is grapple an attack 5e

In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), grappling often sparks questions from players and Dungeon Masters alike. It’s a tactical move that can shift the flow of combat dramatically. However, many people wonder whether grapple counts as an attack in the mechanical sense. Understanding how grappling functions in 5e rules, and whether or not it qualifies as an attack, is crucial for optimizing both player strategy and monster tactics. Let’s delve into the intricacies of the grapple mechanic and its implications.

Understanding the Grapple Mechanic in 5e

What Is a Grapple?

In 5e, grappling is a special type of melee action that lets a creature restrain or limit the movement of a target. It is not about dealing damage it’s about gaining control. According to the Player’s Handbook, a grapple involves using the Attack action to initiate a special contest between the grappler’s Strength (Athletics) check and the target’s Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check.

Rules for Grappling

• You must use the Attack action to attempt a grapple.
• The target must be no more than one size larger than you.
• You must have at least one free hand.
• The grapple check replaces one of your attacks if you have multiple attacks.
• If successful, the target’s speed becomes 0 and cannot benefit from any bonus to its speed.

These rules show that grappling is tightly tied to the Attack action, but does that make it an attack in itself? That distinction becomes important in several game mechanics.

Is Grapple Considered an Attack?

Attack vs. Attack Action

This is where terminology in 5e can get tricky. Making an attack is not the same as taking the Attack action. Grapple uses the Attack action, but it is not classified as an attack roll it’s a contested ability check.

That means certain features and spells that require an attack roll or specify a hit do not trigger off a grapple. For example, you cannot smite with a grapple or activate features like Sneak Attack, which require an actual hit with a finesse or ranged weapon.

Grapple and Extra Attack

If your character has Extra Attack (such as from being a Fighter or Barbarian), you can replace one or more of those attacks with grapple attempts. This means grappling is compatible with the Attack action, but again, not an attack roll.

Grappling and Reactions

Grappling does not provoke opportunity attacks, nor does it count as a triggering condition for many reactions that require being hit by an attack. Therefore, it’s vital to remember that while you use the Attack action to grapple, it does not count as a weapon or unarmed strike.

When Grappling Counts And When It Doesn’t

Abilities That Are Not Triggered by Grapple

• Sneak Attack (Rogue): Requires a weapon hit.
• Divine Smite (Paladin): Triggers on a melee weapon hit.
• Improved Divine Smite: Adds damage to weapon attacks only.
• Hex or Hunter’s Mark: Only add damage to actual attacks, not grapples.

Abilities and Features That Still Work With Grapple

• Extra Attack: Grapple can replace one or more attacks.
• Grappler Feat: Enhances your grappling effectiveness by allowing restrained conditions.
• Tavern Brawler Feat: Grants proficiency in Athletics and allows you to grapple as a bonus action after hitting with an unarmed strike.
• Barbarian Rage: Still helps with Strength checks like Athletics.

This breakdown helps clarify that while grapple is a combat maneuver using the Attack action, it isn’t treated the same way as an actual attack roll for most features.

Strategic Use of Grapple in Combat

Why Grapple?

Grappling has a wide range of tactical uses. It allows players to control movement and positioning in battle, preventing an enemy from escaping, reaching squishier allies, or fleeing combat altogether.

• Hold casters in place to interrupt their line of sight.
• Prevent enemies from disengaging or repositioning.
• Set up for additional control effects like shove or restrain.

It’s especially useful in enclosed environments or when trying to contain a particularly mobile foe.

Combining Grapple with Shove

Once you have a creature grappled, you can also use your attacks to shove it prone. This combination is powerful because:

• The target has 0 movement (grappled).
• It’s prone, so melee attacks have advantage.
• The prone condition gives ranged attacks disadvantage on the target.

This combo is a favorite among Fighters and Barbarians, and it adds a level of control that pure damage cannot achieve.

Grapple in Multiclass Builds

Some multiclass combinations can make the most out of the grapple mechanic. Here are a few worth considering:

Barbarian + Rogue (Athletics + Expertise)

A Barbarian with the Rage bonus and Expertise in Athletics can become nearly unbeatable in Strength contests. Use Rage to gain advantage, then overpower enemies with consistent grapples.

Fighter + Monk (Control + Mobility)

A Fighter’s multiple attacks allow for several grapple and shove attempts. Adding Monk mobility helps close the distance and stay flexible.

Paladin + Grappler Feat

Paladins typically rely on smiting for burst damage, but a tanky Paladin with high Strength can grapple effectively to lock down enemies while the party eliminates threats.

Common Misconceptions About Grapple

I can’t do damage with grapple so it’s bad.

While grapples don’t deal damage directly, they change the battlefield dynamics. Preventing an enemy from reaching your spellcasters or fleeing the fight can be more valuable than an extra 10 hit points of damage.

Grapple is too complicated.

Grappling is actually straightforward in 5e. It’s just an opposed Athletics check that replaces one of your normal attacks. With practice, it becomes second nature.

Magic users are immune to grapple.

Unless a creature is immune to the grappled condition or has teleportation options, spellcasters are often the best targets for grappling. Preventing them from escaping or casting certain spells gives your party a huge advantage.

So, is grapple an attack in 5e? The short answer is no it uses the Attack action but doesn’t count as a standard attack. This nuance is critical when building your character or interpreting rules during gameplay. Understanding that grapple is a contested ability check, not an attack roll, helps clarify which class features and spells apply.

Despite this limitation, grappling remains a powerful tactical tool in the hands of the right character. Fighters, Barbarians, and melee-focused builds can gain tremendous battlefield control by integrating grapples into their combat plans. With the right strategy, grappling can define encounters, giving your team the edge needed to win tough fights.