Can You Flank a Large Creature? A Comprehensive Guide to Flanking in D&D 5E
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Yes, you absolutely can flank a Large creature in D&D 5th Edition. The core principle of flanking, which grants advantage on melee attack rolls, still applies to Large and even larger creatures. However, the specific positioning requirements change slightly compared to flanking a Medium or Small creature. This article delves deep into how flanking works with Large creatures, clarifying the rules and addressing common questions you might have.
Flanking and Large Creatures: The Rules
The optional flanking rule, found in the Dungeon Master’s Guide (page 251), dictates that when a creature and at least one ally are on opposite sides or corners of an enemy, they flank that enemy and gain advantage on melee attack rolls against it. The key difference when dealing with Large or larger creatures lies in how their space is considered for determining “opposite sides or corners.”
Flanking with a Grid
For a clear understanding, let’s look at how flanking is defined on a grid:
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Standard Creatures (Medium or Small): Flanking requires an attacker and an ally to be adjacent to the enemy and on opposite sides or corners. This is straightforward with a single square or hex for most creatures.
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Large Creatures: A Large creature occupies multiple squares or hexes. For flanking purposes, at least one square or hex of the attacker must be on the opposite side of one of the large creature’s spaces from an ally who is also adjacent to one of that creature’s squares. Put another way, an attacker and at least one of their allies need to be positioned in a way that a line could be drawn straight across the large creature’s space and the creatures would be on opposite sides of that line. The ally doesn’t need to be directly across the center of the creature’s space, just on the opposite side of some portion of it.
Key Considerations
- Multiple Squares: Remember, a large creature occupies multiple squares, not just one. When considering flanking, you need to consider those multiple squares.
- Opposite Sides or Corners: The core requirement remains the same; you and your ally must be considered to be on opposite sides or corners of the creature’s total space, not just individual squares.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some FAQs to provide additional context and clarification:
1. What is the optional rule for flanking?
The optional flanking rule states 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 flank that enemy. Both attackers gain advantage on melee attack rolls against that foe.
2. Can you flank with an invisible creature?
Yes, you can flank with an invisible creature. The creature’s invisibility doesn’t negate its ability to threaten a square and therefore, contribute to a flanking position. The ally will get the bonus for flanking assuming they pass the 50% miss chance for attacking the invisible creature.
3. Can restrained creatures flank?
Yes, a restrained creature can still flank. Being restrained does not mean that the creature is incapacitated. While they have disadvantage on their own attacks, they still threaten the creature being flanked.
4. How do Tiny characters flank?
Tiny characters can flank, but they have to be in the correct position. They are required to be on the opposite border of the opponent’s space from the space your character occupies. The tiny character has to threaten their opponent, meaning they cannot have a reach of zero.
5. How does flanking work with Large, Huge, and Gargantuan creatures?
Flanking with larger creatures is generally the same, though the size of the creature is relevant to how the characters may need to position themselves to meet the requirements. Generally, the allies must be considered to be on opposite sides of the creature in any way, shape, or form. There is no specific distance requirement between the two allies. Against a Medium or smaller creature, the allies flank if they are considered to be on opposite sides. Against a Large creature, the allies flank if they are considered to be on opposite sides. Against a Huge creature, the allies flank if they are considered to be on opposite sides. Against a Gargantuan creature, the allies flank if they are considered to be on opposite sides.
6. Can a grappled creature flank?
Yes, a grappled creature can still flank provided they are armed and threaten that enemy.
7. Can you flank with a familiar?
Yes, a familiar can contribute to flanking as long as it can make a melee attack and is in the correct position.
8. Can you flank with reach weapons?
Yes, with reach weapons, you can consider any squares you pass through as a valid square for flanking purposes. The reach weapon itself is irrelevant to flanking provided the user threatens the squares they are passing through.
9. Can you flank from range?
No, you cannot flank with a ranged attack. Flanking is only available for melee attacks.
10. Can you flank with spells?
Yes, melee spell attacks benefit from flanking rules. Spells that involve melee attacks will be able to take advantage of flanking. Ranged spells, just like ranged weapons, cannot be used to create a flanking situation.
11. Can a spiritual weapon flank?
No, a spiritual weapon does not count towards flanking. It is not a creature nor an ally, thus it is unable to create a flanking situation. Even though it is a melee attack, it is not a creature so it will not provide the bonuses of flanking.
12. Is flanking good in D&D 5E?
Yes, flanking is a useful tactic as it gives advantage on melee attack rolls, significantly increasing the chance of a hit and any critical hits.
13. Can you flank while blinded?
No, blinded creatures cannot provide flanking. They are considered to not threaten any squares due to being unable to see.
14. Can you disengage when flanked?
Yes, if you are in a flanking situation you may attack with advantage OR you may disengage after attacking.
15. Can a dancing sword flank?
Yes, a dancing sword can flank. Both the wielder and the weapon are considered to be threats and thus may flank an opponent.
Conclusion
Flanking Large creatures, although requiring a bit of understanding of their space requirements, is entirely possible in D&D 5E. Using these rules and considering the tactical positioning of your characters, you can utilize flanking to your advantage and dominate battles. Remember to communicate with your party members, strategize, and make sure those advantageous positions are secured for success.