Grappled 5e: What the Grappled Condition Does (2014 and 2024)
A grappled creature in 5e has a Speed of 0 that can't be increased, and the grappler can drag it along. In the 2024 rules it also has disadvantage on attacks against anyone except the grappler. To escape, it uses its action on an Athletics or Acrobatics check against DC 8 + the grappler's Strength modifier + proficiency bonus.
What does the Grappled condition do in 5e?
Grappled is the condition a creature gets when something grabs hold of it. This page covers what the condition does once it's on you. For how to start a grapple or shove, see grappling and shoving in 5e; for the full list of conditions, see conditions in 5e.
| Effect | 2014 rules | 2024 rules |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 0, and bonuses to speed don't help | 0, and it can't increase |
| Your attacks | Not affected | Disadvantage against any target other than the grappler |
| Attacks against you | Not affected | Not affected |
| Being moved | Grappler can drag or carry you at half speed (unless you are two or more sizes smaller) | Each foot the grappler moves costs 1 extra foot, unless you are Tiny or two or more sizes smaller |
| Escaping | Action: your Athletics or Acrobatics vs the grappler's Athletics (contest) | Action: Athletics or Acrobatics check vs the escape DC |
| Escape DC | No fixed DC for characters; monsters list one | 8 + grappler's Str modifier + proficiency bonus |
Notice what's missing: Grappled does not stop you from casting spells, taking actions, using reactions or attacking. It pins you in place. That's it.
How do you escape a grapple in 2024?
On your turn, take an action and make a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check, whichever is better for you. Meet or beat the escape DC and the condition ends. Roll it on the d20 roller with your skill bonus in the bonus box.
Example: a level 1 fighter with 16 Strength grabs a cultist. The escape DC is 8 + 3 + 2 = 13. The odds of breaking free on one try:
| Escaper's bonus | Needs on the d20 | Chance per try | With advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| +0 | 13 | 40% | 64% |
| +3 | 10 | 55% | 79.75% |
| +5 | 8 | 65% | 87.75% |
Spending your whole action on a 40% roll hurts. Often the better answer is to make the grappler let go some other way.
How else does the Grappled condition end?
- The grappler is incapacitated: stun it, knock it out, or drop it to 0 hit points and the grip ends.
- You get out of its reach: if something moves you or the grappler so you're farther apart than its reach, the grapple ends. Thunderwave pushing the grappler 10 feet away works. So does teleporting with Misty Step.
- The grappler lets go: it can release you whenever it wants, no action needed.
- Freedom of Movement: a creature under this spell can spend 5 feet of movement to slip a grapple automatically.
What changed for grappled in the 2024 rules?
Three things. First, the condition now has teeth: a grappled creature attacks everyone except the grappler with disadvantage, so a fighter holding the ogre is also protecting the wizard. Second, escaping no longer means a contest of two rolls; it is one check against a fixed DC that scales with the grappler's Strength and proficiency. Third, the cost of hauling someone around is written as "1 extra foot per foot," which works out to the same half speed as 2014 for most targets.
The way you start a grapple changed too (it's an Unarmed Strike option with a saving throw in 2024), but that's covered in the grappling guide.
Why grapple and then knock prone?
It's the classic combo, and it works in both editions. Grab the target with one attack, then shove it prone with the next (Extra Attack helps). Now:
- Its Speed is 0, so it can't spend half its movement to stand up.
- Melee attacks against it from within 5 feet have advantage.
- Its own attacks have disadvantage from being prone.
The target is stuck on the floor until it escapes the grapple. Against a monster with AC 15, a +5 attack hits 55% of the time normally and 79.75% with advantage. The rest of the party will thank you.
How do monster grapples work?
Most monster grabs say something like "the target has the Grappled condition (escape DC 14)". That DC is printed in the stat block, so don't recalculate it. Watch for two extras:
- Restrained as well: many constrictors and tentacled monsters also apply Restrained while the grapple lasts, which gives attacks against the victim advantage.
- Free limbs: a monster with several tentacles or claws can often hold more than one creature and still attack. Read the stat block before assuming it's tied up.
Quick tips for players stuck in a grapple
- Hit the grappler: you attack it without disadvantage, and dropping it ends the grapple.
- Cast anyway: spells still work. A cantrip like Shocking Grasp hits fine.
- Ask for help: an ally who shoves the grappler away, or pushes it with a spell, frees you without spending your action.
- Pick your best skill: you choose Athletics or Acrobatics, not the grappler.
FAQ
Can a grappled creature still attack in 5e?
Yes. Grappled only stops movement. In the 2024 rules the creature has disadvantage on attacks against anyone other than the grappler, but it can attack the grappler normally. In the 2014 rules its attacks are not affected at all.
Can you cast spells while grappled?
Yes. Nothing in the Grappled condition stops spellcasting, including spells with somatic components, as long as you have a free hand or a focus to use. Teleporting with Misty Step ends the grapple because you leave the grappler's reach.
What is the escape DC for a grapple in 2024?
DC 8 + the grappler's Strength modifier + its proficiency bonus. A fighter with 16 Strength at level 1 sets DC 13. Monsters list their own escape DC in the stat block.
Does grappled give advantage to attacks against you?
No. Attackers get no bonus against a grappled creature. That is why grapplers usually shove the target prone too: prone gives melee attackers advantage, and a grappled creature can't stand up because its Speed is 0.
Is grappled the same as restrained?
No. Restrained also gives your attacks disadvantage, gives attacks against you advantage and gives you disadvantage on Dexterity saves. Many monster grabs apply both conditions; a normal character grapple applies only Grappled.
Related
Wizards of the Coast LLC is the trademark holder for Dungeons & Dragons, Wizards of the Coast, and their respective logos worldwide.
Wizards of the Coast LLC does not support, endorse, approve, or have any affiliation with DnD Dice Roller. According to the Wizards of the Coast LLC's Fan Site Policy, DnD Dice Roller may use its trademarks and other intellectual property. Please visit Wizards of the Coast's website at www.wizards.com if you want additional information about the company, its trademarks, or other intellectual property.
Contains content from the System Reference Document 5.1 and 5.2 by Wizards of the Coast LLC, used under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.