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Can Familiars Give Advantage on Attack Rolls? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, familiars can absolutely give advantage on attack rolls in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e). The primary method through which they achieve this is by using the Help action. While familiars are not typically combatants in the traditional sense, their support capabilities can significantly enhance a party’s offensive potential. This article delves deep into how familiars grant advantage, exploring the rules, limitations, and frequently asked questions surrounding this powerful mechanic.

Understanding the Familiar’s Role

A familiar, obtained through the Find Familiar spell, is more than just a cute companion. It’s a versatile tool that, when wielded strategically, can provide invaluable assistance both in and out of combat. A key aspect of its utility lies in its ability to perform actions independently of the spellcaster. This independence, however, comes with limitations.

Familiars cannot attack, but they can take other actions, including:

Help: This is the primary way a familiar grants advantage.
Dash: Increases movement speed.
Disengage: Avoids opportunity attacks.
Hide: Attempts to conceal itself.
Search: Attempts to find something.
Use an Object: Interacts with the environment.

The familiar acts on its own turn, following the caster’s commands. This tactical independence is what allows a player to take advantage of the Help action without sacrificing their own action.

The Help Action: The Key to Advantage

The Help action is the linchpin of a familiar’s ability to grant advantage. Here’s how it works:

On its turn, the familiar uses its action to Help another creature.
The familiar must be within 5 feet of the creature it is helping (typically the target of the attack).
The next attack roll made against the target by the creature the familiar is helping gains advantage, provided the attack is made before the start of the familiar’s next turn.

This is a critical advantage, particularly for classes like rogues who rely on advantage to trigger Sneak Attack, or for any character needing that extra edge to hit a heavily armored opponent.

Strategic Implications

Using a familiar to grant advantage is a powerful tactic, but it’s not without its considerations.

Vulnerability: Familiars have low hit points and are vulnerable to area-of-effect spells and targeted attacks. Protecting the familiar is crucial.
Positioning: Careful positioning is necessary to ensure the familiar is within range to Help without putting itself in undue danger.
Action Economy: While the familiar’s action is “free” in the sense that it doesn’t cost the caster their action, it still requires the familiar to act and potentially expose itself to risk.
DM Interpretation: While RAW (Rules as Written) clearly supports the use of Help, a Dungeon Master (DM) can, at their discretion, impose reasonable limitations based on the specific scenario or familiar type.

Additional Considerations: Flanking and Beyond

The ability of familiars to assist extends beyond merely using the Help action. In some situations, a familiar can contribute to other tactical advantages.

Flanking

While the rules surrounding flanking can vary depending on the DM and optional rules, the presence of a familiar can sometimes contribute to flanking. If the DM uses a flanking rule where two allies on opposite sides of an enemy grant advantage, a familiar can potentially act as one of those allies, provided it is positioned correctly and the DM allows it.

It is imperative to note that in order for a familiar to give the flanking bonus, it needs to be in the correct position.

Sneak Attack

Rogues greatly benefit from having an ally adjacent to their target, which allows them to use sneak attack. Familiars qualify as allies, thus providing this benefit to a rogue.

Beyond Combat

The benefits of a familiar extend beyond combat. A familiar can be used for:

Scouting: Providing valuable information about upcoming dangers or opportunities.
Delivering Messages: Conveying information discreetly.
Interacting with Objects: Opening doors, pulling levers, or distracting guards.
Stabilizing allies: A familiar can use a healer’s kit to stablize a dying player.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about familiars and their ability to grant advantage:

Can a familiar use the Help action to grant advantage on ranged attacks?

Yes, the Help action can be used to grant advantage on ranged attacks as long as the familiar is within 5 feet of the target.
Can a familiar grant disadvantage on attack rolls?

No, the Help action only provides the ability to grant advantage to an attack.
What are the rules for familiars in combat?

Your familiar acts independently of you, but it always obeys your commands. In combat, it rolls its own initiative and acts on its own turn. A familiar can’t attack, but it can take other actions as normal.
Can a familiar grant Sneak Attack to a Rogue?

Yes, both by being within 5 feet of the target or by granting advantage on the attack roll, thus meeting the requirements for Sneak Attack.
Does a familiar count as an ally for flanking?

Potentially, depending on the DM’s interpretation of the flanking rules.
Can a familiar help with death saving throws?

Yes, a familiar can use a healer’s kit to stabilize a dying creature without needing a Wisdom (Medicine) check.
Can you have two familiars?

No, you can only have one familiar at a time. Casting the Find Familiar spell again while you already have a familiar simply changes its form.
Can a familiar become a sidekick?

Yes, familiars can become sidekicks. It’s up to your DM to allow it or not, and in general, it will nerf your party.
Can your familiar carry you?

Yes, a familiar can carry loads if it can properly grip or support them, including a willing creature if they fall within this weight limit.
Can familiars give flanking bonus?

Potentially, depending on the DM’s interpretation of the flanking rules.
Can a familiar give advantage?

Yes, through the use of the Help action. This means that, through the use of a Familiar, a character is capable of providing themselves and allies with advantage on attack rolls without sacrificing one’s own actions to do so.
Can familiars give help action in combat?

Yes, familiars can perform “help” action on an enemy to impose an advantage on your next attack.
Can a familiar hold a weapon?

A familiar could wield a weapon if they had the appropriate anatomy for it.
If you are hidden do you get advantage on attack rolls?

When a creature can’t see you, you have advantage on attack rolls against it.
Can familiars make opportunity attacks?

A familiar can’t Attack, but it can take other Actions as normal, such as Dash (max movement is increased by base speed) or Disengage (prevent opportunity attacks if you spend movement).

Conclusion

Familiars are incredibly useful companions in D&D 5e, and their ability to grant advantage is just one of the many ways they can contribute to a party’s success. By understanding the rules surrounding the Help action, positioning, and potential vulnerabilities, players can effectively utilize their familiars to gain a significant edge in combat. It’s crucial to remember that the DM has the final say on how these rules are applied, so open communication and understanding of their interpretation are essential.

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Can familiars give advantage on attack rolls?