Swashbuckler FAQ
How does Swashbuckler interact with Sneak Attack?
Rakish Audacity creates a special one-on-one Sneak Attack route. If you are within 5 feet of the target, no other creatures are within 5 feet of you, and you do not have disadvantage, you can Sneak Attack without advantage or an ally next to the target. Normal Sneak Attack restrictions still apply.
The base Sneak Attack rule still applies
Rakish Audacity adds a one-on-one Sneak Attack route: stay within 5 feet of the target, avoid having other creatures within 5 feet of you, and do not attack with disadvantage. The normal ally-based and advantage-based Sneak Attack methods remain available too.
Subclass interaction
Rakish Audacity creates a special one-on-one Sneak Attack route. If you are within 5 feet of the target, no other creatures are within 5 feet of you, and you do not have disadvantage, you can Sneak Attack without advantage or an ally next to the target. Normal Sneak Attack restrictions still apply.
Reaction attacks can still matter
A Swashbuckler often leaves melee using Fancy Footwork, so opportunity attacks may occur less often than on a stationary Rogue. When a qualifying reaction attack does happen, the normal once-per-turn Sneak Attack rule still allows another Sneak Attack on that creature's turn.
Do not double-count subclass damage
Rakish Audacity changes qualification, not damage. It does not add extra Sneak Attack dice or permit a second Sneak Attack on your own turn; it simply creates another legal way to apply the normal Rogue feature.