[RPG] Is Extra Attack based on class level or character level

character-levelsclass-featurednd-5efighter

If you had a rogue at level 4 and then multiclassed to a fighter at level 5, would the character then have 2 attacks since he has 5 total levels or would you have to level fighter to level 5 to gain the extra attack?

Best Answer

You unlock the extra attack based on Fighter level, at 5th level.

Unlike cantrips and proficiency bonuses (PHB, p. 15) that increase with character level, this is a class feature that unlocks with class level. (Cantrips increase damage dice at levels 5, 11, and 17 which match the "Tiers of Play" on PHB p. 15).

Extra Attack
Beginning at 5th level{Fighter}, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn. (PHB p. 72)

That's a continuation of the larger heading of "Class Features" that begins on page 71 of the PHB. The Barbarian, Monk, Paladin, and Ranger also get an extra attack at class level 5 (PHB, p. 49, 79, 85, and 92 respectively under Class Features). The Rogue does not. (PHB, p. 95-97)