Extra Attack in D&D 5e: How It Works and Who Gets It

If you’ve ever played a melee-focused character in Dungeons & Dragons 5e, you know the thrill of landing a powerful blow. But what if you could swing twice, or even more, in the same turn? That’s where the Extra Attack feature comes in. For martial classes like Fighters, Barbarians, Monks, and Rangers, Extra Attack in D&D 5e is a key ability that transforms them into combat powerhouses.

In this guide, we’ll explore what Extra Attack is, how it works, which classes get it, and how to make the most of it in battle. Whether you're building a dual-wielding ranger or a greatsword-wielding paladin, let’s break down this essential combat mechanic.

What Is Extra Attack in D&D 5e?

Extra Attack is a class feature that allows a character to make more than one attack when they take the Attack action on their turn.

That’s important, only the Attack action triggers Extra Attack. It does not apply to bonus actions, reactions, or casting spells.

The Basic Wording:

“Beginning at [X] level, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.”

Some classes eventually let you attack three or even four times with one action!

Which Classes Get Extra Attack?

Here’s a breakdown of the classes and levels where Extra Attack becomes available:

Fighters stand out, they’re the only class that gets more than two attacks per Attack action, making them the kings of sustained martial damage.

Extra Attack vs. Bonus Action Attacks

A common point of confusion: Extra Attack is not the same as making an attack as a bonus action. They stack, but they are not the same mechanic.

Example:

A level 5 Paladin with Extra Attack can make 2 attacks with the Attack action.

If the same Paladin uses a bonus action from a feature like Shield Master, War Magic, or a spell like Misty Step, it doesn't add attacks unless a feature specifically allows it (like Polearm Master or Two-Weapon Fighting).

Another Example:

A level 5 Fighter with a longsword and the Polearm Master feat can make:

• Two attacks from Extra Attack (Attack action)

• One bonus attack with the butt end of their polearm

That’s three attacks in a turn, pretty deadly!

Features That Work With Extra Attack

Extra Attack synergizes well with many feats, fighting styles, and class features. Here are a few powerful combos:

Feats

• Great Weapon Master: After a crit or kill, make a bonus attack—combine this with Extra Attack to pile on the pain.

• Polearm Master: Add a bonus action attack with polearms.

• Crossbow Expert: Remove loading property; make a bonus action shot with hand crossbow.

• Two-Weapon Fighting: Lets you use a bonus action to make a second attack with your off-hand weapon.

Fighting Styles

• Dueling: Great for single-weapon users, boosting each hit.

• Great Weapon Fighting: Reroll 1s and 2s on damage dice—scales well with more attacks.

• Two-Weapon Fighting: Add ability modifier to off-hand attack.

Class Features

• Divine Smite (Paladin): Each attack can be enhanced with a smite, making Extra Attack especially bursty.

• Sneak Attack (Rogue multiclass): Even though you only get one Sneak Attack per turn, more attacks give more chances to land it.

• Ki Points (Monk): Combine Martial Arts or Flurry of Blows with Extra Attack for multiple strikes.

Extra Attack with Spells: It Doesn’t Work

One of the most misunderstood rules is using spells with Extra Attack. Here’s the truth:

Casting a spell is not the Attack action, even if the spell includes an attack roll.

So, if you cast Firebolt or Booming Blade, you cannot use Extra Attack in the same turn—unless you’re a subclass like the Bladesinger Wizard, which makes a specific exception at level 6.

Special Cases: Extra Attack Alternatives

Some classes or races offer Extra Attack-like features, but they don’t use the same name.

• War Magic (Eldritch Knight Fighter): Make a weapon attack as a bonus action after casting a cantrip.

• Thirsting Blade (Warlock Invocation): Allows a Pact of the Blade Warlock to attack twice.

• Monk Martial Arts: Use a bonus action for an unarmed strike after attacking—functions similarly to Extra Attack.

• Wild Shape (Druid): Depends on beast stat block; some have Multiattack but not Extra Attack.

These mimic the benefits of Extra Attack without technically using the feature.

Tips for Using Extra Attack Effectively

• Target Weak Enemies First: Drop foes with your first attack, then switch to another target with the second.

• Action Surge (Fighter): Make two full Attack actions in one turn, devastating with Extra Attack.

• Combo with Opportunity Attacks: More attacks per turn = more chances to trigger effects like Sentinel.

• Use Magic Weapons: More swings mean more chances to trigger bonuses like elemental damage or crit effects.

Conclusion: Strike Twice, Win the Fight

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons 5e, Extra Attack is one of the most satisfying power spikes. It represents your character’s growing skill, strength, and speed, and it’s key to most martial builds. Whether you're cleaving through enemies as a great weapon Fighter or picking off foes with a dual-wielding Ranger, Extra Attack gives you the edge in every fight.

How do you use Extra Attack in your builds? Got a deadly combo? Share your favorite tactics in the comments below!