Does Flanking Give You Advantage in D&D?
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Yes, flanking gives you advantage on melee attack rolls in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), but only if you are using the optional flanking rule. This rule isn’t part of the core game, meaning that your Dungeon Master (GM) may or may not use it in your campaigns. When flanking is in play, and you and at least one of your allies are positioned correctly around an enemy, you gain a significant tactical edge. This added advantage can dramatically impact combat, making it a pivotal element of your strategy.
Understanding the Flanking Rule
How Flanking Works
The flanking rule, found in the Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG) on page 251, states: “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, and each of them has advantage on melee attack rolls against that enemy.”
This means that in order to gain advantage, at least two characters must be next to an enemy, with one character on one side or corner and at least one other ally on the opposite side or corner. This positioning is crucial to enabling the benefit. Whether you use a square or hexagonal grid, the principle remains the same. The key is creating a pincer action around the targeted enemy.
Why Flanking Provides Advantage
The tactical reasoning behind flanking is that when an enemy is surrounded, they are forced to divide their attention, making them more vulnerable to attack. Similar to real-world military tactics, attacking from the flank hits a less defended spot. This allows an attacker to more effectively strike and increases the chances of a successful blow.
The Impact of Advantage in Combat
What Advantage Means
In D&D 5e, advantage means that when you make an attack roll, you roll two d20s and take the higher result. This dramatically increases your chances of hitting your target and can turn the tide of battle. Advantage is especially valuable as it can negate disadvantage, or allow you to take multiple advantage bonuses when fighting your foe. It also greatly increases the chance to roll a natural 20 (critical hit).
Flanking and Melee Attacks
The advantage gained from flanking specifically applies to melee attack rolls. This means that characters using swords, axes, clubs, and other close-range weapons benefit most. While some spells might have melee attack rolls, most spells will not gain advantage from flanking due to range restrictions.
Is Flanking Always a Good Idea?
While the advantage from flanking is powerful, it’s not always the best tactic. Moving into melee range exposes your character to possible attacks from your enemies. There may also be strategic situations where it’s preferable to stay at range. Consider positioning, battlefield terrain, and enemy abilities before committing to a flanking maneuver. It is also important to take into account whether or not a foe is likely to attempt an opportunity attack.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flanking
1. Is flanking a core rule in D&D 5e?
No, flanking is an optional rule found in the Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG). Your GM decides whether to use it in your campaign.
2. How do I know if we’re using the flanking rule?
Ask your GM. They will inform you if the variant rule is in effect for the campaign.
3. Does flanking work with ranged attacks?
No, the advantage from flanking specifically applies to melee attack rolls. There is no flanking benefit for ranged attacks unless stated otherwise by the GM.
4. Does flanking work with melee spell attacks?
Yes, flanking grants advantage to melee attacks. This includes melee spell attacks. If a spell requires a melee attack roll, it benefits from flanking if the conditions are met.
5. Do rogues get special benefits from flanking?
Rogues do not get special benefits from the flanking rule. However, they gain advantage on their Sneak Attack when conditions are met. Flanking simply provides advantage on the roll, as it does for other characters.
6. Can a single character flank an enemy?
No, flanking requires at least two characters on opposite sides or corners of an enemy’s space. One person can not flank.
7. Does flanking apply to opportunity attacks?
Yes, if a creature moves away from one character towards another, before leaving the first character’s threatened space, the first character can make an opportunity attack at advantage if flanking is established.
8. What if an enemy is much larger than our characters?
The flanking rule still applies to larger enemies. You must be positioned on opposite sides or corners of the enemy’s space, regardless of its size.
9. How much does advantage increase my chances of hitting?
Advantage significantly increases your chance of hitting. The expected value on a d20 roll is 10.5. With advantage, the expected value becomes around 13.8, making success far more likely.
10. What is “Rule 0” and does it relate to flanking?
Rule 0 is the principle that the GM is the final authority and can change, modify, or remove any rule as they see fit. This means they can modify the flanking rule, or decide against it entirely.
11. Is it better to roll 2d6 or 1d12 for damage?
This is not related to flanking. Rolling 2d6 gives you more consistent damage, while 1d12 has a higher chance of rolling both very low and very high results.
12. How does hiding impact advantage?
Attacking from a hidden position grants you advantage on the attack roll. This can be used in conjunction with flanking, or as an alternative when you can’t establish a flank.
13. Does flanking work against spell casters?
Yes, flanking works on any creature provided the necessary conditions are met, whether they are spell casters or not.
14. What is the best defense against being flanked?
The best defense against being flanked is to ensure that your team is not easily surrounded. Use strategic positioning to prevent enemies from isolating and attacking your flanks. Ensure overlapping arcs of fire and defend with team tactics.
15. What is the most overpowered build in D&D?
This is subjective, but a Bear-barian (Druid/Barbarian multiclass) is considered one of the most overpowered builds due to its incredible tanking capabilities.
Conclusion
Flanking, when used properly, is a powerful tactical tool in D&D 5e. Remember that it is an optional rule, so make sure to ask your GM before relying on it. By understanding its mechanics and integrating it into your combat strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of success and turn the tide of battle in your favor. Happy adventuring!