Is Flanking Optional in D&D? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, flanking is indeed an optional rule in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e). It’s tucked away in the Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG) on page 251, indicating that its implementation is entirely at the discretion of the Dungeon Master (DM). This means your DM gets to decide whether or not you and your party can utilize this tactical maneuver to gain an edge in combat.

The flanking rule, when used, provides a significant advantage in combat. It simulates attacking an enemy from two sides, ideally making them more vulnerable. However, its simplicity and the ease with which it can be applied have led to debates about its balance and impact on gameplay. Some DMs embrace it as a way to make combat more dynamic and strategic, while others find it reduces the importance of other tactical options or character abilities.

The core of the flanking rule is this: 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. If they are flanking the enemy, each of them has advantage on melee attack rolls against that enemy.

This seemingly simple rule opens up a wide range of considerations for both DMs and players, impacting character builds, combat tactics, and even the overall flow of the game.

Why Flanking is Optional: A Deeper Dive

The optional nature of flanking reflects a core design principle of D&D 5e: customization. The game is built to be molded to fit the preferences of the players and the DM. By making flanking an optional rule, Wizards of the Coast allows groups to tailor the game to their desired level of complexity and tactical depth.

Here are some reasons why a DM might choose to use or not use the flanking rule:

• Simplifying Combat: Some DMs prefer to keep combat streamlined and fast-paced. Removing flanking reduces the need to constantly track positioning and evaluate whether flanking bonuses apply, leading to quicker turns and less rules-lawyering.

• Preserving Class/Feat Identity: Certain classes and feats are designed to grant advantage in combat. The Assassin Rogue’s ability to automatically gain advantage against surprised creatures, for example, becomes less valuable if flanking is always readily available. Similarly, the Help action, a common tactic for support characters, becomes somewhat redundant.

• Encouraging Tactical Diversity: Without flanking, players are encouraged to explore a wider range of tactical options, such as using the Disengage action to reposition, employing spells to create advantageous situations, or utilizing the environment to their benefit. This can lead to more creative and engaging combat encounters.

• Increasing Difficulty: For DMs who find combat too easy, removing flanking can increase the challenge, forcing players to rely more on strategy, teamwork, and their character’s specific abilities.

• Mirroring Realism: The degree of realism is subjective. Some DMs feel flanking accurately reflects the chaos and vulnerability of close-quarters combat. Others find it unrealistic that characters can consistently achieve a flanking position without special skills or abilities.

Ultimately, the decision to use flanking is a matter of table preference. It’s crucial for the DM to discuss the rule with the players and explain their reasoning. A collaborative approach ensures that everyone is on the same page and enjoys the game.

The Impact of Flanking on Different Classes and Playstyles

The presence or absence of the flanking rule can significantly impact different classes and playstyles in D&D 5e.

• Martial Classes (Fighters, Barbarians, Rogues): These classes, heavily reliant on melee attacks, stand to benefit the most from flanking. The consistent access to advantage can greatly increase their damage output and hit probability. However, as mentioned before, it can also diminish the value of specific class features, such as the Rogue’s Sneak Attack reliance on advantage (though Sneak Attack can also be triggered by having an ally adjacent to the target).

• Casters (Wizards, Sorcerers, Clerics): While casters might not directly benefit from flanking, their spells can be used to create flanking opportunities for their allies or to manipulate the battlefield in ways that grant advantage without relying on flanking.

• Support Characters (Bards, Clerics): The Help action, often used by support characters to grant advantage, becomes less valuable when flanking is readily available. These characters might need to adapt their strategies to focus on other forms of support, such as healing, buffing, or controlling the battlefield.

• Character Builds: The choice to use flanking can influence character build choices. Players might be less inclined to invest in feats or abilities that grant advantage if flanking is a reliable source of it.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions About Flanking Answered

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about flanking in D&D 5e, providing a comprehensive understanding of this optional rule:

1. What exactly is the flanking rule in D&D 5e? The flanking rule, found in the DMG, states that 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.

2. Does flanking grant advantage on ranged attacks? No, the flanking rule specifically states that it grants advantage on melee attack rolls.

3. Can a creature flank an enemy by itself? No, flanking requires at least two creatures, one and at least one of its allies, to be positioned correctly relative to the enemy.

4. Does flanking work if allies are not friendly? No, the flanking rule requires that the allies are friendly to each other.

5. Does flanking stack with other sources of advantage? No. Advantage does not stack. If you have multiple sources of advantage, you only roll one additional d20.

6. Does flanking cancel out disadvantage? Yes, advantage and disadvantage cancel each other out. If you have both advantage from flanking and disadvantage from another source, you roll a straight roll (no extra die).

7. Can you flank a creature with the all-around vision ability? No, creatures with abilities like all-around vision or similar traits that state they cannot be flanked are immune to the effects of flanking. A Beholder, for example, is immune to flanking.

8. Does a familiar or summoned creature count as an ally for flanking? Yes, if the familiar or summoned creature is friendly to the character and can make melee attacks, it can contribute to flanking.

9. Can a Spiritual Weapon contribute to flanking? The Spiritual Weapon does not count in any way with regard to setting up the Flanking as it is not a creature nor ally. A creature involved in Flanking gains advantage on Melee Attacks, but SW is a Melee Spell Attack – so no luck.

10. How does flanking interact with reach weapons? To reiterate, you will not gain any bonus to Flanking from Allies with Reach. Only the figure making the Attack can gain the bonus. For this reason you’ll need a figure adjacent to the target whether they have Reach or not.

11. Does flanking work in tight spaces where movement is restricted? Flanking can be more difficult to achieve in tight spaces, but it still applies if the necessary positioning can be achieved.

12. If a Rogue is flanking, does that guarantee Sneak Attack? Not necessarily. Sneak Attack requires either advantage on the attack roll or that another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it (and not incapacitated). Flanking provides advantage, which satisfies one condition for Sneak Attack.

13. How does the DM decide whether to use flanking? The DM should consider the preferences of the players, the desired level of tactical complexity, and the impact on class balance. A discussion with the players is highly recommended.

14. Can the DM change their mind about using flanking mid-campaign? Yes, the DM has the final say (Rule 0) and can change the rules at any time. However, it’s generally best to avoid making significant changes mid-campaign, as it can disrupt player expectations and character builds.

15. Where can I learn more about different house rules and optional rules in D&D 5e? There are many online resources, forums, and communities dedicated to discussing and sharing house rules. You can also find insightful discussions and analyses on websites like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Exploring these resources can help you discover new ways to customize your D&D game and enhance the gameplay experience.

Conclusion: Embrace the Flexibility of D&D 5e

The optional nature of the flanking rule in D&D 5e highlights the game’s commitment to flexibility and customization. By understanding the implications of using or not using flanking, DMs and players can make informed decisions that enhance their gaming experience and create memorable adventures. There is no right or wrong answer; the best choice is the one that fits your group’s preferences and playstyle.