Can You Sneak Attack While Grappled? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is: yes, absolutely, you can sneak attack while grappling in D&D 5e, under the right circumstances. However, it’s not as straightforward as simply being in a grapple. The interaction between the grappled condition, the sneak attack ability, and various combat mechanics can be tricky. This article will break down the nuances, clarify common misconceptions, and answer frequently asked questions to help you master the art of the sneaky grapple.

Understanding the Grappled Condition

Before we dive into sneak attacks, let’s make sure we understand what being grappled actually means. According to the D&D 5e rules, a creature that is grappled has the following effects:

• Their speed becomes 0, meaning they cannot move.
• They can still take actions and reactions, including attacking.
• Being grappled doesn’t impose disadvantage on attacks.

It’s crucial to note that being grappled does not impose disadvantage on attack rolls. This is a common misconception.

The Sneak Attack Rules

Now, let’s look at the requirements for a rogue to trigger their Sneak Attack damage. Here are the key conditions:

• The attack must be made with a finesse or ranged weapon.
• You must have advantage on the attack roll, or another enemy of the target must be within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn’t incapacitated, and you don’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.

Therefore, to pull off a sneak attack while grappling, you’ll need to meet these criteria.

The Grapple and Sneak Attack Synergy

So how does being grappled tie into the Sneak Attack? Here’s where it gets interesting:

• Grappling does not deny a creature their Dexterity bonus to AC. However, other conditions like pinned (not simply grappled) may.
• Grappled creatures can still be a valid target for Sneak Attack if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of the target, or if you otherwise have advantage on the attack roll.

Essentially, if you are grappling an enemy and another of their enemies is within 5 feet of them and not incapacitated and you do not have disadvantage on the attack roll, you can sneak attack them. Similarly, if you have advantage on the attack roll for some other reason, then you can use sneak attack while grappling them as long as you are using a finesse or ranged weapon.

This means a rogue can grapple an enemy, then use a finesse weapon on subsequent turns to deliver a Sneak Attack, provided one of the Sneak Attack criteria is met.

Practical Example

Let’s say your rogue is grappling a bandit. If a paladin is standing within 5 feet of that bandit, you, as the rogue, can use your shortsword, dagger, or other finesse weapon to deliver a sneak attack on the bandit due to their other enemy being next to them, as long as you do not have disadvantage on the attack roll.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about grappling, sneak attacks, and their interplay:

Can I use a two-handed weapon while grappling?

Yes, you can grapple while holding a two-handed weapon. However, you can’t attack with it while grappling. Two-handed weapons can be carried in one hand, freeing the other for grappling, but they require two hands to attack.

Can I make opportunity attacks while grappled?

Yes, a grappled creature can still make opportunity attacks. Being grappled doesn’t prevent you from taking reactions.

Does being prone and grappled prevent me from standing up?

Yes, being prone and grappled simultaneously prevents you from standing up. These conditions stack.

Can I drink a potion while grappled?

Yes, you can drink a potion while grappled as long as it only requires one free hand, as grappling only restricts movement.

Can I use a wand while grappled?

Absolutely. There’s no concentration check for using wands in 5e.

Can a creature be grappled multiple times?

Multiple creatures can grapple the same target, but a single creature cannot grapple the same target multiple times simultaneously.

Does shape shifting break a grapple?

Not automatically. Changing shape does not break the grapple, but if you transform into a creature significantly larger than your grappler, you might escape depending on DM ruling.

Can a grappled creature teleport?

Yes, grappling doesn’t prevent teleportation. However, some teleport spells may not work if the target resists or is unwilling.

Can a grappled creature cast spells?

Yes, being grappled doesn’t restrict spellcasting unless the spell requires movement.

Can a grappled character use somatic components for a spell?

Yes, as long as you have one free hand, you can perform somatic components while grappling.

Do grappled creatures threaten space?

Yes, a grappled creature still threatens space and can make opportunity attacks.

Can you plane shift while grappled?

Grappling does not prevent you from plane shifting.

Does “Freedom of Movement” prevent grapples?

“Freedom of movement” prevents you from being grappled, but doesn’t remove the effects of the grappled condition if you have willingly entered a grapple.

Can you throw a grappled opponent?

Yes, you can throw a grappled enemy, but it’s subject to weight restrictions and your drag/push/lift capacity.

Can you sneak attack with fists?

No. Sneak Attack requires a finesse or ranged weapon, and an unarmed strike is not considered a weapon.

Conclusion

Sneak attacks and grappling are a powerful combination for any rogue who knows how to exploit them. While being grappled doesn’t inherently grant you a sneak attack, using it to set up the correct conditions, like making the target more vulnerable to other party members within 5 feet or granting yourself advantage, can be a very effective tactic. Remembering the intricacies of the grappled condition, the Sneak Attack ability, and their interaction is key to using this strategy effectively. This guide should provide you with everything you need to know to utilize sneak attacks in a grapple.