Is A Shove An Attack 5e Extra Attack

Is a Shove an Attack in 5e? Understanding Extra Attack and the Rules of Shoving

The question of whether a shove is considered an attack in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) is crucial for understanding how the Extra Attack feature interacts with grappling and other maneuvers. The short answer is no, a shove is not an attack in the traditional sense, but its implications are far-reaching and often misunderstood. This article will delve into the specifics, clarifying the rules and helping you optimize your combat strategy.

This article will cover the key aspects of shoving mechanics, its relationship with Extra Attack, and provide examples to illustrate its practical application. We'll also explore the differences between shoving as a bonus action versus an action and how this impacts your turn economy.

Understanding the Shove Action in 5e

In 5e, the shove action is described in the Player's Handbook under the Using Another Creature's Reaction section. It's a special interaction, not a traditional attack roll that uses your weapon's attack bonus. Instead, it uses your Strength (or Dexterity for smaller creatures) check against the target's Strength (or Dexterity) saving throw. Successfully shoving a creature doesn't deal damage; its effect is determined by the outcome.

Key Differences from Attacks:

• No Weapon Required: You don't need a weapon to shove.
• Different Roll Type: It uses an ability check, not an attack roll. This means it's not affected by features that modify attack rolls, like Sharpened Stone or fighting styles.
• No Critical Hits: Shoving cannot critically hit.
• No Damage Dice: Shoving doesn't deal damage.

Extra Attack and Shoving: The Crucial Distinction

This is where the confusion often arises. The Extra Attack feature allows you to make a second attack with a weapon when you take the Attack action on your turn. Since a shove isn't an attack, you cannot use your Extra Attack to perform a shove. You can only use your action or bonus action to shove.

Let's look at a typical turn:

• Action: You can either make one or two weapon attacks (if you have Extra Attack) OR use your action to shove a creature.
• Bonus Action: You can use your bonus action to shove only if you haven't already used your action to attack.

Strategic Considerations for Shoving

Despite not benefitting from Extra Attack, shoving is a powerful tool in combat:

• Knock Prone: Successfully shoving a creature prone can significantly impact their actions and defenses, providing an advantage for your allies or setting up a critical hit for your next attack.
• Control of the Battlefield: Shoving can be used to maneuver enemies into advantageous positions, pulling them away from allies or forcing them into dangerous terrain.
• Disengaging from Melee: Shoving can allow you to move away from an enemy without provoking opportunity attacks.

Common Misconceptions Debunked

• Shoving with a Weapon: While you can shove as part of an attack using certain feats or special maneuvers, a standard shove action is not dependent on having a weapon.
• Shoving as a Bonus Action: While using the shove action is available as a bonus action, that only applies when you don’t use your action for another attack.
• Extra Attack and Shove Synergy: They are not directly synergistic. You must choose between attacking with your weapon(s) and shoving.

Understanding the mechanics of shoving and its interaction with other features, such as Extra Attack, is vital for maximizing your effectiveness in combat. Remember that clever use of this maneuver can drastically alter the flow of battle, creating opportunities for both offense and defense. By strategically employing the shove, you can control the battlefield and enhance your overall combat proficiency in 5e.