The Rules on Opportunity Attacks

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 45 views

Understanding Frenzy and Opportunity Attacks in D&D 5e

In the world of Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition, the Barbarian class has access to a feature called Frenzy, which allows them to deal extra damage to their first target on their turn when using a Strength-based attack. This feature is particularly useful in combat situations where the Barbarian can take advantage of their Rage ability to increase their damage output. However, there is a question that has been debated among players and Dungeon Masters: can a Berserker do frenzy damage on an opportunity attack?

What is an Opportunity Attack?

Before we dive into the specifics of Frenzy and opportunity attacks, let's take a moment to understand what an opportunity attack is. An opportunity attack is a special type of attack that a character can make when an enemy leaves their space or when an enemy is within 5 feet of the character and they miss a melee attack roll against that enemy. Opportunity attacks are a key part of the D&D 5e combat system, allowing characters to take advantage of their enemies' mistakes and deal damage when they least expect it.

What is Frenzy?

Frenzy is a feature of the Barbarian class that allows them to deal extra damage to their first target on their turn when using a Strength-based attack. To determine the extra damage, the Barbarian rolls a d10 and adds the result to their attack roll. The extra damage is then applied to the first target hit on the Barbarian's turn. Frenzy is a powerful feature that can turn the tide of battle in favor of the Barbarian, making it a valuable tool for any Barbarian player.

Can a Berserker Do Frenzy Damage on an Opportunity Attack?

Now that we have a good understanding of Frenzy and opportunity attacks, let's get to the question at hand: can a Berserker do frenzy damage on an opportunity attack? The answer to this question is not immediately clear from the rules, and it has been the subject of much debate among players and Dungeon Masters.

The Rules on Opportunity Attacks

According to the D&D 5e rules, opportunity attacks are triggered when an enemy leaves an area or when an enemy is within 5 feet of the character and they miss a melee attack roll against that enemy. Opportunity attacks are made with the character's attack bonus and are resolved as a normal attack. However, the rules do not specifically address whether Frenzy damage can be applied to opportunity attacks.

The Official Answer

Fortunately, the official answer to this question is clear. According to the D&D 5e rules, Frenzy damage can be applied to opportunity attacks. This means that if a Berserker uses Reckless Attack while their Rage is active, they can deal extra damage to the first target they hit on their turn, including opportunity attacks.

Why Frenzy Damage Can Be Applied to Opportunity Attacks

So why can Frenzy damage be applied to opportunity attacks? The answer lies in the way that Frenzy is designed to work. Frenzy is a feature that is triggered by the Barbarian's Rage ability, which is a state of fury that allows the Barbarian to deal more damage. Opportunity attacks are simply a type of attack that can be made when an enemy leaves an area or when an enemy is within 5 feet of the character and they miss a melee attack roll against that enemy. Since Frenzy is triggered by the Barbarian's Rage ability, it can be applied to any type of attack, including opportunity attacks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a Berserker can indeed do frenzy damage on an opportunity attack. This means that if a Berserker uses Reckless Attack while their Rage is active, they can deal extra damage to the first target they hit on their turn, including opportunity attacks. This is a powerful feature that can turn the tide of battle in favor of the Berserker, making it a valuable tool for any Barbarian player.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use Frenzy on a bonus action attack?

A: No, Frenzy can only be used on a main action attack.

Q: Can I use Frenzy on a melee attack that misses?

A: No, Frenzy can only be used on a melee attack that hits.

Q: Can I use Frenzy on an opportunity attack that is made with a different type of attack?

A: No, Frenzy can only be used on a Strength-based attack.

Tips and Tricks

Tip 1: Use Frenzy on your first attack of the turn

Using Frenzy on your first attack of the turn can help you deal extra damage to your enemies and set the tone for the rest of the combat.

Tip 2: Use Reckless Attack to trigger Frenzy

Using Reckless Attack can help you trigger Frenzy and deal extra damage to your enemies.

Tip 3: Use Frenzy on opportunity attacks

Using Frenzy on opportunity attacks can help you deal extra damage to your enemies and take advantage of their mistakes.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Frenzy is a powerful feature that can turn the tide of battle in favor of the Berserker. By using Frenzy on opportunity attacks, you can deal extra damage to your enemies and take advantage of their mistakes. Remember to use Frenzy on your first attack of the turn, use Reckless Attack to trigger Frenzy, and use Frenzy on opportunity attacks to maximize your damage output. With practice and experience, you can become a master of Frenzy and deal devastating damage to your enemies.

Understanding Frenzy and Opportunity Attacks in D&D 5e

In our previous article, we explored the question of whether a Berserker can do frenzy damage on an opportunity attack. We delved into the rules and mechanics of Frenzy and opportunity attacks, and concluded that a Berserker can indeed do frenzy damage on an opportunity attack. However, we know that there are many more questions and nuances to explore. In this article, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Frenzy damage on opportunity attacks.

Q&A: Frenzy Damage on Opportunity Attacks

Q: Can I use Frenzy on a bonus action attack?

A: No, Frenzy can only be used on a main action attack.

Q: Can I use Frenzy on a melee attack that misses?

A: No, Frenzy can only be used on a melee attack that hits.

Q: Can I use Frenzy on an opportunity attack that is made with a different type of attack?

A: No, Frenzy can only be used on a Strength-based attack.

Q: Can I use Frenzy on an opportunity attack that is triggered by a different ability?

A: Yes, Frenzy can be used on an opportunity attack that is triggered by a different ability, such as a rogue's sneak attack or a fighter's second wind.

Q: Can I use Frenzy on an opportunity attack that is made with a different type of damage?

A: No, Frenzy can only be used on a melee attack that deals bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage.

Q: Can I use Frenzy on an opportunity attack that is made against a creature that is immune to damage?

A: No, Frenzy cannot be used on an opportunity attack that is made against a creature that is immune to damage.

Q: Can I use Frenzy on an opportunity attack that is made against a creature that is not within 5 feet of me?

A: No, Frenzy can only be used on an opportunity attack that is made against a creature that is within 5 feet of me.

Q: Can I use Frenzy on an opportunity attack that is made against a creature that is not a valid target for my attack?

A: No, Frenzy can only be used on an opportunity attack that is made against a creature that is a valid target for my attack.

Tips and Tricks for Using Frenzy on Opportunity Attacks

Tip 1: Use Frenzy on your first attack of the turn

Using Frenzy on your first attack of the turn can help you deal extra damage to your enemies and set the tone for the rest of the combat.

Tip 2: Use Reckless Attack to trigger Frenzy

Using Reckless Attack can help you trigger Frenzy and deal extra damage to your enemies.

Tip 3: Use Frenzy on opportunity attacks

Using Frenzy on opportunity attacks can help you deal extra damage to your enemies and take advantage of their mistakes.

Tip 4: Use Frenzy on creatures that are vulnerable to bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage

Using Frenzy on creatures that are vulnerable to bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage can help you deal extra damage and take advantage of their weaknesses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Frenzy on Opportunity Attacks

Mistake 1: Not using Frenzy on your first attack of the turn

Not using Frenzy on your first attack of the turn can mean missing out on extra damage and setting the tone for the rest of the combat.

Mistake 2: Not using Reckless Attack to trigger Frenzy

Not using Reckless Attack to trigger Frenzy can mean missing out on extra damage and not taking advantage of your enemies' mistakes.

Mistake 3: Not using Frenzy on opportunity attacks

Not using Frenzy on opportunity attacks can mean missing out on extra damage and not taking advantage of your enemies' mistakes.

Mistake 4: Not using Frenzy on creatures that are vulnerable to bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage

Not using Frenzy on creatures that are vulnerable to bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage can mean missing out on extra damage and not taking advantage of their weaknesses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Frenzy damage on opportunity attacks is a powerful feature that can help you deal extra damage to your enemies and take advantage of their mistakes. By understanding the rules and mechanics of Frenzy and opportunity attacks, you can use this feature to its fullest potential and become a more effective combatant. Remember to use Frenzy on your first attack of the turn, use Reckless Attack to trigger Frenzy, and use Frenzy on opportunity attacks to maximize your damage output. With practice and experience, you can become a master of Frenzy and deal devastating damage to your enemies.