Melee Spell Attacks & Extra Attack rules question

[drspper1]

Simply, for example, Vampiric Touch requires melee spell attacks each round while concentration is maintained, so can you benefit from Extra Attack Class Feature? Effectively making x2 Vampiric Touch attacks each round (except the round you cast it I suppose).

Thoughts?:)

[GWJ_DanyBoy]

You're taking the "cast a spell" action, not the attack action, so Extra attack doesn't apply. Further, Vampiric Touch specifically says you take your whole action to make the same attack again.

[Joxeta]

From Sage Advice Compendium:
Second, neither green-flame blade nor booming blade
works with Extra Attack or any other feature that requires
the Attack action. Like other spells, these cantrips require
the Cast a Spell action, not the Attack action, and they can’t
be used to make an opportunity attack, unless a special feature
allows you to do so.

So, unfortunately you cannot Extra Attack with Vampiric Touch with this ruling.

Also, even though the spell is maintained through concentration, it does say that you use your action to make the same attack on following turns.

[Oblivious]

I think the other answers are accurate, but may not address the root cause of the confusion.

'Spell Attacks' are a kind of 'Attack.' 'Spell Attacks' are not an 'Attack Action,' however. 'Extra Attack' specifically allows another 'Attack' as part of an 'Attack Action.'

So you identified that 'Spell Attacks' are 'Attacks,' but missed that not all 'Attacks' are an 'Attack Action.'

[drspper1]

Thanks for the reply, makes sense;)