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Grappler

Complete guide to the Grappler feat in D&D 5e. Pin enemies, gain advantage on attacks against grappled foes, and become a master wrestler.

Prerequisite: Strength 13 or higher

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BenefitMechanicsSynergiesCommon MistakesDM TipsSources

Benefit

You gain advantage on attacks against creatures you're grappling and can restrain them, though you also become restrained in the process.

Mechanics

Grappler enhances your ability to control enemies through grappling: **Advantage on Grappled Creatures:** You have advantage on attack rolls against a creature you are grappling. **Pin Action:** You can use your action to try to pin a creature grappled by you. To do so, make another grapple check. If you succeed, you and the creature are both restrained until the grapple ends. **Important Details:** - Advantage applies to attack rolls, not damage - Pinning restrains both you and the target - Restrained creatures have disadvantage on attack rolls and DEX saves - Attacks against restrained creatures have advantage - Pinning uses your action, so plan accordingly - You must already be grappling to use the pin action

Synergies

  • *Tavern Brawler feat - Grapple as bonus action after unarmed strike
  • *Shield Master - Shove prone after grappling for more advantage
  • *Barbarian Rage - Advantage on STR checks makes grappling easier
  • *Rune Knight Fighter - Grapple huge creatures
  • *Athletics expertise - Ensure grapple and pin success
  • *Enlarge/Reduce spell - Become larger to grapple bigger creatures

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Thinking the advantage is free - you need to be grappling
Common Mistake
Not realizing pinning restrains you too - this is often a bad trade
Common Mistake
Forgetting you can't pin until you've already established a grapple
Common Mistake
Missing that you can grapple + attack with Extra Attack, then pin next turn
Common Mistake
Not using shove prone + grapple combo for better advantage
Common Mistake
Taking this feat when you don't build for grappling (high STR, Athletics proficiency)

DM Tips

DM Tip
Grappler is generally considered weak compared to other feats
DM Tip
Pinning restrains the user too, which is rarely worth it
DM Tip
Grappling builds work better with Tavern Brawler and high Athletics
DM Tip
Consider buffing this feat or allowing the pin to not restrain the user
DM Tip
Multiple enemies can overwhelm grapplers
DM Tip
This feat is more about control than damage

Sources & Further Reading