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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. |
|---|---|
| Source | Player’s Handbook 🛒 |
| Level | 5 |
| Class | Paladin |
Extra Attack is one of the most important class features for all combat-oriented characters in Dungeons & Dragons. This ability marks a crucial turning point in the development of combat characters, transforming them from solid fighters into genuine threats on the battlefield.
The Basics of Extra Attack
With Extra Attack, characters from 5th level onward can make two attacks instead of just one whenever they choose the Attack action on their turn. This means specifically: While other characters are still making a single sword strike or arrow shot per round, fighters with Extra Attack can swing their weapon twice or fire two projectiles.
It’s important to understand that Extra Attack only works with the Attack Action. Bonus actions or other special actions don’t trigger this ability. The two attacks can be directed at the same target or split between different opponents – depending on the tactical situation.
Which Classes Get Extra Attack?
Extra Attack isn’t exclusive to paladins, even though it’s listed for this class in the SRD example. In fact, several combat-oriented classes receive this powerful ability at 5th level:
- Fighters get Extra Attack at 5th level and can even improve it further
- Paladins also get their second attacks at 5th level
- Rangers develop their combat skills in parallel
- Barbarians combine Extra Attack with their rage
Interestingly, fighters are the only class that receives further improvements: They get a third attack at 11th level and even a fourth at 20th level. This makes them the absolute masters of multiple attacks.
Tactical Considerations and Synergies
Extra Attack opens up completely new tactical possibilities. With two attacks, the chances of landing critical hits or hitting at all increase significantly. This is especially valuable against opponents with high Armor Class – if the first attack misses, there’s still a second chance.
Extra Attack becomes particularly powerful when combined with certain weapons and abilities. A paladin can use their Divine Smite on each successful hit, exponentially increasing damage. Fighters can use their Action Surge to make even four attacks in a single round.
The Player’s Handbook 🛒 contains detailed rules and examples for the optimal use of Extra Attack in various combat situations.
Pitfalls and Common Misconceptions
A common mistake is assuming that Extra Attack works with all actions. For example, someone casting a spell or choosing the Dash action cannot benefit from Extra Attack. The ability only applies to the Attack action.
Additionally, multiple Extra Attack features don’t stack. A character who has both fighter and ranger levels doesn’t get four attacks per round – the highest available Extra Attack level applies.
Extra Attack revolutionizes combat from mid-level play onward and makes combat-oriented characters into fearsome opponents. Proper use of this ability can mean the difference between victory and defeat!
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).
