Are there any limitations on attacking while grappling?
.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty{ margin-bottom:0;
}
$begingroup$
I've tried looking in other posts regarding my question, but couldn't find a definitive answer to my question.
- If a level 5 barbarian equipped with a 2-handed weapon attempts a grapple and succeeds, would the extra attack feature allow an attack with the 2-handed weapon?
- The barbarian's next turn comes around, can he still make 2 weapon attacks without breaking the grapple?
The rules for grappling states that the one who initiates the grappling needs at least one free hand, so it's been confusing for me...
dnd-5e attack grapple
asked Mar 29 at 15:01
qqaejaqqaeja
655
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
I've tried looking in other posts regarding my question, but couldn't find a definitive answer to my question.
- If a level 5 barbarian equipped with a 2-handed weapon attempts a grapple and succeeds, would the extra attack feature allow an attack with the 2-handed weapon?
- The barbarian's next turn comes around, can he still make 2 weapon attacks without breaking the grapple?
The rules for grappling states that the one who initiates the grappling needs at least one free hand, so it's been confusing for me...
dnd-5e attack grapple
asked Mar 29 at 15:01
qqaejaqqaeja
655
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Related: Can one attack for damage after having grappled an opponent?
$endgroup$
– Sdjz
Mar 29 at 15:09
$begingroup$
Welcome! I see you already took the tour so you can check the help center if you need further guidance. Excellent question. Good luck and happy gaming!
$endgroup$
– Sdjz
Mar 29 at 15:10
add a comment |
$begingroup$
I've tried looking in other posts regarding my question, but couldn't find a definitive answer to my question.
- If a level 5 barbarian equipped with a 2-handed weapon attempts a grapple and succeeds, would the extra attack feature allow an attack with the 2-handed weapon?
- The barbarian's next turn comes around, can he still make 2 weapon attacks without breaking the grapple?
The rules for grappling states that the one who initiates the grappling needs at least one free hand, so it's been confusing for me...
dnd-5e attack grapple
asked Mar 29 at 15:01
qqaejaqqaeja
655
$endgroup$
I've tried looking in other posts regarding my question, but couldn't find a definitive answer to my question.
- If a level 5 barbarian equipped with a 2-handed weapon attempts a grapple and succeeds, would the extra attack feature allow an attack with the 2-handed weapon?
- The barbarian's next turn comes around, can he still make 2 weapon attacks without breaking the grapple?
The rules for grappling states that the one who initiates the grappling needs at least one free hand, so it's been confusing for me...
dnd-5e attack grapple
dnd-5e attack grapple
asked Mar 29 at 15:01
qqaejaqqaeja
655
asked Mar 29 at 15:01
qqaejaqqaeja
655
asked Mar 29 at 15:01
qqaejaqqaeja
655
asked Mar 29 at 15:01
qqaejaqqaeja
655
asked Mar 29 at 15:01
qqaejaqqaeja
655
655
$begingroup$
Related: Can one attack for damage after having grappled an opponent?
$endgroup$
– Sdjz
Mar 29 at 15:09
$begingroup$
Welcome! I see you already took the tour so you can check the help center if you need further guidance. Excellent question. Good luck and happy gaming!
$endgroup$
– Sdjz
Mar 29 at 15:10
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Related: Can one attack for damage after having grappled an opponent?
$endgroup$
– Sdjz
Mar 29 at 15:09
$begingroup$
Welcome! I see you already took the tour so you can check the help center if you need further guidance. Excellent question. Good luck and happy gaming!
$endgroup$
– Sdjz
Mar 29 at 15:10
$begingroup$
Related: Can one attack for damage after having grappled an opponent?
$endgroup$
– Sdjz
Mar 29 at 15:09
$begingroup$
Related: Can one attack for damage after having grappled an opponent?
$endgroup$
– Sdjz
Mar 29 at 15:09
$begingroup$
Welcome! I see you already took the tour so you can check the help center if you need further guidance. Excellent question. Good luck and happy gaming!
$endgroup$
– Sdjz
Mar 29 at 15:10
$begingroup$
Welcome! I see you already took the tour so you can check the help center if you need further guidance. Excellent question. Good luck and happy gaming!
$endgroup$
– Sdjz
Mar 29 at 15:10
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
No, you can not use a 2-handed weapon to attack when grappling*
As you've noted, when you grapple, you must be:
Using at least one free hand...
If the grapple is successful, that hand is now busy grappling. Unless you can wield the weapon in one hand (if it has Versatile property), then you do not have a weapon out that you can attack with.
You can still choose to use it as an improvised weapon, or you can use an unarmed strike if you have any remaining attacks left during the turn you used to grapple
Next turn, you are free to attack (but again, with only one arm)
If you are still maintaining your grapple (the target hasn't successfully broken it), then you use your attacks as normal. But you still only have one free hand available which limits your weapon options and prevents you from using your 2-handed weapon as above.
*unless you've got a third arm.
answered Mar 29 at 15:07
NautArchNautArch
62.3k8225411
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Perhaps worth pointing out that it could be useful to grapple, move (dragging your target with you at half speed), then release the grapple and make an attack with a 2H weapon, all on your turn if you have Extra Attack. But that's a different tactical option than the question is asking about.
$endgroup$
– Peter Cordes
Mar 29 at 23:56
add a comment |
$begingroup$
You can still attack, and use Extra Attack, but you can't use your 2-handed weapon to do it.
The Grapple Action specifies the following...
Using at least one free hand, you try to seize the target by making a grapple check instead of an attack roll [...] you can release the target whenever you like (no action required).
source
This pretty clearly states that you need at least 1 free hand to grapple your target, and that 'releasing them' ends the grapple. The problem comes that you're trying to use a two-handed weapon.
Two-Handed. This weapon requires two hands when you attack with it.
source
If you are Grappling a target, one of your hands is busy holding on to the person you have grappled. Therefore, you do not have two hands available to use a Two-handed weapon.
Work-arounds
If you are using a one-handed weapon, you can still hit them with that. You may also choose to use Unarmed Attacks instead. Note that you do not have to put your Axe down to do this, because...
Instead of using a weapon to make a melee weapon attack, you can use an unarmed strike: a punch, kick, head-butt, or similar forceful blow (none of which count as weapons). On a hit, an unarmed strike deals bludgeoning damage equal to 1 + your Strength modifier. You are proficient with your unarmed strikes.
source
So you could grapple someone then headbutt them into submission, without putting your axe down.
answered Mar 29 at 15:12
guildsbountyguildsbounty
36.8k7151181
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
+1 for headbutt them into submission ... nice visual.
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
Mar 29 at 15:27
$begingroup$
@guildsbounty No worries! It is easy to do. Comment removed.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
Mar 29 at 15:49
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ifUsing("editor", function () {
return StackExchange.using("mathjaxEditing", function () {
StackExchange.MarkdownEditor.creationCallbacks.add(function (editor, postfix) {
StackExchange.mathjaxEditing.prepareWmdForMathJax(editor, postfix, [["\$", "\$"]]);
});
});
}, "mathjax-editing");
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "122"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2frpg.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f144139%2fare-there-any-limitations-on-attacking-while-grappling%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
No, you can not use a 2-handed weapon to attack when grappling*
As you've noted, when you grapple, you must be:
Using at least one free hand...
If the grapple is successful, that hand is now busy grappling. Unless you can wield the weapon in one hand (if it has Versatile property), then you do not have a weapon out that you can attack with.
You can still choose to use it as an improvised weapon, or you can use an unarmed strike if you have any remaining attacks left during the turn you used to grapple
Next turn, you are free to attack (but again, with only one arm)
If you are still maintaining your grapple (the target hasn't successfully broken it), then you use your attacks as normal. But you still only have one free hand available which limits your weapon options and prevents you from using your 2-handed weapon as above.
*unless you've got a third arm.
answered Mar 29 at 15:07
NautArchNautArch
62.3k8225411
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Perhaps worth pointing out that it could be useful to grapple, move (dragging your target with you at half speed), then release the grapple and make an attack with a 2H weapon, all on your turn if you have Extra Attack. But that's a different tactical option than the question is asking about.
$endgroup$
– Peter Cordes
Mar 29 at 23:56
add a comment |
$begingroup$
No, you can not use a 2-handed weapon to attack when grappling*
As you've noted, when you grapple, you must be:
Using at least one free hand...
If the grapple is successful, that hand is now busy grappling. Unless you can wield the weapon in one hand (if it has Versatile property), then you do not have a weapon out that you can attack with.
You can still choose to use it as an improvised weapon, or you can use an unarmed strike if you have any remaining attacks left during the turn you used to grapple
Next turn, you are free to attack (but again, with only one arm)
If you are still maintaining your grapple (the target hasn't successfully broken it), then you use your attacks as normal. But you still only have one free hand available which limits your weapon options and prevents you from using your 2-handed weapon as above.
*unless you've got a third arm.
answered Mar 29 at 15:07
NautArchNautArch
62.3k8225411
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Perhaps worth pointing out that it could be useful to grapple, move (dragging your target with you at half speed), then release the grapple and make an attack with a 2H weapon, all on your turn if you have Extra Attack. But that's a different tactical option than the question is asking about.
$endgroup$
– Peter Cordes
Mar 29 at 23:56
add a comment |
$begingroup$
No, you can not use a 2-handed weapon to attack when grappling*
As you've noted, when you grapple, you must be:
Using at least one free hand...
If the grapple is successful, that hand is now busy grappling. Unless you can wield the weapon in one hand (if it has Versatile property), then you do not have a weapon out that you can attack with.
You can still choose to use it as an improvised weapon, or you can use an unarmed strike if you have any remaining attacks left during the turn you used to grapple
Next turn, you are free to attack (but again, with only one arm)
If you are still maintaining your grapple (the target hasn't successfully broken it), then you use your attacks as normal. But you still only have one free hand available which limits your weapon options and prevents you from using your 2-handed weapon as above.
*unless you've got a third arm.
answered Mar 29 at 15:07
NautArchNautArch
62.3k8225411
$endgroup$
No, you can not use a 2-handed weapon to attack when grappling*
As you've noted, when you grapple, you must be:
Using at least one free hand...
If the grapple is successful, that hand is now busy grappling. Unless you can wield the weapon in one hand (if it has Versatile property), then you do not have a weapon out that you can attack with.
You can still choose to use it as an improvised weapon, or you can use an unarmed strike if you have any remaining attacks left during the turn you used to grapple
Next turn, you are free to attack (but again, with only one arm)
If you are still maintaining your grapple (the target hasn't successfully broken it), then you use your attacks as normal. But you still only have one free hand available which limits your weapon options and prevents you from using your 2-handed weapon as above.
*unless you've got a third arm.
answered Mar 29 at 15:07
NautArchNautArch
62.3k8225411
edited Mar 29 at 15:14
answered Mar 29 at 15:07
NautArchNautArch
62.3k8225411
answered Mar 29 at 15:07
NautArchNautArch
62.3k8225411
answered Mar 29 at 15:07
NautArchNautArch
62.3k8225411
62.3k8225411
$begingroup$
Perhaps worth pointing out that it could be useful to grapple, move (dragging your target with you at half speed), then release the grapple and make an attack with a 2H weapon, all on your turn if you have Extra Attack. But that's a different tactical option than the question is asking about.
$endgroup$
– Peter Cordes
Mar 29 at 23:56
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Perhaps worth pointing out that it could be useful to grapple, move (dragging your target with you at half speed), then release the grapple and make an attack with a 2H weapon, all on your turn if you have Extra Attack. But that's a different tactical option than the question is asking about.
$endgroup$
– Peter Cordes
Mar 29 at 23:56
$begingroup$
Perhaps worth pointing out that it could be useful to grapple, move (dragging your target with you at half speed), then release the grapple and make an attack with a 2H weapon, all on your turn if you have Extra Attack. But that's a different tactical option than the question is asking about.
$endgroup$
– Peter Cordes
Mar 29 at 23:56
$begingroup$
Perhaps worth pointing out that it could be useful to grapple, move (dragging your target with you at half speed), then release the grapple and make an attack with a 2H weapon, all on your turn if you have Extra Attack. But that's a different tactical option than the question is asking about.
$endgroup$
– Peter Cordes
Mar 29 at 23:56
add a comment |
$begingroup$
You can still attack, and use Extra Attack, but you can't use your 2-handed weapon to do it.
The Grapple Action specifies the following...
Using at least one free hand, you try to seize the target by making a grapple check instead of an attack roll [...] you can release the target whenever you like (no action required).
source
This pretty clearly states that you need at least 1 free hand to grapple your target, and that 'releasing them' ends the grapple. The problem comes that you're trying to use a two-handed weapon.
Two-Handed. This weapon requires two hands when you attack with it.
source
If you are Grappling a target, one of your hands is busy holding on to the person you have grappled. Therefore, you do not have two hands available to use a Two-handed weapon.
Work-arounds
If you are using a one-handed weapon, you can still hit them with that. You may also choose to use Unarmed Attacks instead. Note that you do not have to put your Axe down to do this, because...
Instead of using a weapon to make a melee weapon attack, you can use an unarmed strike: a punch, kick, head-butt, or similar forceful blow (none of which count as weapons). On a hit, an unarmed strike deals bludgeoning damage equal to 1 + your Strength modifier. You are proficient with your unarmed strikes.
source
So you could grapple someone then headbutt them into submission, without putting your axe down.
answered Mar 29 at 15:12
guildsbountyguildsbounty
36.8k7151181
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
+1 for headbutt them into submission ... nice visual.
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
Mar 29 at 15:27
$begingroup$
@guildsbounty No worries! It is easy to do. Comment removed.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
Mar 29 at 15:49
add a comment |
$begingroup$
You can still attack, and use Extra Attack, but you can't use your 2-handed weapon to do it.
The Grapple Action specifies the following...
Using at least one free hand, you try to seize the target by making a grapple check instead of an attack roll [...] you can release the target whenever you like (no action required).
source
This pretty clearly states that you need at least 1 free hand to grapple your target, and that 'releasing them' ends the grapple. The problem comes that you're trying to use a two-handed weapon.
Two-Handed. This weapon requires two hands when you attack with it.
source
If you are Grappling a target, one of your hands is busy holding on to the person you have grappled. Therefore, you do not have two hands available to use a Two-handed weapon.
Work-arounds
If you are using a one-handed weapon, you can still hit them with that. You may also choose to use Unarmed Attacks instead. Note that you do not have to put your Axe down to do this, because...
Instead of using a weapon to make a melee weapon attack, you can use an unarmed strike: a punch, kick, head-butt, or similar forceful blow (none of which count as weapons). On a hit, an unarmed strike deals bludgeoning damage equal to 1 + your Strength modifier. You are proficient with your unarmed strikes.
source
So you could grapple someone then headbutt them into submission, without putting your axe down.
answered Mar 29 at 15:12
guildsbountyguildsbounty
36.8k7151181
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
+1 for headbutt them into submission ... nice visual.
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
Mar 29 at 15:27
$begingroup$
@guildsbounty No worries! It is easy to do. Comment removed.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
Mar 29 at 15:49
add a comment |
$begingroup$
You can still attack, and use Extra Attack, but you can't use your 2-handed weapon to do it.
The Grapple Action specifies the following...
Using at least one free hand, you try to seize the target by making a grapple check instead of an attack roll [...] you can release the target whenever you like (no action required).
source
This pretty clearly states that you need at least 1 free hand to grapple your target, and that 'releasing them' ends the grapple. The problem comes that you're trying to use a two-handed weapon.
Two-Handed. This weapon requires two hands when you attack with it.
source
If you are Grappling a target, one of your hands is busy holding on to the person you have grappled. Therefore, you do not have two hands available to use a Two-handed weapon.
Work-arounds
If you are using a one-handed weapon, you can still hit them with that. You may also choose to use Unarmed Attacks instead. Note that you do not have to put your Axe down to do this, because...
Instead of using a weapon to make a melee weapon attack, you can use an unarmed strike: a punch, kick, head-butt, or similar forceful blow (none of which count as weapons). On a hit, an unarmed strike deals bludgeoning damage equal to 1 + your Strength modifier. You are proficient with your unarmed strikes.
source
So you could grapple someone then headbutt them into submission, without putting your axe down.
answered Mar 29 at 15:12
guildsbountyguildsbounty
36.8k7151181
$endgroup$
You can still attack, and use Extra Attack, but you can't use your 2-handed weapon to do it.
The Grapple Action specifies the following...
Using at least one free hand, you try to seize the target by making a grapple check instead of an attack roll [...] you can release the target whenever you like (no action required).
source
This pretty clearly states that you need at least 1 free hand to grapple your target, and that 'releasing them' ends the grapple. The problem comes that you're trying to use a two-handed weapon.
Two-Handed. This weapon requires two hands when you attack with it.
source
If you are Grappling a target, one of your hands is busy holding on to the person you have grappled. Therefore, you do not have two hands available to use a Two-handed weapon.
Work-arounds
If you are using a one-handed weapon, you can still hit them with that. You may also choose to use Unarmed Attacks instead. Note that you do not have to put your Axe down to do this, because...
Instead of using a weapon to make a melee weapon attack, you can use an unarmed strike: a punch, kick, head-butt, or similar forceful blow (none of which count as weapons). On a hit, an unarmed strike deals bludgeoning damage equal to 1 + your Strength modifier. You are proficient with your unarmed strikes.
source
So you could grapple someone then headbutt them into submission, without putting your axe down.
answered Mar 29 at 15:12
guildsbountyguildsbounty
36.8k7151181
edited Mar 29 at 15:46
answered Mar 29 at 15:12
guildsbountyguildsbounty
36.8k7151181
answered Mar 29 at 15:12
guildsbountyguildsbounty
36.8k7151181
answered Mar 29 at 15:12
guildsbountyguildsbounty
36.8k7151181
36.8k7151181
1
$begingroup$
+1 for headbutt them into submission ... nice visual.
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
Mar 29 at 15:27
$begingroup$
@guildsbounty No worries! It is easy to do. Comment removed.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
Mar 29 at 15:49
add a comment |
1
$begingroup$
+1 for headbutt them into submission ... nice visual.
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
Mar 29 at 15:27
$begingroup$
@guildsbounty No worries! It is easy to do. Comment removed.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
Mar 29 at 15:49
1
1
$begingroup$
+1 for headbutt them into submission ... nice visual.
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
Mar 29 at 15:27
$begingroup$
+1 for headbutt them into submission ... nice visual.
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
Mar 29 at 15:27
$begingroup$
@guildsbounty No worries! It is easy to do. Comment removed.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
Mar 29 at 15:49
$begingroup$
@guildsbounty No worries! It is easy to do. Comment removed.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
Mar 29 at 15:49
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to Role-playing Games Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
Use MathJax to format equations. MathJax reference.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2frpg.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f144139%2fare-there-any-limitations-on-attacking-while-grappling%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
$begingroup$
Related: Can one attack for damage after having grappled an opponent?
$endgroup$
– Sdjz
Mar 29 at 15:09
$begingroup$
Welcome! I see you already took the tour so you can check the help center if you need further guidance. Excellent question. Good luck and happy gaming!
$endgroup$
– Sdjz
Mar 29 at 15:10