Can You Grapple Then Shove? Mastering Combat Maneuvers in D&D 5e

Yes, absolutely! In D&D 5e, you can indeed grapple a creature and then, in the same turn, shove it. This is a potent combat tactic that, when executed correctly, can significantly control the battlefield and give your party a distinct advantage. The key is understanding how actions, attacks, and Extra Attack features interact within the game’s rules.

Understanding the Action Economy

The foundation of this maneuver lies in the action economy of D&D 5e. On your turn, you typically have one action, one bonus action, movement, and a reaction. Both grappling and shoving are special melee attacks that you can make as part of the Attack action. This is where classes with features like Extra Attack, particularly Fighters, excel.

Executing the Grapple and Shove Combo

Here’s how you can successfully grapple and shove in the same turn:

1. Take the Attack Action: Declare that you are taking the Attack action.
2. First Attack: Grapple: Instead of making a regular weapon attack, use one of your attacks to attempt a grapple. This involves making a Strength (Athletics) check contested by the target’s Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check (their choice). If you succeed, you have grappled the target. Their speed becomes 0.
3. Second Attack (Extra Attack Required): If you have the Extra Attack feature (common among Fighters, Barbarians, and certain other classes), you can use your second attack to attempt a shove.
4. Shove the Target: As with grappling, shoving replaces a regular weapon attack. Make a Strength (Athletics) check contested by the target’s Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. If you succeed, you can either push the target 5 feet away from you or knock it prone.
5. Combine for Maximum Effect: The ideal strategy is to grapple the target to reduce their speed to 0, preventing them from moving away. Then shove them prone. A prone creature has disadvantage on attack rolls and attackers within 5 feet of the prone creature have advantage on attack rolls against it. This setup provides advantage to your melee attackers for the rest of the round and potentially subsequent rounds, depending on the target’s actions.

Advantages of the Grapple and Shove Combo

• Control: This combo allows you to control an enemy’s position and movement, limiting their options.
• Advantage: Knocking a creature prone grants advantage on melee attack rolls against it, significantly increasing your party’s damage output.
• Disruption: Preventing a spellcaster from moving can disrupt their strategies and make them easier to target.
• Versatility: The combo works well in various combat scenarios, from narrow corridors to open battlefields.

Considerations and Limitations

• Size Matters: You can only grapple creatures no more than one size larger than you. A Medium character can grapple a Large creature, but not a Huge one.
• Ability Scores: This strategy is most effective for characters with high Strength and proficiency in Athletics.
• Extra Attack: The Extra Attack feature is essential for executing the combo in a single turn.
• Creature Resistances/Immunities: Some creatures are immune to being grappled or knocked prone, making the combo ineffective against them.
• Action Economy for Others: While you’re busy grappling and shoving, you might not be dealing direct damage. Consider your party composition and whether controlling the enemy is more valuable than dealing immediate damage.

Tactical Applications

Imagine a Fighter grappling a powerful enemy spellcaster, preventing them from retreating or positioning effectively. The Fighter then shoves the spellcaster prone, granting advantage to the Rogue who then swoops in for a Sneak Attack. This coordinated effort can quickly neutralize a significant threat.

Maximizing Your Grapple and Shove Potential

1. Choose the Right Feats: Consider taking feats like Grappler (though its effectiveness is debated) or Tavern Brawler to enhance your unarmed combat abilities.
2. Multiclassing: Dipping into classes like Barbarian can grant advantage on Strength checks, including grapple checks, while raging.
3. Teamwork: Coordinate with your party to maximize the benefits of the grapple and shove combo. Ensure that melee attackers are positioned to take advantage of the prone condition.

The grapple and shove combo is a powerful tool for any martial character, offering a blend of control, disruption, and tactical advantage. Mastering this maneuver can significantly enhance your effectiveness in combat and make you a valuable asset to your party.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you grapple twice in one turn?

Yes, if you have the Extra Attack feature, you can use multiple attacks to attempt multiple grapple attempts, or combine a grapple with another attack or a shove.

2. Can you shove someone out of a grapple?

Yes. If you shove the grappler 5 feet away, the grapple ends because they are no longer within reach.

3. Does grappling count as an attack for Rage?

Yes, attempting to grapple is considered an attack, even though it uses an ability check instead of an attack roll. Therefore, grappling or shoving a hostile creature does allow you to continue your Rage.

4. Can you grapple while holding a weapon?

Yes, you can grapple while holding a one-handed weapon, but you cannot attack with a two-handed weapon while grappling as attacking with it requires the use of two hands.

5. What actions can you take while grappled?

If you are the one doing the grappling, you can still attack, cast spells (that don’t require two hands), and take other actions as normal, with the caveat that the target’s speed is now 0. If you are grappled, you can attack the grappler, attempt to escape the grapple, or take any other action that doesn’t require movement.

6. Can you sneak attack while grappling?

The grappled condition itself doesn’t automatically grant Sneak Attack. However, if you pin the opponent, rendering them prone, or if another condition like the restrained condition applies, it can create the circumstances necessary for Sneak Attack.

7. What is the disadvantage of grappling in D&D 5e?

The main disadvantage is that grappling requires an attack, meaning you are sacrificing potential damage output. Also, if you fail the grapple attempt, you have essentially wasted an attack. Additionally, you are using your action to maintain the grapple each turn.

8. Does forced movement break a grapple?

Yes, if the grappler is forced to move out of reach of the grappled creature, the grapple ends.

9. Can you grapple then attack the grappled creature?

Yes, you can grapple a creature and then use subsequent attacks (if you have Extra Attack) to attack the same creature or a different target.

10. Can you stand up if grappled?

No, if you are grappled, your speed is 0, so you cannot stand up from prone. This makes the grapple + shove (prone) combo particularly effective.

11. Can you fly while grappled?

If you are grappled, all your movement types become zero. You can’t fly, and if you are currently flying (without hover), you begin to fall.

12. Is it better to strike or grapple?

This depends on the situation. Striking deals damage, while grappling controls the enemy. Consider the specific combat scenario and your party’s composition to determine which approach is more effective.

13. Can an unarmed strike be a grapple?

Grapples and shoves are special melee attacks that can be made as part of the Attack action, but they aren’t always considered unarmed strikes for specific class features.

14. Can you grapple or shove with Flurry of Blows?

No. Flurry of Blows requires you to use an unarmed strike or monk weapon which grapple and shove are not.

15. Can you grapple a prone creature?

Yes, you can grapple a prone creature, which prevents them from standing up until the grapple is broken. This is a very effective tactic for controlling enemies.

D&D is all about strategic gameplay and combining different actions to achieve the best outcome! If you’re interested in learning more about gaming and education, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.