What Happens When An Attack Crits 5e

What Happens When an Attack Crits in 5e? A Comprehensive Guide

So, you've rolled that glorious natural 20. Your attack has crited! But what exactly does that mean in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e)? This article will delve into the mechanics of critical hits, explaining the process, clarifying common misconceptions, and exploring how they interact with various game elements.

A critical hit, or crit, in 5e occurs when you roll a natural 20 on your attack roll. This doesn't automatically mean you've dealt massive damage; it simply means you've landed a critical hit and now the damage is calculated differently. Understanding this distinction is crucial.

The Critical Hit Process: Step-by-Step

1. Natural 20 on Attack Roll: The journey begins with that satisfying roll of a natural 20 on your attack roll. This signifies a critical hit. Note that this only applies to attack rolls; other dice rolls, such as saving throws or ability checks, don't trigger critical hits.

2. Confirm the Crit: The next step, crucial for understanding the damage calculation, involves making a second attack roll using the same attack modifier as your initial roll. However, the outcome of this second roll doesn't matter in the context of whether it hits; it's solely a procedural step to determine the damage.

3. Roll Damage Dice: Once the initial attack roll was a critical hit, you will roll your weapon's damage dice. However, you will roll the damage dice twice (or three times for certain weapons with an additional damage die feature). This is where the extra damage from the critical hit comes from. This doubled damage (or tripled) is added together to calculate the overall damage inflicted.

4. Add Modifiers: After rolling the damage dice, remember to add any applicable modifiers, such as Strength, Dexterity, or other relevant ability score modifiers based on your weapon.

5. Apply Additional Effects: Critical hits can trigger additional effects, depending on your character's abilities, spells, or features. For example, certain feats or subclasses might provide bonus damage on a critical hit, while some spells might add extra effects.

Common Misconceptions about Critical Hits in 5e

• Critical Hits Always Guarantee Maximum Damage: This is false. While a crit doubles (or triples) your damage dice, it doesn't automatically mean you'll deal the maximum possible damage with those dice. You still roll the dice, and the results can vary.

• Critical Hits Automatically Hit: While a natural 20 guarantees a critical hit, it doesn't automatically mean the attack hits. The initial attack roll must still meet or exceed the target's Armor Class (AC). A natural 20 on an attack roll against an extremely high AC target will still be a critical hit, but if it doesn't meet the AC, it misses.

• All Critical Hits Are the Same: The impact of a critical hit can be dramatically different depending on the weapon used, character abilities, and the specific situation. A critical hit with a dagger will differ significantly from one with a greatsword.

Maximizing Your Critical Hit Potential

Several strategies and options can increase your chances of landing critical hits or increase their impact:

• Advantage on Attack Rolls: Having advantage doubles your chances of rolling a natural 20.

• Weapon Features: Certain weapons have features which enhance critical hits.

• Feats and Abilities: Feats like Great Weapon Master or Sharpshooter can significantly boost critical hit damage or likelihood, even if they come with penalties.

• Spells and Abilities: Some spells and class abilities can enhance critical hits either by increasing the chance to crit or adding bonus damage.

Understanding the intricacies of critical hits in 5e is crucial for effective combat. By mastering these mechanics, you'll be better equipped to maximize your damage output and contribute significantly to your party's success. Remember to always consult the Player's Handbook for the most accurate and up-to-date rules.