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Can You Trip as an AoO in Pathfinder? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you absolutely can trip as an Attack of Opportunity (AoO) in Pathfinder. The core rulebook explicitly allows for it. However, there are nuances and considerations to keep in mind, which we will delve into. This is a powerful tactic, especially for characters built around battlefield control.

Understanding the Core Mechanics

To fully grasp the implications, let’s break down the fundamental rules at play:

Attack of Opportunity: This is a single melee attack that you can make when an enemy provokes it. The most common trigger is moving out of your threatened area.
Trip: This is a specific combat maneuver that allows you to attempt to knock an opponent prone, rendering them vulnerable.
Combat Maneuvers: While many combat maneuvers can be performed as part of an attack action, full-attack action, or attack of opportunity (in place of a melee attack), others require a specific action. Unless otherwise noted, performing a combat maneuver provokes an attack of opportunity from the target of the maneuver.

The key here is that the Trip maneuver can be performed “in place of a melee attack.” Since an AoO grants you a single melee attack, you can substitute that attack with a Trip attempt.

The Provoking Factor

A crucial detail: unless you have the Improved Trip feat or a similar ability, attempting a trip provokes an AoO from the target of your maneuver. This means that if you try to trip an enemy without Improved Trip, they get a free attack against you first. This is a major risk, and investing in the feat is generally considered essential for a trip-focused build.

Weapon Considerations

While you can use a weapon to aid your Trip attempt (adding its enhancement bonus to your CMB), the Trip maneuver itself isn’t inherently tied to weapon attacks. You’re making a Combat Maneuver Check (CMB), not an attack roll.

Strategic Advantages of Tripping on AoOs

Here’s why tripping as an AoO can be so effective:

Disrupting Movement: If an enemy is trying to maneuver around you to reach a vulnerable ally, a well-timed Trip can stop them in their tracks and leave them prone.
Creating Openings: A prone enemy is easier to hit for both you and your allies. This can significantly increase your party’s damage output.
Controlling the Battlefield: By consistently tripping opponents, you can dictate the flow of combat, forcing enemies to spend actions getting back on their feet.

The Halberd Strategy

The original post mentioned using a halberd to avoid provoking AoOs while tripping. While a halberd doesn’t inherently prevent provoking AoOs when attempting a Trip (that’s what Improved Trip is for), it does allow you to threaten a larger area. This means you have more opportunities to make AoOs in the first place. The combination of a reach weapon and Combat Reflexes can make you a formidable battlefield controller.

The Importance of Combat Reflexes

The Combat Reflexes feat is incredibly important. It allows you to make a number of attacks of opportunity equal to your Dexterity modifier, making your trip build even more effective. Without it, you are limited to one AoO per round, which is a huge limitation.

FAQs: Tripping and Attacks of Opportunity

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the rules and strategies around tripping on AoOs in Pathfinder:

Does using a whip for a Trip attempt change whether it provokes an AoO? No. The whip’s properties only affect dealing damage. Whether you provoke an AoO when attempting a Trip depends solely on whether you possess the Improved Trip feat or a similar ability.
Can I use a feat or class feature that grants a bonus to melee attack rolls to boost my CMB when tripping? Generally no, unless the feat or feature specifically states that it applies to CMB checks. CMB is a separate mechanic from melee attack rolls.
If I have Improved Trip, does the target still get an AoO if they have a feat that says they don’t provoke AoOs when moving? The Improved Trip feat prevents you from provoking. The target’s movement-related feat is irrelevant in this case.
Can I trip a flying creature as an AoO? Yes, but the rules for what happens when a flying creature is tripped are different. They might fall, depending on their maneuverability and altitude.
Does tripping an opponent deny them their Dexterity bonus to AC? Yes, while they are prone, they lose their Dexterity bonus to AC (if any) against melee attacks.
Can I trip a creature that is immune to being knocked prone? No. If a creature has an ability or effect that makes it immune to being knocked prone, your Trip attempt will automatically fail.
If I’m grappling an opponent, can I trip them as an AoO if they try to escape? No. Making a grapple requires a standard action. An Attack of Opportunity only allows you to make a single melee attack.
Can I use a spell to aid my Trip attempt? Potentially. Some spells grant bonuses that could apply to your CMB. Consult the specific spell descriptions.
Can I use a potion to boost my Strength score before attempting a Trip as an AoO? Yes, you can drink a potion (which is a standard action unless you have the appropriate feats) before making the AoO if you have time to react.
If I have a reach weapon, can I trip an opponent who is further away than my normal reach, but within my weapon’s reach? Yes, your reach weapon extends your threatened area and therefore expands the area where you can make an AoO.
Does the size of my weapon affect my Trip attempt? No, the size of the weapon itself does not directly affect your Trip attempt. However, larger creatures generally have higher CMB, so using a larger weapon might indirectly correlate with a more powerful build.
Can I use the Dirty Trick maneuver instead of Trip as an AoO? You may use Disarm, Sunder, or Trip as an attack of opportunity. You may not use Grapple, Drag, Dirty Trick, Reposition, Overrun, Bull Rush, or Steal as an attack of opportunity.
If I successfully trip an opponent, do I get another attack? No, unless you have a feat or ability that specifically grants you an extra attack upon successfully tripping an opponent.
Does tripping an opponent trigger an AoO from my allies? Not automatically. An opponent being prone simply makes them easier to hit, but it doesn’t inherently trigger AoOs from your allies.
Where can I learn more about effective combat tactics in Pathfinder? Beyond the core rulebooks, consider exploring resources like the Paizo forums, online character optimization guides, and collaborative platforms like the Games Learning Society, which fosters understanding of game mechanics and strategic decision-making. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

Conclusion

Tripping as an AoO can be a powerful tool in your Pathfinder arsenal. Just remember to invest in the Improved Trip feat to avoid provoking attacks and consider using reach weapons and Combat Reflexes to maximize your effectiveness. By understanding the rules and strategic implications, you can become a master of battlefield control. It is a risky strategy if you are not prepared, but if implemented correctly, it is a powerful and strategic action to control the battlefield.

Can you trip as an AoO Pathfinder?