How to Set Up Sneak Attack in Solo D&D

Sneak Attack requires either advantage on the attack roll or an ally within 5 feet of the target. In solo play, you have no allies. So: advantage.

Here's how to generate advantage every turn as a solo Rogue.

Method 1: Hide Every Turn

Bonus action: Cunning Action Hide. Succeed a Stealth check against enemy Perception. You're now hidden.

Next turn: attack from hiding. Hidden attacks have advantage.

After attack, break stealth. Next bonus action: Hide again.

The loop:

1. Attack with advantage (Sneak Attack triggers).
2. Bonus action: Hide (if possible).
3. Next turn: attack with advantage from hiding.

This requires cover or obstruction to hide behind. In open ground, you can't effectively hide mid-combat.

Method 2: Class Features That Grant Advantage

Assassin's Assassinate (Level 3)

Advantage on attacks against enemies who haven't taken a turn in combat yet. Also, critical hits on surprised creatures.

Great for opening combat rounds. Weak once initiative kicks in.

Steady Aim (Tasha's, optional)

Bonus action to gain advantage on your next attack roll, as long as you haven't moved this turn.

Simple and reliable. If your DM uses Tasha's content, take this.

Method 3: Spells That Grant Advantage

If you have access to spells:

• Faerie Fire: Outline targets in light. Attacks against them have advantage.
• Invisibility: You're unseen. Attacks from unseen attackers have advantage.
• Greater Invisibility: Doesn't end on attack. Guaranteed advantage.

Arcane Trickster Rogues have access via their subclass. Multiclass Rogues can get these from other classes.

Method 4: Allies (Even in "Solo" Play)

"Solo" can include:

• Animal companion (Beast Master Ranger multiclass).
• Familiar (Pact of the Chain Warlock multiclass, Find Familiar spell).
• Summoned creatures (Conjure Animals, Animate Dead).

A familiar adjacent to your target satisfies the "ally within 5 feet" condition for Sneak Attack.

Method 5: Prone Enemies in Melee

Shove an enemy prone (contested check or spell), then attack. Attacks against prone enemies in melee have advantage.

Method 6: Paralyzed / Stunned Enemies

Hold Person, Stunning Strike, or similar. Paralyzed/stunned enemies grant advantage.

Method 7: Item-Based Advantage

• Potion of Heroism or similar buff.
• Magical weapons with advantage triggers.

The Solo Rogue Routine

1. Turn 1: Pre-combat. Hide in position. Use cover.
2. Turn 2: Initiative. Attack from hiding (advantage). Sneak Attack triggers.
3. Turn 3 onward: Bonus action Hide behind cover. Attack next turn with advantage.

This gives consistent Sneak Attack damage.

When You Can't Set Up

Some fights don't allow easy advantage:

• Open terrain with no cover.
• Multiple enemies with high Perception.
• Time-sensitive situations.

In these cases, you'll attack without Sneak Attack sometimes. Or:

• Multiclass into Fighter 1 for Second Wind and Fighting Style.
• Use consumables (Potion of Invisibility).
• Accept the damage loss for that encounter.

In The Endlessness

Our AI Dungeon Master handles Sneak Attack triggers: hiding, advantage application, visibility and cover mechanics, ally adjacency (if applicable).

For related reads, our rogue guide, cover and line of sight guide, and advantage and disadvantage guide cover more.

Final Takeaway

Solo Rogues require planning. Manufacture advantage each turn. Hide, spells, class features, or summons.

Start a Rogue on The Endlessness and practice the routine.