Grappled Condition 5e
A grappled creature's speed becomes 0 and it can't benefit from any bonus to its speed.
Effect
- 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.
- The condition also ends if an effect removes the grappled creature from the reach of the grappler (e.g., Thunderwave).
How Grappling Works
- Initiate: Use the Attack action to make a special melee attack (replaces one attack). Make a Strength (Athletics) check contested by the target's Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) (target's choice).
- Escape: A grappled creature can use its action to escape. Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) vs. the grappler's Strength (Athletics).
- Moving: The grappler can drag or carry the creature, but their speed is halved (unless the creature is 2+ sizes smaller).
Key Interactions
- Grappled does NOT give advantage or disadvantage on attacks — combine with the Shove action (prone) for advantage.
- A grappled+prone creature has speed 0 (from grapple) and can't stand up (standing requires speed) — a powerful combo.
- Grappling requires a free hand.
- You can grapple creatures up to one size larger than you.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Thinking grappling gives advantage on attacks — it doesn't by itself, use shove+grapple combo
Common Mistake
Forgetting that grappling uses Athletics, not an attack roll
Common Mistake
Not allowing the target to choose Athletics or Acrobatics to escape
DM Tips
DM Tip
Grapple+shove prone is one of the strongest martial combos — reward players who use it
DM Tip
Large monsters can grapple multiple creatures at once