Are There Flanking Rules in 5E? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, there are flanking rules in D&D 5th Edition (5e), though they are optional. These rules aren’t part of the core ruleset presented in the Player’s Handbook but are introduced in the Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG) as a variant rule. This means their implementation and use are entirely at the discretion of the Dungeon Master (DM). Flanking is a tactical maneuver designed to provide a combat advantage, reflecting the real-world military strategy of attacking an enemy from the side.
Understanding the Flanking Rule in 5E
The Core Concept
The basic principle of flanking in 5e is simple: when a creature and at least one ally are positioned on opposite sides or corners of an enemy’s space, they are considered to be flanking that enemy. This tactical positioning grants each flanking combatant a significant benefit.
How Flanking Works
When flanking is in effect, each creature engaging in the flanking maneuver gains advantage on their melee attack rolls against the flanked enemy. Advantage means rolling two d20s and taking the higher result, significantly increasing the chance of landing a successful hit.
Positioning is Key
The flanking rule is dependent on positioning. If two attackers aren’t correctly positioned, flanking is not triggered. They must be on opposing sides or corners. This can create dynamic movement scenarios during combat, as players try to strategically position themselves to gain an advantage.
Optional Rule Status
It is critical to remember that flanking is not a default rule. DMs have the freedom to include or exclude it based on their game’s preferred style. Some DMs may choose to use it every session, some occasionally, and some not at all.
The Impact of Flanking on Gameplay
Enhanced Combat Tactics
The inclusion of flanking rules encourages a more strategic and tactical approach to combat. Players are incentivized to coordinate and plan their positioning, rather than simply standing toe-to-toe with their enemies. It promotes teamwork and cooperation.
Risk vs. Reward
Flanking can be risky, as it often requires multiple characters to move into close proximity with an enemy. This can expose characters to attacks of opportunity or force them to navigate difficult terrain. There is a risk-reward element involved in using flanking.
Combat Pacing
For some groups, flanking can make combat feel faster-paced and more dynamic, as players become more engaged in tactical positioning. However, it could slow down the action if players take too long to optimize for flanking every time.
Balancing Encounters
DMs who choose to use the flanking rule may need to adjust encounter difficulty slightly. This is because the advantage gained from flanking can significantly increase the party’s effectiveness.
FAQs About Flanking in 5E
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about flanking in D&D 5e to help further clarify the subject:
1. Where Can I Find the Official Flanking Rules?
The official flanking rules are found in the Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG), specifically on page 251 under the heading “Flanking.”
2. Can Large or Larger Creatures be Flanked?
Yes. A Large or larger creature is considered flanked as long as at least one square or hex of its space meets the requirements for flanking.
3. Do Ranged Attacks Benefit from Flanking?
No, ranged attacks do not benefit from the flanking rule in 5e. It only applies to melee attack rolls.
4. Does Flanking Work with Melee Spell Attacks?
Yes, melee spell attacks do benefit from the flanking rule, as they are still considered melee attacks.
5. Can an Invisible Creature Flank?
Yes, an invisible creature can flank, provided it meets the positioning requirements and is capable of attacking.
6. Can You Flank While Grappled?
Yes, a grappled creature can still flank if it meets the positional requirements, threatening the enemy.
7. Can You Flank with a Spiritual Weapon?
No, a Spiritual Weapon cannot contribute to flanking, because it isn’t a creature nor ally and the attack is a Melee Spell Attack rather than a Melee Attack.
8. Does Flanking Work with Reach Weapons?
Only the creatures adjacent to the target can flank. Having Reach is not a requirement nor provides benefit to the attacker, unless it is the attacker moving to the flank.
9. Can a single character get flanking benefits on their own?
No, flanking requires at least two allies positioned on opposing sides of the enemy. One character cannot flank by themselves.
10. Is Flanking the Same as a Backstab?
No, flanking and backstabbing are different concepts. Flanking grants advantage while backstabbing is a different type of attack with higher damage. Backstabs are not part of 5e.
11. Does Flanking Stack with Other Advantage Sources?
No, advantage does not stack in 5e. Having advantage from multiple sources does not lead to rolling more than two dice, only one instance of advantage is considered.
12. Can a creature flank if it can’t see?
No, a creature cannot flank an enemy it cannot see. Having visibility on the target is required for the flanking maneuver.
13. What if an ally has to move past the flanked enemy in their attack round?
The allies must be in position at the start of the attacker’s turn. Moving past them in a turn will not break flanking.
14. Does Flanking always grant advantage or a +2 bonus?
Flanking only grants advantage in 5e, not a static +2 bonus. It’s important not to confuse it with other game systems.
15. What is the Rule 0 in relation to flanking?
Rule 0 empowers the DM. They are the final decision maker, and can modify, exclude, or add rules, including flanking, to fit their specific game.
Conclusion
Flanking in D&D 5e, while an optional rule, adds a layer of tactical depth to combat encounters. It encourages players to think strategically about positioning and rewards coordinated teamwork. Whether or not to include this rule in your game depends entirely on the preferences of the DM and the group, but understanding its mechanics is essential for anyone wishing to engage with 5e’s combat system to its fullest. By understanding and applying the flanking rule (if used) DMs and players can create more engaging and dynamic combat scenarios.