Flanking in D&D 5e: A Comprehensive Guide

The core rule for flanking in D&D 5th Edition (5e), as detailed in Chapter 8 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG), is that when a creature and at least one of its allies are adjacent to an enemy and on opposite sides or corners of the enemy’s space, they are considered to be flanking that enemy. This grants the attackers an advantage on their melee attack rolls. In essence, flanking simulates attacking an opponent who is distracted or caught between two aggressors, thus making them easier to hit. However, flanking is an optional rule and is not part of the standard 5e ruleset. This means that a Dungeon Master (DM) must choose to implement it.

Understanding Flanking Mechanics

The Core Concept

The idea behind flanking is rooted in real-world military tactics. When an enemy is engaged from multiple directions simultaneously, their defenses are spread thin, creating opportunities for attack. In D&D 5e, flanking captures this dynamic by granting a bonus – specifically, advantage – on attack rolls.

What Is Advantage?

Advantage is a core mechanic in 5e. When you have advantage, you roll a d20 twice and take the higher result. This drastically increases your chances of hitting your target, making flanking a powerful tactical maneuver.

How to Establish a Flank

To successfully flank an opponent, the following conditions must be met:

• Adjacent Positioning: At least two attackers must be adjacent to the target. “Adjacent” means in a square or on the same side as the creature.
• Opposite Sides or Corners: The attackers must be on opposite sides or corners of the target’s space. This is where the ‘flanking’ part of the mechanic comes into play, where you are surrounding a creature, as if they were caught in a pincer.
• Eligible Attackers: Any creature capable of making a melee attack can contribute to flanking, regardless of size or weapon type (within reason, of course!).

Implementing Flanking In Your Game

The DM decides whether to use this optional rule. If the DM chooses to use it, it is vital that players and DMs understand the specifics to avoid confusion during combat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Flanking in 5e

1. Does Flanking Count for Ranged Attacks?

No, not directly. Flanking in 5e specifically grants advantage to melee attack rolls. While a target may be considered “flanked” in a tactical sense and potentially flat-footed in some house rule systems, the official flanking rule does not grant advantage on ranged attacks or spell attacks (with the exception of melee spell attacks).

2. Does Flanking Give Advantage to Spells?

Yes, but only melee spell attacks. Flanking grants advantage on melee attacks, and a melee spell attack is considered a melee attack. However, ranged spell attacks are not affected by flanking.

3. Can You Flank with Reach?

No, you will not gain any benefit from allies with reach in terms of flanking. Flanking requires that the figure making the attack be adjacent to the target. An ally with reach does not contribute to flanking, unless that ally has also moved adjacent to the target.

4. Can You Flank While Using a Ranged Weapon?

Yes, you can be part of a flanking setup with a ranged weapon, but only if you’re also making a melee attack. For example, if you possess a feat that lets you make a melee attack when holding a ranged weapon. However, the advantage is only applied to your melee attack, not the ranged attack.

5. Does Flanking Give Advantage on Opportunity Attacks?

Yes. If a creature moves away from one character towards another, before leaving their square, one character can make an opportunity attack at advantage due to flanking.

6. Does Spiritual Weapon Count for Flanking?

No. The spiritual weapon does not count toward creating a flank because it’s not a creature, nor an ally. Moreover, it is a melee spell attack. Although melee spell attacks can benefit from flanking, spiritual weapon does not contribute to the flank.

7. Can You Flank While Grappled?

Yes. A grappled creature can still contribute to a flanking setup as long as it’s able to make a melee attack.

8. Can You Flank with a Dancing Sword?

Yes. As long as the dancing sword is adjacent to the target, it can indeed flank. The dancing sword does not need to be the ‘wielder’ to flank.

9. Can Restrained Creatures Flank?

Yes. Being restrained only imposes a disadvantage on attack rolls and movement speed. It does not prevent a creature from contributing to a flanking situation, so long as they can still attack.

10. Can You Flank While Prone?

Yes. Being prone does not prevent you from flanking. Prone characters still occupy their normal space and can still make melee attacks, thus meeting the requirements for flanking.

11. Can You Disengage When Flanked?

Yes, but only if you also choose to attack. If you are part of a flanking setup and wish to move, you have two choices, attack with advantage or, if you prefer, you can attack and use your bonus action to disengage. The enemy would not get an attack of opportunity against you.

12. Can You Flank with a Familiar?

Yes, a familiar can flank if it is positioned correctly, and it is considered armed (can make a melee attack). This also works regardless if you or the enemy are “paying attention” to the familiar.

13. What are Facing Rules and do they relate to flanking?

Facing is a house rule, that is not part of standard 5e rules. Usually a creature is considered to be facing the square it occupies. The house rule introduces a directional element to combat. The rule suggests each creature faces one side or corner, and if attacking an enemy in their facing they get an advantage or disadvantage. However, facing rules are separate from standard flanking rules, even though a DM could combine them.

14. What is an example of Flanking?

Consider an example: Bob and Alice are fighting a goblin. Bob is in a square adjacent to the goblin’s left side, and Alice is in a square adjacent to the goblin’s right side. Since they are on opposite sides of the goblin and both are in melee range, Bob and Alice are flanking the goblin, and receive advantage on their next melee attacks.

15. Is Flanking Always a Good Idea?

Yes, and no. Flanking offers a significant tactical advantage in combat. However, it can also result in players clustering together which can make them easy targets for area-of-effect attacks. Players also need to coordinate to ensure that they can make the flank in the first place, as flanking can be difficult to achieve in a hectic combat. Consider that many strategies can beat flanking, such as disengaging or moving away quickly.

Conclusion

Flanking is a potentially powerful and fun optional rule that can add a layer of tactical complexity to D&D 5e combat. By understanding how it works and what it involves, you and your party can utilize it to gain an edge over your enemies. Just remember to check with your DM whether or not the rule is in place and to always coordinate when aiming to create a flank.