Attack Roll

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Read all the way to the bottom of this article for your free attack roll check list downloadable guide

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Attack Roll: A primary mechanic in Dungeons & Dragons used to determine whether an attack hits a target. It is an integral part of combat and is governed by various rules and modifiers.

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1. Attack Roll: The roll of a 20-sided die (d20) made by a player or Dungeon Master (DM) to determine if an attack hits a target. The number rolled is then added to any relevant modifiers.

2. D20: The 20-sided die, one of the fundamental dice used in Dungeons & Dragons. It is most commonly used for attack rolls, saving throws, and ability checks.

3. Modifier: A number derived from a character's ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma) or proficiency that is added to a d20 roll. This could include attack bonuses from a weapon or spell.

4. Proficiency Bonus: A bonus that represents a character's experience and training. It's added to attack rolls if the character is proficient with the weapon or spell being used.

5. Armor Class (AC): A measure of how well-protected a character or monster is. It's the target number that an attack roll must meet or exceed in order to hit.

6. Critical Hit (Crit): When a player rolls a natural 20 (a 20 on the d20 without adding any modifiers), they achieve a "critical hit," which typically deals extra damage.

7. Natural 20/Natural 1: A "natural 20" is when the d20 roll shows a 20. Similarly, a "natural 1" is when the d20 roll shows a 1. A natural 20 usually represents the best possible outcome, while a natural 1 often represents the worst possible outcome.

8. Advantage/Disadvantage: Advantage and disadvantage affect attack rolls. When you roll with advantage, you roll the d20 twice and take the higher number. When you roll with disadvantage, you roll the d20 twice and take the lower number.

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Related Topics

1. Saving Throw: A roll made to resist or avoid a spell, trap, poison, disease, or similar threat.

2. Ability Check: A roll made to determine the success or failure of an action that isn't covered by attack rolls or saving throws, such as picking a lock or climbing a wall.

3. Damage Roll: The roll made after a successful attack roll to determine how much damage is inflicted on a target.

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Relevant Rules and Mechanics

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1. Making an Attack Roll: Roll a d20 and add the appropriate modifiers. If the total equals or exceeds the target's Armor Class, the attack hits.

2. Critical Hits: If you roll a natural 20 on an attack roll, you hit regardless of the target's AC, and you have scored a critical hit, which means you roll extra dice for the attack's damage.

3. Advantage and Disadvantage: Under certain conditions, you may have advantage or disadvantage on your attack roll. This is usually determined by the DM based on the situation, spells, or abilities being used.

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Attack Rolls in Depth: A Critical Component of D&D Combat

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Dungeons & Dragons, an immersive role-playing game, thrives on dynamic storytelling and exciting encounters. At the heart of many of these encounters is the attack roll, a pivotal mechanic that can spell victory or defeat for intrepid adventurers.

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An attack roll in D&D involves rolling a 20-sided die, known as a d20, and adding any relevant modifiers. This could include your proficiency bonus, which represents your character's specific training, and a bonus from your character's relevant ability score (usually Strength for melee attacks and Dexterity for ranged attacks).

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The result of an attack roll is compared against a target's Armor Class (AC), a measure of how difficult they are to hit. If the roll equals or exceeds the target's AC, the attack successfully hits. This dynamic establishes an exciting risk-versus-reward scenario in each combat turn.

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One exhilarating feature of attack rolls is the chance to score a critical hit - a "crit." When you roll a natural 20 (the d20 shows a 20), you automatically hit regardless of the target's AC, and get to roll extra damage dice, making for triumphant moments in battle.

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Conversely, a natural 1, the lowest possible roll, usually results in an automatic miss, often prompting humorous descriptions of combat mishaps from the Dungeon Master.

The attack roll system also incorporates the advantage/disadvantage mechanic.

 

If conditions are particularly favourable for your attack, you may roll two d20s and take the higher result - this is rolling with advantage. However, if conditions are against you, you might roll two d20s and take the lower result - this is rolling with disadvantage.

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Enter the Arcverse articles on combat encounters and related topics:

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Understanding D&D Combat

First Time DM Tips: D&D Combat

Mastering D&D Combat: Expert Tips for DMing Encounters

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Get your FREE Attack Roll Checklist here

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