Is Flanking Optional in 5e? A Deep Dive into Tactical Combat
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, flanking is an optional rule in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e). It’s explicitly detailed in the Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG) on page 251 as a variant rule, not a core mechanic included in the basic player’s handbook. This means that whether or not you use flanking in your games is entirely up to the Dungeon Master (DM) and their group’s preferences. Its optional nature allows for more flexibility in combat styles, catering to groups who prefer a simpler approach or those who crave more tactical depth. Understanding the implications of using or excluding this rule is key to a smooth and balanced gaming experience.
Understanding Flanking in 5e
What Is Flanking?
Flanking, in its essence, is a tactical combat maneuver where two allies position themselves on opposite sides of an enemy. 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. This creates a situation where the enemy is vulnerable, making it easier for the flanking attackers to hit.
How Does Flanking Work?
When flanking an enemy, both flanking attackers gain advantage on their melee attack rolls against that enemy. Advantage is a powerful mechanic in 5e, allowing the attacker to roll two d20s and take the higher result. This significantly increases the chances of landing a successful hit and, consequently, dealing damage.
Rules and Limitations of Flanking
- Visibility: A creature cannot flank an enemy it cannot see. This is intuitive and prevents players from trying to flank enemies through walls or other obstacles.
- Incapacitation: A creature cannot flank while it is incapacitated (e.g., stunned, paralyzed).
- Large Creatures: A large or larger creature is flanking as long as at least one square or hex of its space qualifies for flanking.
- Corners: Flanking can occur on opposite sides or corners of an enemy’s space.
- Melee Attacks: The advantage gained from flanking only applies to melee attack rolls.
The Impact of Flanking on Gameplay
Benefits of Flanking
- Tactical Depth: Flanking introduces a layer of strategy, encouraging players to think about their positioning and movement on the battlefield.
- Increased Hit Chance: The advantage granted by flanking significantly improves the likelihood of attacks landing.
- Encourages Teamwork: It rewards players for coordinating their actions, promoting a more cohesive and team-focused combat style.
- Mimics Military Strategy: The concept aligns with real-world military strategy, where attacking an enemy’s flank can be more effective than a direct frontal assault.
Potential Drawbacks of Flanking
- Nerfs Melee Characters (Debated): Some argue that the consistent advantage from flanking may diminish the impact of class-specific abilities or features that are supposed to grant advantage. The need for positional advantage may lead to situations where the best strategy is to constantly try to flank instead of using other abilities.
- Increased Combat Complexity: For newer groups, the added complexity of tracking flanking can slow down combat and make it less enjoyable.
- Potential For Abuse: Groups that abuse this mechanic can create a game where every combat devolves into a flank-fest, potentially limiting the variety and creativity of tactics.
Is Flanking Good?
Flanking can be a useful tactic in D&D 5E, as it allows characters to gain advantage on attack rolls against a creature. However, whether it is good or not really depends on the group. For some, it adds depth and teamwork, for others, it leads to repetitive gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Flanking
1. Is flanking a core rule or an optional one?
As stated earlier, flanking is an optional rule found in the Dungeon Master’s Guide, not a core rule in the Player’s Handbook. It’s up to the DM to decide whether to use it.
2. Does flanking affect ranged attacks?
No, the advantage gained from flanking only applies to melee attack rolls. Ranged attacks are not affected by flanking.
3. Can a creature flank by itself?
No, flanking requires at least two allies positioned on opposite sides of an enemy. A single creature cannot flank on its own.
4. Can a familiar be used for flanking?
Yes, a small familiar can flank if it is in the correct position and capable of making a melee attack.
5. Does Spiritual Weapon count for flanking?
No, a Spiritual Weapon does not count for the purposes of flanking. It is not a creature or an ally, and therefore does not contribute to flanking.
6. What happens if an enemy is flanked by more than two creatures?
Only two creatures are required to provide the advantage of flanking. Adding more flanking allies does not stack or further enhance the advantage provided by flanking.
7. Can you flank a creature with an attack that is not melee?
Flanking is the process of meeting the physical requirement of being positioned on the opposite side of an enemy, but the benefit of flanking, the advantage, only applies to melee attacks. Ranged attacks or spells that are not melee spell attacks do not gain advantage from flanking.
8. What is considered being on opposite sides of the enemy?
Being on opposite sides or corners of the enemy’s space is sufficient to qualify for flanking. This includes adjacent hexes or squares directly opposite each other.
9. Does an incapacitated creature still benefit from flanking?
No, if a creature is incapacitated it cannot flank, nor can it benefit from flanking.
10. Is it always best to flank?
While flanking provides advantage, which is beneficial, it might not always be the best tactical move. There may be situations where other actions, such as using special abilities or focusing on specific targets, might be more advantageous.
11. How does flanking interact with other mechanics that grant advantage?
Advantage from flanking does not stack with other sources of advantage. Only the highest source of advantage applies.
12. Does the target need to be aware of the flankers to be flanked?
No, the target does not need to be aware of the flankers. The tactical advantage is due to the positioning of the flankers.
13. Are there any classes or builds that benefit more from flanking?
Classes that are reliant on melee attacks, such as Fighters, Barbarians, and Paladins, tend to benefit the most from flanking due to its advantage on melee attack rolls.
14. Can the DM adjust the rules of flanking?
Yes, Rule 0 states that the DM is the ultimate arbiter of all rules in their game. They can adjust flanking rules to better fit the style of play they want for their table.
15. What is the difference between flanking and flat-footedness?
Flanking gives a character advantage to attack rolls against a target. The flat-footed condition is not an official rule in 5e. Some other systems may use “flat-footed” to mean that the target takes the disadvantage to Dexterity saving throws (such as when they are surprised). The flanking rule could be thought of as a way to take advantage of an opponent’s flat-footedness, but that isn’t explicitly stated within the 5e ruleset.
Conclusion
Flanking is a powerful, yet optional, tool in the 5e toolkit. Its inclusion or exclusion can drastically alter the feel of combat encounters. As a DM, choosing whether to incorporate flanking into your game should be based on what you and your group enjoy. It offers a way to increase tactical depth and encourage teamwork, but it can also add complexity and potentially homogenize combat. Weighing the benefits and drawbacks will lead you to the best decision for your individual playstyle.