Dexterity or Strength for attacks?

[Eldorian]

A rogue needs to keep track of his bonus to hit using his strength, because that's what governs his basic melee attacks. So a rogue tends to be a lot less effective with OAs, granted attacks and the like.

Brutal rogues don't do so badly.

 

[andarilhor]

I have a little house rule of mine to simulate the weapon finesse:
When a character uses a light blade, he can choose to use his Dex instead of Str to basic melee attacks.

 

[generalhenry]

brutal rogues OA just fine.

Artful rogues... aren't supposed to man the front line.


It's working as intended, no need to monkey with it.

 

[SamRoswell]

STR is used for Basic Melee Attack. Always.

DEX is used for Basic Ranged Attack with light thrown and projectile weapons.
STR is used for Basic Ranged Attack with heavy thrown weapons.
INT is used for Basic Ranged Attack for Wizard.
CHA is used for Basic Ranged Attack for Warlock.

Most (all?) Rogue attack exploits are keyed off of DEX.
All Ranger melee attack exploits are keyed off of STR.
All Fighter attack exploits are keyed off of STR, but a few (no at-wills or 1st level) allow you to add your DEX bonus to both attack and damage (damage only currently on compendium).

A high DEX low STR character is best realized as a Rogue, but only on your turn. (This answers the question of whether you can build a "sub-optimal" character in 4e: high DEX, low STR fighter specializing in Rapier vs. high STR fighter specializing in Longsword).

 

[Gort]

I'd probably houserule that a rogue can use his dexterity for basic melee attacks. I'd just add it as a new class feature.

 

[Particle_Man]

INT is used for Basic Ranged Attack for Wizard.
CHA is used for Basic Ranged Attack for Warlock.

But only when using Magic Missle or Eldritch Blast, respectively. If the Wizard or Warlock throws a dagger in a basic ranged attack for some reason, then use DEX.

 

[SamRoswell]

Yes, yes. And, for the sake of pedantry, if they throw an axe or javelin, use STR.

 

[master of evil]

In the case of non rogues using ranged weapons would they get their dexterity as a bonus to damage as well?

 

[Danceofmasks]

If the power says so, yes.
And ranged basic attack does say so.