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Sneak Attack

Complete guide to Sneak Attack in D&D 5e. Learn when you can use Sneak Attack, how much damage it deals, and strategies for maximizing this core Rogue feature.

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Step-by-Step RulesCommon MistakesDM TipsSources

Step-by-Step Rules

1

Qualify for Sneak Attack

You must be using a finesse or ranged weapon. You can use Sneak Attack once per turn (not once per round - this matters for opportunity attacks).

2

Meet ONE of Two Conditions

**Option A - Advantage:** You have advantage on the attack roll. OR **Option B - Ally Adjacent:** Another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn't incapacitated, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll.

3

Hit with Your Attack

Sneak Attack only applies if your attack hits. If you miss, no Sneak Attack damage is dealt.

4

Deal Extra Damage

Add your Sneak Attack dice to the attack's damage. The damage is the same type as the weapon. You can only use Sneak Attack once per turn, even if you hit multiple times.

5

Sneak Attack Damage by Level

1st: 1d6 | 3rd: 2d6 | 5th: 3d6 | 7th: 4d6 | 9th: 5d6 | 11th: 6d6 | 13th: 7d6 | 15th: 8d6 | 17th: 9d6 | 19th: 10d6

6

Critical Hits

If your Sneak Attack is a critical hit, you roll all the Sneak Attack dice twice, just like the weapon damage dice.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Thinking you need advantage when an ally is adjacent - you need advantage OR an adjacent ally, not both
Common Mistake
Missing that Sneak Attack works on opportunity attacks since it's once per turn, not per round
Common Mistake
Not realizing that hiding for advantage is often unnecessary if allies are in melee
Common Mistake
Thinking you can't Sneak Attack with a bow when allies are in melee - ranged weapons qualify, and ally adjacency counts
Common Mistake
Forgetting that you need a finesse or ranged weapon - strength-based melee doesn't work
Common Mistake
Not using Sneak Attack because you think the enemy knows you're there - 'sneak' attack is a misnomer, it's precision damage
Common Mistake
Thinking you can split Sneak Attack damage across multiple hits - it applies to one attack per turn
Common Mistake
Missing that Steady Aim (Tasha's) gives you advantage as a bonus action, enabling Sneak Attack
Common Mistake
Not readying your action to attack on someone else's turn for a second Sneak Attack in a round
Common Mistake
Forgetting that magic items like Flame Tongue count as finesse if the base weapon is finesse

DM Tips

DM Tip
Sneak Attack is balanced to be a Rogue's main damage source - don't nerf it by requiring actual hiding/surprise
DM Tip
The once per turn limit means Rogues aren't overpowered with Extra Attack, but they can get it twice in a round with reactions
DM Tip
Create opportunities for Rogues to use Cunning Action (Hide/Disengage) to gain advantage
DM Tip
Rogues deal big damage in one hit - describe it cinematically with vital strikes, finding weak points, etc.
DM Tip
Consider that Sneak Attack doesn't work if the Rogue has disadvantage, so darkness, prone, etc. shut it down
DM Tip
Allies going down can disable Sneak Attack if the Rogue relies on ally adjacency instead of advantage
DM Tip
Invisible enemies or heavy obscurement can shut down Sneak Attack
DM Tip
Opportunity attacks with Sneak Attack are powerful - be aware when moving past Rogues
DM Tip
Critical hits on Sneak Attack can result in massive burst damage (20d6+ at high levels)
DM Tip
Rogues excel in single-target damage, but struggle with multiple enemies - design encounters accordingly

Sources & Further Reading