Grappling with Multiattack in 5e: A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you can grapple with Multiattack in 5e, but with a significant caveat. While characters with the Extra Attack feature can freely substitute one of their attacks for a grapple attempt when taking the Attack action, creatures with the Multiattack ability are usually restricted to the specific attacks listed in their stat block. They cannot typically swap out a listed attack for a grapple unless their stat block explicitly allows it. This nuance is crucial for understanding how grappling works in combat.

Understanding the Core Mechanics

Before diving deeper, let’s clarify the basics of grappling and Multiattack. Grappling is a special melee attack that allows you to seize control of an opponent, hindering their movement. It’s initiated by making a Strength (Athletics) check contested by the target’s Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. Success means the target is grappled, reducing their speed to 0.

Multiattack, on the other hand, is a specific monster stat block ability. It outlines a sequence of actions a creature can perform in a single turn. This often includes a combination of different attacks, and sometimes other actions. Critically, the Multiattack description dictates exactly what the creature can do.

The Critical Difference: Attack Action vs. Multiattack Action

The key distinction lies in the difference between taking the Attack action and using the Multiattack ability. When a player character takes the Attack action, features like Extra Attack grant them additional attacks within that action. Any of these attacks can be substituted for a grapple attempt.

However, Multiattack is not the same as taking the Attack action. It is a predefined sequence. Unless the monster’s stat block specifically includes grappling as an option within its Multiattack, the monster cannot choose to grapple. The Multiattack entry might say, for example, “The ogre makes two club attacks and one javelin attack.” The ogre must perform those specific attacks. It cannot replace one with a grapple.

Examples and Scenarios

Let’s illustrate this with examples:

• Level 5 Fighter: A fighter with Extra Attack can choose to attack and then grapple, grapple and then attack, or even grapple twice (if they have a way to get advantage). They are using the Attack action, which grants them two attacks, and they are free to use one or both for grappling.

• Ogre with Multiattack: The ogre’s stat block says: “Multiattack. The ogre makes two club attacks.” The ogre cannot replace a club attack with a grapple unless its stat block specifically says something like, “Multiattack. The ogre makes two club attacks or one club attack and attempts to grapple a creature.”

• Creature with a Grappling Attack Specified: Some creatures have a specific attack listed in their stat block that involves grappling. For example, a giant constrictor snake might have an attack that automatically grapples a creature on a successful hit. In this case, the grapple is part of the attack described in the stat block, and the creature can use it as specified.

Optimizing Grapple Builds

For players looking to build characters focused on grappling, consider these tips:

• Strength is Key: Invest in Strength to improve your Athletics check.
• Expertise: Classes like Rogue or Bard can gain Expertise in Athletics, effectively doubling your proficiency bonus.
• Advantage: Find ways to gain advantage on your grapple checks. Being Hidden or having an ally flanking the target can help.
• Feats: Consider feats like Tavern Brawler (for improvised weapons and improved unarmed strikes) or Grappler (though this feat is often considered underpowered).
• Teamwork: Coordinate with your party. A grappled enemy is easier for allies to hit, especially if prone.

The Value of Grappling

Grappling might not seem as flashy as dealing damage, but it’s a powerful tool for controlling the battlefield. A grappled enemy has their speed reduced to 0, preventing them from moving away, reaching allies, or escaping dangerous situations. This can be particularly effective against spellcasters or ranged attackers.

Also, grappling can be combined with the shove action to knock a creature prone. This imposes disadvantage on their attack rolls and grants advantage to melee attackers.

Learning More

To expand your understanding of the rules, you can explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org). This organization offers insights into the educational aspects of gaming.

FAQs About Grappling and Multiattack in 5e

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the interaction between grappling and Multiattack:

1. Can I replace any attack with a grapple if I have Extra Attack?

Yes, if you take the Attack action and have the Extra Attack feature, you can replace one or more of your attacks with a grapple attempt.

2. Does a grapple attempt count as an attack?

Yes, a grapple attempt counts as one attack. If you have multiple attacks available through features like Extra Attack, you can substitute one of them with a grapple.

3. Can a monster with Multiattack grapple multiple targets?

Only if the monster’s Multiattack description specifically allows it to grapple multiple targets.

4. Can I attack a creature I am already grappling?

Yes, being grappled doesn’t prevent you from attacking. You can still take any action you want, including attacking the creature grappling you.

5. Can I move a grappled creature?

Yes, you can move a grappled creature, but your speed is halved, unless the creature is two or more sizes smaller than you. You must move with them, effectively dragging them along.

6. What happens if I am grappling multiple creatures?

Grappling multiple creatures can be challenging. Each grapple requires a free hand, and you must make separate grapple checks for each creature. You also move at a reduced speed.

7. Can I restrain a creature with a grapple?

Yes, as an action, you can attempt to pin a grappled creature, making another grapple check. If successful, both you and the creature are Restrained until the grapple ends.

8. Can I use a bonus action to grapple?

No, grappling requires using the Attack action and substituting an attack. There is no way to grapple using a bonus action by default.

9. Can I grapple with an opportunity attack?

No, you cannot use an opportunity attack for a grapple attempt by default. The rules require you to be using the Melee Attack action in order to grapple, and you can only do that on your turn. You could use the Ready action to grapple when a creature moves within your reach.

10. What happens when a creature escapes a grapple?

A grappled creature can use its action to attempt to escape. They make a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check contested by your Strength (Athletics) check. If successful, the grapple ends.

11. Does being grappled impose disadvantage on attacks?

No, being grappled does not, by itself, impose disadvantage on attack rolls. However, if you are grappled and prone, you will have disadvantage on attack rolls.

12. Can I cast spells while grappling?

Yes, you can cast spells while grappling, but you must meet the spell’s components (verbal, somatic, material). Being grappled does not restrict spellcasting unless it also restricts your ability to perform the spell’s components.

13. Can I use a shield while grappling?

Yes, you can use a shield while grappling. Grappling only requires one free hand, leaving the other hand free to hold a shield.

14. How does size affect grappling?

You can only grapple a creature that is no more than one size larger than you.

15. If a monster can both grapple and bite in its multiattack, can it bite a creature it is grappling?

Yes, if a monster’s Multiattack description includes both a grappling attack and a bite attack, it can use the bite attack against a creature it is grappling, as long as the Multiattack sequence allows it.

Understanding these rules and nuances will help you use grappling effectively in your 5e games, whether you’re a player character or a dungeon master controlling a formidable monster.