Sneak Attack (Melee)

For the ranged version of this action see: Sneak Attack (Ranged)

Sneak Attack (Melee) is a rogue action. This ability allows the rogue to exploit an enemy's distraction and deal extra damage to their vulnerable spots with melee weapons.

The weapon must have the Finesse property, but can still utilise Strength if it is higher than Dexterity.

Description

Deal an extra 1d6 damage to a foe you have  Advantage against.

Also works if you have an ally within 1.5 m / 5 ft of the target and you don't have  Disadvantage.

Properties

Cost

 Action

Damage

Normal weapon damage

+

1d6 (1~6) ⁠Weapon

Details

 Range: Normal weapon range

 Recharge: Per turn

At higher levels

For every 2 Rogue Levels above 1, your Sneak Attack deals an additional 1d6⁠⁠WeaponDRS damage, up to 6d6 at Level 11:

• 2d6⁠⁠WeaponDRS at Rogue Level 3
• 3d6⁠⁠WeaponDRS at Rogue Level 5
• 4d6⁠⁠WeaponDRS at Rogue Level 7
• 5d6⁠⁠WeaponDRS at Rogue Level 9
• 6d6⁠⁠WeaponDRS at Rogue Level 11

How to learn

Classes:

• Class level 1: Rogue

Notes

• Sneak Attack can be used once per round and refreshes after the Rogue's turn ends. This means it can be used on the Rogue's turn and, when so triggered, subsequently an enemy's turn on the same round (e.g. with a  Reaction). However, if triggered by an enemy on the same round it will not be available during the Rogue's next turn.
• If Sneak Attack is applied automatically to a triggering attack via the reaction system, it is treated as a "DRS" (Tactician and lower difficulties only).
• As Sneak Attack requires a Finesse weapon, it may not be used with main hand unarmed attacks, but can be used when throwing a finesse weapon.
• The Sneak Attack reaction will trigger when using  Flurry of Blows while wielding a finesse weapon in your main hand, and uses the weapon's damage type.
• When using a weapon attack that hits multiple foes, such as  Whirlwind Attack, the Sneak Attack reaction that can trigger from the attack will normally only affect the first target hit. However, when used in real time outside of combat within certain parameters, it can apply to multiple targets in the AoE.
• When dual-wielding, your off hand Sneak Attack uses the damage type of your main hand weapon. For example, if your main hand is a  Practice Sword, your off hand Sneak Attack will deal Bludgeoning damage, even if the off hand weapon itself is a Piercing weapon. This includes whether the main hand is magical or not - for example, the Practice Sword deals non-magical damage unless an appropriate coating is applied.