How the DnD Grappling Rules Work in 2024

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While Dungeons & Dragons is a game where combat is often determined by the swing of a sword of the blast of a spell, in some cases you need to get your hands a little dirty. Enter the DnD grappling rules, a way to get up close and personal with an enemy and restrain them using sheer physical strength. It’s a unique combat mechanic that can potentially shift the tide of battle and open up new tactical options.

Yet Grappling is also a rule that can be surprisingly complicated and often misinterpreted. With a new 2024 Player’s Handbook now upon us, understanding what grappling is and how it works in DnD 5e is more important than ever. Below, we lock up all the details.

What is Grappling in DnD 5e?

In the DnD 2024 rules, Grappling is a type of unarmed attack that allows a combatant to attempt to physically restrain an opponent. There are, however, a few important conditions that must also be met in order for a grapple to occur:

• The target is no more than one size larger: A grapple is possible only if the target is no more than one size larger than the attacker. So a halfling couldn’t simply run up and grapple a dragon.
• The attacker has one hand free: If the attacker has an object in both hands, they cannot grapple. Notably, some monsters can grapple using a tentacle, tail or other body part, but the same basic rule applies in terms of having a free appendage.

If these conditions are met, the attacker must then succeed with Unarmed Strike (which does not do any damage). At that point, the target must succeed on a Strength or Dexterity saving throw (they choose which). The Difficulty Check (DC) for the saving throw equals 8 + attacker’s Strength modifier + attacker’s Proficiency Bonus. If the target fails their saving throw roll they are considered to have the Grappled condition.

What actions can the Grappler take in DnD?

An attacker who has successfully Grappled an opponent, can choose to take any of the following actions:

• Keep the grapple: An attacker can keep the grapple for as long as they wish, assuming the target doesn’t escape from the Grapple or the attacker isn’t Incapacitated, in which case the grapple is lost.
• Attack the target: Provided they are not using the hand/appendage that is grappling, the grappler can attack the target as normal. So for example, they could attack with a dagger if they are holding one in their other hand.
• Move the target: The attacker can choose to drag or carry the target. However, each foot of movement costs 1 extra foot, unless the target is Tiny or two or more sizes smaller than than the grappler.
• Release the grapple: This does not require an action or bonus action and can be done at any time.

What is the Grappled condition in DnD 2024?

In the new DnD 5e rules, being Grappled is a type of Condition (in the same vein as being Poisoned, Charmed, Blinded etc.). Targets that are considered to be Grappled suffer the following effects:

• Speed Reduced to Zero: The target’s Speed is reduced to 0 and can’t be increased. This means they are effectively stuck where they are for as long as they are Grappled (although as noted above the attacker can choose to move them).
• Disadvantage on Attacks: The target has Disadvantage on attack rolls against any target other than the grappler.

On their turn, however, the target can attempt to escape from the Grapple.

How do you escape a grapple in DnD 5e?

A Grappled creature can use its action to make a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check against the Grapple’s escape DC (8 + attacker’s Strength modifier + attacker’s Proficiency Bonus). If they succeed they are no longer considered to be Grappled. The condition also ends if the grappler is Incapacitated or if the distance between the grappler and target exceeds five feet.

There is no limit to the number of times a target can attempt to make a grapple escape (so a creature that has multiple actions can attempt multiple escapes in the same round).

What is the Grappler Feat in DnD 2024?

In the DnD 2024 rules a number of new Feats have been introduced that provide extra abilities to characters. One of these new options is the Grappler Feat, which provides added benefits to players who often utilize Grappling in combat.

To take this feat you must be at least Level 4 and have a Strength or Dexterity of at least 13. If you meet these prerequisites you gain the following benefits to Grappling:

• Punch and Grab: When you hit a creature with an Unarmed Strike, you can use both the Damage and the Grapple option. You can use this benefit only once per turn.
• Attack Advantage: You have Advantage on attack rolls against a creature Grappled by you.
• Fast Wrestler: You don’t have to spend extra movement to move a creature Grappled by you if the creature is your size or smaller.

Final Thoughts

Grappling is an often overlooked ability in DnD 5e, but it’s one that has a ton of potential to make combat more tactically interesting and fun. Understanding how these rules work with the new 2024 rules, means you’ll always be ready to throw down at the table.

You can find the complete rules for Grappling in the 2024 Player’s Handbook, which is available which is available now on D&D Beyond and Amazon.

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