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. It changes how you approach the battlefield, gives your dice more chances to shine, and often defines the difference between a beginner’s build and an optimized one.

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.

And since nothing feels better than rolling multiple attacks with fresh dice, consider grabbing a new set of polyhedral dice for your next campaign. Extra Attack is a great excuse to treat yourself to gemstone dice, sleek metal dice, or handmade resin dice that bring extra flavor to your table.

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:

Class	Level Gained	Max Attacks (via Extra Attack)
Barbarian	5	2
Fighter	5, 11, 20	2 (level 5), 3 (level 11), 4 (level 20)
Monk	5	1 (but uses bonus action for more attacks via Martial Arts/Flurry)
Paladin	5	2
Ranger	5	2
Bladesinger Wizard	6	2
Path of the Beast Barbarian (optional via bite attack)	5	Conditional 3rd bite attack on hit

Fighters stand out because they’re the only class that gets more than two attacks per Attack action, making them the kings of sustained martial damage. A level 20 Fighter with four attacks, paired with Action Surge, can throw out a shocking number of dice rolls in a single round.

That’s the kind of moment when rolling with a solid set of metal dice feels especially satisfying. The weight of the dice matches the weight of the character’s blows.

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!

If you love rolling multiple times per turn, you’ll want a dice collection that matches your playstyle. Many players keep a full DND dice set for attack rolls and a separate set of gemstone dice for critical damage.

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.

With the right build, Extra Attack lets you roll more dice per turn than almost any other feature in the game. Players often bring multiple polyhedral dice sets to keep the pace quick and avoid rerolling the same die over and over.

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.

If you’re a caster dabbling in martial combat, it’s worth keeping a dedicated set of handmade dice just for your weapon attacks. It makes the switch between spellcasting and melee feel distinct.

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.

Rolling several times each turn also gives you more opportunities for dice rituals. Some players use specific gemstone dice for finishing moves or metal dice when striking with a great weapon. These little touches make your Extra Attack moments even more memorable.

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, smiting evil as a Paladin, or darting through combat as a Monk, Extra Attack gives you the edge in every fight. More swings mean more chances to land a natural 20, and that’s what D&D is all about.

So the next time you hit level 5 and unlock Extra Attack, celebrate the milestone with something special. A new DND dice set, whether shimmering gemstone dice, durable metal dice, or handmade resin dice—can become part of your character’s story. Every extra roll deserves dice that feel as legendary as your hero’s journey.