetected, or exploiting the environment to gain the element of surprise. By combining stealth with careful planning and teamwork, rogues can execute devastating Sneak Attacks that can turn the tide of battle.
While Sneak Attack is a powerful tool for rogues, it requires careful consideration and coordination with allies to be used effectively. Rogues must be mindful of their positioning, take advantage of opportunities presented by their allies, and employ deception and trickery to catch their opponents off guard. By embracing these tactics, rogues can fully leverage the potential of Sneak Attack and become highly effective combatants in Dungeons & Dragons.
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Must use finesse or ranged weapons
In the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons, the rogue is one of the most played classes, with its Sneak Attack feature often cited as a major draw for players. This feature allows rogues to deal extra damage on attacks, but only under certain conditions.
One of the key requirements for a successful Sneak Attack is the use of finesse or ranged weapons. This means that the rogue must use weapons that are designed for subtle and precise attacks, such as daggers, rapiers, or bows. These types of weapons allow rogues to strike from a distance or exploit their opponent's distractions effectively.
The use of finesse or ranged weapons is essential for rogues to maximize their damage output. By utilizing their stealth and cunning, rogues can position themselves to take advantage of their opponents' vulnerabilities. For example, a rogue can hide behind an ally or use their environment to stay out of sight before launching a surprise attack.
The Sneak Attack feature encourages players to be creative and strategic in their approach to combat. It promotes teamwork and planning, as rogues must coordinate their actions with their allies to find the right opportunities to strike. The use of finesse or ranged weapons is a key component of this strategy, as it allows rogues to make precise and deadly attacks from a distance or in close quarters.
While the Sneak Attack feature is a powerful tool for rogues, it also requires skill and tactical thinking to use effectively. Players must carefully consider their positioning, take advantage of their environment, and exploit their opponent's weaknesses to make the most of their Sneak Attack ability. The use of finesse or ranged weapons is just one aspect of the broader strategy that rogues must employ to dominate in combat while staying true to their character's stealthy and cunning nature.
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Can't be applied with disadvantage
Sneak Attack is a feature unique to the Rogue class in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. It is a popular choice for players due to its ability to deal massive amounts of damage against a single target.
For first-level Rogues, Sneak Attack grants an additional d6 of damage on top of a successful attack, which can be used once per turn. This damage scales up as the Rogue gains levels, reaching 10d6 just before the level cap of 20. The Sneak Attack dice are also doubled on a critical hit.
To perform a Sneak Attack, the Rogue must use a finesse or ranged weapon and have advantage on the attack roll. However, the Rogue does not need advantage on the attack roll if certain conditions are met. These conditions include having another enemy of the target within 5 feet of it, and not having disadvantage on the attack roll.
Disadvantage on an attack roll can occur due to various factors such as being blinded, poisoned, or at long range. In the case of having both advantage and disadvantage, they cancel each other out, and the attack roll is considered normal. This means that as long as the Rogue has another way of triggering Sneak Attack, such as having an ally adjacent to the target, they can still perform a Sneak Attack even with disadvantageous factors.
It's important to note that the specifics of applying and maximizing Sneak Attack can be tricky for newer players. The Rogue class requires a focus on stealth and cunning, and the Sneak Attack feature is integral to making the character effective in combat.
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Can be used once per turn
In 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons, the Sneak Attack feature is a staple of the Rogue class. It can be used once per turn, but it can be applied multiple times per round. This rule is read as written in the Player's Handbook, with any further limitations on Sneak Attack being house rulings set by Dungeon Masters.
The ability to use Sneak Attack more than once per round is due to the distinction between a turn and a round in D&D. A round is made up of one turn taken by each creature in the initiative order. Therefore, a Rogue can use Sneak Attack on their turn and then again on another creature's turn when it provokes their opportunity attack.
To use Sneak Attack, a Rogue must have advantage on the attack roll or have an enemy of the target within 5 feet of the target. They must also use a finesse or ranged weapon. The amount of extra damage dealt by Sneak Attack increases as the Rogue gains levels, as shown in the Sneak Attack column of the Rogue table.
Sneak Attack is an important ability for Rogues in D&D 5e, as it allows them to deal significant damage despite only having a singular attack action per round compared to other classes. It is also a versatile ability, with many subclasses gaining additional Sneak Attack features or new ways to trigger its damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Sneak Attack is a feature of the Rogue class in D&D 5e, allowing characters to deal extra damage on attacks that they hit once per turn, but only when certain conditions are met.
Firstly, the attack must be made using a finesse or ranged weapon. Secondly, the attack must be made with advantage, or on a target that has another creature hostile to it within five feet. A sneak attack cannot be used if the attack was made with disadvantage or if the target is incapacitated.
A sneak attack deals an additional 1d6 damage at first level, increasing by an extra d6 for every two rogue levels after the first, up to 10d6 at level 20.
Yes, successfully using the Hide action allows rogues to attack with advantage, giving them the opportunity to use Sneak Attack.
A sneaky attack could be against a distracted foe, whereas a stealthy backstab is against a creature that didn't see you coming.
