Grappling Rules

[Anthr4xus]

Because this invariably comes up in every 5e game at some point and it always seems to become a big conversation, I like to have these clearly posted for reference.

1. The target must be no more than one size larger than you: Your character can’t grapple an opponent that is more than one size category larger. That means a Medium-sized character can grapple up to a Large-sized creature, but anything larger is off-limits.
2. You need to have at least one free hand: To grapple, you must have a hand free. You can’t successfully grapple a creature if your hands are occupied.
3. Make a Strength (Athletics) check contested by the target’s Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check: The success of your grapple attempt is determined by an opposed check. You, as the grappler, use your Athletics skill, while the target can choose to resist using either Athletics or Acrobatics, whichever is higher.

If you succeed, the target is considered grappled. You can move up to half of your speed while maintaining a grapple and the grappled target moves with you.

 

Grappled

• A grappled creature’s speed becomes 0, and it can’t benefit from any bonus to its speed.
• The condition ends if the grappler is incapacitated (see the condition).
• The condition also ends if an effect removes the grappled creature from the reach of the grappler or grappling effect, such as when a creature is hurled away by the thunderwave spell or shove attack.

If you find yourself on the wrong side of a grapple, there are a couple ways you can escape unscathed:

• Escape using a contested check: If you think you can outmaneuver your opponent, you can attempt to escape by using your action and making a contested Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check against your grappler’s Strength (Athletics).
• Teleport out: For the small cost of a bonus action and a 2nd-level spell slot, you can easily misty step out of a grapple.
• Blast your opponent away: Using a spell like thunderwave forcibly moves your opponent, thereby breaking their hold on you.
• Incapacitate your opponent: Your opponent won’t be much of a grappler if they’re unconscious! There are plenty of ways to incapacitate foes, ranging from the sleep spell to a monk’s Stunning Strike!

Edited October 27, 2023 by Anthr4xus (see edit history)