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| Description |
Beginning at 5th level, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn. The number of attacks increases to three when you reach 11th level in this class and to four when you reach 20th level in this class. |
|---|---|
| Source | Player’s Handbook 🛒 |
| Level | 5 |
| Class | Fighter |
Few class features are as iconic and game-changing as Extra Attack. This powerful feature transforms Fighters starting at 5th level from solid melee combatants into true fighting machines that can execute multiple attacks per round.
What is Extra Attack?
Extra Attack allows Fighters, starting at 5th level, to make two attacks instead of one whenever they choose the Attack action on their turn. The feature becomes even more powerful at higher levels: at 11th level the number increases to three attacks, and at 20th level Fighters can even make four attacks per round.
It’s important to understand that Extra Attack only applies to the Attack Action. Bonus attacks from other features or spells are considered separately and can be made in addition to Extra Attacks.
Strategic Importance in Combat
The true strength of Extra Attack lies not only in the raw damage increase, but also in the enhanced flexibility. More attacks mean:
- Higher hit probability: Even if the first attack misses, additional chances remain
- Better critical hit chances: More dice rolls mean more opportunities for natural 20s
- More effective use of combat maneuvers: Battle Master Fighters can distribute their maneuvers across multiple attacks
- Synergies with weapon feats: Features like Great Weapon Master become significantly more powerful
Optimization and Combination
Experienced players cleverly combine Extra Attack with other combat tactics. Two-handed weapons benefit particularly strongly, as each additional attack uses the full damage die. The Player’s Handbook 🛒 offers numerous weapon options that combine perfectly with Extra Attack.
It becomes particularly interesting when choosing between a shield for higher Armor Class or the Two-Weapon Fighting combat style. While shield and one-handed weapon promote a defensive playstyle, two weapons enable additional bonus attacks – which stack excellently with Extra Attack.
Other Classes with Extra Attack
Although the feature is most strongly associated with Fighters, other classes also gain access to Extra Attack. Paladins, Rangers, and Barbarians all get a version of this feature at 5th level, though usually only with one additional attack. This makes these classes competent melee fighters, even if they don’t reach the later improvements of the Fighter.
Extra Attack is thus a central element of the D&D combat system and a reason why martial classes can keep up with powerful spellcasters even at higher levels.
This article was created using AI, based on data from the 5e-database project (D&D 5e System Reference Document, licensed under CC BY 4.0).
