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    Grappled in D&D 5e — Grapple Rules, Escape DC and 2024 Changes

    A grappled creature's speed becomes 0 and can't be increased. In 2014 that's the whole condition: it doesn't stop you attacking, casting or acting. The 2024 rules add one penalty: you have disadvantage on attack rolls against anyone other than the grappler. The grapple ends if the grappler is incapacitated, if you're moved out of its reach, or if you escape.

    Track active grapples with the condition tracker.

    Grappled condition

    Effect2014 (SRD 5.1)2024 (SRD 5.2)
    Speed0, can't benefit from speed bonuses0, can't increase
    Your attacksNormalDisadvantage against targets other than the grappler
    Being movedGrappler can drag or carry you; its speed is halved unless you're two or more sizes smallerGrappler can drag or carry you; each foot costs it 1 extra foot unless you're Tiny or two or more sizes smaller
    Ends whenYou escape, the grappler is incapacitated, an effect moves you out of its reach, or it lets goYou escape, the grappler is incapacitated, you end up farther away than the grapple's range, or it lets go

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    How to grapple someone

    2014 rules

    • •Use the Attack action and replace one attack with a grapple.
    • •The target must be no more than one size larger than you and within reach, and you need a free hand.
    • •Make a Strength (Athletics) check contested by the target's Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) (target's choice). Win and the target is grappled.

    2024 rules

    • •Grappling is an option of your Unarmed Strike, so it also replaces one attack.
    • •The target makes a Strength or Dexterity saving throw (its choice) against DC 8 + your Strength modifier + your proficiency bonus. On a failure it's grappled.
    • •Same limits: no more than one size larger, and you need a hand free.

    How to escape a grapple

    • •2014: use your action to make a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check contested by the grappler's Strength (Athletics) check.
    • •2024: use your action to make a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check against the grapple's escape DC (the same DC 8 + Strength modifier + proficiency bonus for a character).
    • •Monsters list an escape DC in their stat block, for example "grappled (escape DC 14)".
    • •Other ways out: incapacitate the grappler (stun, paralyze, knock unconscious), push yourself or the grappler apart (Thunderwave and shoves can do it), or teleport out of reach.
    • •Freedom of Movement lets you spend 5 feet of movement to escape a grapple automatically.

    What causes grappled

    • •Characters using the grapple rules above.
    • •Monsters: constrictor snakes, giant octopuses, mimics, otyughs, ropers, krakens, vampires and many more. Several also restrain the target while the grapple lasts.
    • •Mimic's Adhesive: anything that touches a mimic in object form sticks to it and is grappled, with disadvantage on checks to escape.

    Common rulings and edge cases

    • •Grapple + shove prone is the classic combo. A prone creature has to spend half its speed to stand, but a grappled creature's speed is 0, so it can't get up until it escapes.
    • •Grappled isn't restrained. In 2014 attacks against a grappled creature don't get advantage. The 2014 Grappler feat lets you pin the target so you're both restrained.
    • •You can still cast spells, including spells with somatic components if you have a free hand.
    • •Teleporting out works. The 2014 condition ends if an effect moves you out of the grappler's reach. In 2024 it ends when the distance exceeds the grapple's range.
    • •The grappler can let go at any time, no action required.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does grappled do in 5e?

    It sets your speed to 0. In 2014 that's all it does. In 2024 you also have disadvantage on attack rolls against anyone except the creature grappling you.

    What is the grapple escape DC in 2024?

    For a character, it's 8 + the grappler's Strength modifier + proficiency bonus. Monsters list their own escape DC. You use your action to make a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check against it.

    Can a grappled creature attack or cast spells?

    Yes. Grappled doesn't take away actions. In 2024, attacks against anyone other than the grappler have disadvantage.

    Can you move a grappled creature?

    Yes. In 2014 your speed is halved while dragging it unless it's two or more sizes smaller than you. In 2024 each foot of movement costs 1 extra foot unless it's Tiny or two or more sizes smaller.

    Does Misty Step get you out of a grapple?

    Yes. Teleporting moves you out of the grappler's reach, which ends the condition in both editions.

    Related rules

    Rules checked against the D&D 5e SRD 5.1 (2014) and SRD 5.2.1 (2024).

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