What are Battle Master Maneuvers in DnD 5e? (Updated for 2024)

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When it comes to fifth edition Dungeons & Dragons, the DnD 5e Fighter is often considered one of the most basic classes, with the majority of their abilities revolving around linear attacks that lack the resource management and complexity of spellcasting and other more resource-intensive classes.

Enter the DnD 5e Battle Master, a Fighter subclass that offers a more crunchy and tactical way to play a martial character. That’s because their central feature is something known as Battle Master Maneuvers, a series of 23 unique effects that are added to weapon attacks, allowing for more dynamic and strategic combat.

So what exactly are Battle Master Maneuvers and how do they work in the new 2024 version of DnD 5e? Below, we draw our blades and cut into all the details.

How do Battle Master Maneuvers Work in DnD 5e?

In the 2024 DnD 5e rules, you’re able to access Battle Master Maneuvers at Level 3 when you choose the Battle Master subclass (with the rules falling under the “Combat Superiority feature). At that point you’re able to learn three maneuvers of your choice from the list of 23 official maneuvers (see the complete list below). You’re also able to learn two more maneuvers at Levels 7 and again at Levels 10 and 15 (notably, whenever you learn new maneuvers you can replace one of your old ones).

In combat, you can only use one maneuver per attack using “Superiority Dice” (which start out as a d8). These dice are expended and rolled, adding the result to certain effects. For example, you might make an attack with a longsword and then use the “Disarming Attack” maneuver, which lets you attempt to disarm a target you have hit. The maneuver requires you to expend a superiority die, roll it and add the result to the damage.

Some maneuvers also require the target to make a saving throw to resist the effects. For example, in the same “Disarming Attack” maneuver the target is required to make a Strength saving throw to see if they drop their weapon.

The saving throw DC for all maneuver is calculated as follows:

Maneuver save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Strength or Dexterity modifier (your choice).

What are Superiority Dice in DnD 5e?

Each time you use a maneuver, you expend and roll a Superiority Dice. For example, with the “Evasive Footwork” maneuver, you expend one superiority die, rolling the die and adding the result to your AC.

Superiority dice start out as a 1d8 but, but at Level 10 they become d10s and at Level 18 they become d12s (this is part of the “Improved Combat Superiority” feature of the Battle Master Fighter subclass).

At Level 3 you start with four superiority dice, and you gain one additional die at Level 7 and again at Level 15. You can regain all uses of any expended superiority dice when you finish a short or long rest.

One additional to note is that at level 15 a Battle Master can use the “Relentless Presence” feature which, once per turn, provides one d8 which you can use for free without spending any of your existing pool of superiority dice.

What classes & subclasses use Battle Master Maneuvers?

In the 2024 DnD 5e rules, Battle Master Maneuvers are primarily associated with the Battle Master Fighter subclass archetype. However, there are a few instances where other classes can use maneuvers:

• Martial Adept Feat: This feat allows characters of any class to gain access to two maneuvers from the Battle Master list and one superiority die (which is a d6).
• Superior Technique (Fighting Style): Available to Fighters, this optional Fighting style grants one Battle Master maneuver and a single superiority die (which is a d6). This means that Fighters who are not also Battle Masters can use maneuvers. Notably, if you are a Battle Master you can also take this Fighting Style, which adds the d6 to your existing superiority dice.
• Multiclasses: If you are a multiclass character you can also potentially use Battle Master Maneuvers if you are either using the Battle Master subclass or using the Martial Adept Feat or Superior Technique Fighting Style (both of which fall under the new list of DnD Feats).

How does Battle Master Maneuvers Work with Weapon Mastery?

One important thing to note is that Battle Master Maneuvers can potentially be chained with the new 2024 Weapon Mastery system (which assigns unique effects to specific weapons that characters are proficient in). This allows for some unique tactical options, but also adds a bit more complexity and crunch to combat. Below are the various Weapon Mastery properties:

• Graze: If you miss a creature with your weapon, you deal damage equal to the ability modifier you used to make the roll.
• Nick: You can make an additional attack against a target creature if your first attack was made while wielding two Light weapons.
• Push: You can launch a creature you hit (up to a Large size) 10 feet away from you.
• Sap: An enemy you hit has Disadvantage on their next attack roll before the start of your next turn.
• Slow: When you hit a creature and deal damage, you can reduce its Speed by 10 feet until the start of your next turn.
• Topple: When you hit a creature, you can force it to make a Constitution saving throw or fall Prone. The DC for this save is 8 plus the ability modifier used to make the attack plus your Proficiency Bonus.
• Vex: When you hit a creature and deal damage, you gain Advantage on your next attack roll before the end of your next turn.

The Complete List of All Battle Master Maneuvers in 2024 DnD 5e

Below is the complete list of all Battle Master Maneuvers in the new 2024 rules.

• Ambush: When you make a Dexterity (Stealth) check or an initiative roll, you can expend one superiority die and add the die to the roll, provided you aren’t incapacitated.
• Bait and Switch: When you’re within 5 feet of a creature on your turn, you can expend one superiority die and switch places with that creature, provided you spend at least 5 feet of movement and the creature is willing and isn’t incapacitated. This movement doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks. Roll the superiority die. Until the start of your next turn, you or the other creature (your choice) gains a bonus to AC equal to the number rolled.
• Brace: When a creature you can see moves into the reach you have with the melee weapon you’re wielding, you can use your reaction to expend one superiority die and make one attack against the creature, using that weapon. If the attack hits, add the superiority die to the weapon’s damage roll.
• Commander’s Strike: When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can forgo one of your attacks and use a bonus action to direct one of your companions to strike. When you do so, choose a friendly creature who can see or hear you and expend one superiority die. That creature can immediately use its reaction to make one weapon attack, adding the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll.

• Commanding Presence: When you make a Charisma (Intimidation), a Charisma (Performance), or a Charisma (Persuasion) check, you can expend one superiority die and add the superiority die to the ability check.
• Disarming Attack: When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to disarm the target, forcing it to drop one item of your choice that it’s holding. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and the target must make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, it drops the object you choose. The object lands at its feet.
• Distracting Strike: When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to distract the creature, giving your allies an opening. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll. The next attack roll against the target by an attacker other than you has advantage if the attack is made before the start of your next turn.
• Evasive Footwork: When you move, you can expend one superiority die, rolling the die and adding the number rolled to your AC until you stop moving.

• Feinting Attack: You can expend one superiority die and use a bonus action on your turn to feint, choosing one creature within 5 feet of you as your target. You have advantage on your next attack roll against that creature this turn. If that attack hits, add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll.
• Goading Attack: When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to goad the target into attacking you. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and the target must make a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the target has disadvantage on all attack rolls against targets other than you until the end of your next turn.
• Grappling Strike: Immediately after you hit a creature with a melee attack on your turn, you can expend one superiority die and then try to grapple the target as a bonus action (see the Player’s Handbook for rules on grappling). Add the superiority die to your Strength (Athletics) check.
• Lunging Attack: When you make a melee weapon attack on your turn, you can expend one superiority die to increase your reach for that attack by 5 feet. If you hit, you add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll.

• Maneuvering Attack: When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to maneuver one of your comrades into a more advantageous position. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and you choose a friendly creature who can see or hear you. That creature can use its reaction to move up to half its speed without provoking opportunity attacks from the target of your attack.
• Menacing Attack: When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to frighten the target. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and the target must make a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, it is frightened of you until the end of your next turn.
• Parry: When another creature damages you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction and expend one superiority die to reduce the damage by the number you roll on your superiority die + your Dexterity modifier.
• Precision Attack: When you make a weapon attack roll against a creature, you can expend one superiority die to add it to the roll. You can use this maneuver before or after making the attack roll, but before any effects of the attack are applied.

• Pushing Attack: When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to drive the target back. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and if the target is Large or smaller, it must make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, you push the target up to 15 feet away from you.
• Quick Toss: As a bonus action, you can expend one superiority die and make a ranged attack with a weapon that has the thrown property. You can draw the weapon as part of making this attack. If you hit, add the superiority die to the weapon’s damage roll.
• Rally: On your turn, you can use a bonus action and expend one superiority die to bolster the resolve of one of your companions. When you do so, choose a friendly creature who can see or hear you. That creature gains temporary hit points equal to the superiority die roll + your Charisma modifier.
• Riposte: When a creature misses you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction and expend one superiority die to make a melee weapon attack against the creature. If you hit, you add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll.

• Sweeping Attack: When you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to damage another creature with the same attack. Choose another creature within 5 feet of the original target and within your reach. If the original attack roll would hit the second creature, it takes damage equal to the number you roll on your superiority die. The damage is of the same type dealt by the original attack.
• Tactical Assessment: When you make an Intelligence (Investigation), an Intelligence (History), or a Wisdom (Insight) check, you can expend one superiority die and add the superiority die to the ability check.
• Trip Attack: When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to knock the target down. You add the superiority die to the attack’s damage roll, and if the target is Large or smaller, it must make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, you knock the target prone.

Final Thoughts

Battle Master Maneuvers are a unique element in the DnD 5e rules that add a lot more crunch to combat. They can also potentially be more complicated for both players and Dungeon Masters to manage, particularly with the new 2024 Weapon Mastery rules. For this reason, Battle Master Maneuvers are probably better for more experienced DnD 5e players, while novice players may be better served with something like the Champion Fighter subclass.

With Battle Master Maneuvers there’s also the possibility that combat can be slower as there may be unusual effects that require looking up the rules or resolving, so if you do decide to use, make sure both you and your DM know exactly how the maneuvers you’ve selected work. Because in the immortal words of one of history’s greatest warriors: knowing is half the battle.

You can find the new rules that govern Battle Master Maneuvers in the 2024 Player’s Handbook, which is available for order now on D&D Beyond and Amazon.

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