What is the Fly Speed in 5e? A Comprehensive Guide
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), fly speed represents how far a creature can move through the air in a single round of combat, typically 6 seconds. Unlike walking speed, which is primarily a horizontal movement, fly speed incorporates both horizontal and vertical movement. This means a creature using its fly speed could move in any direction, including diagonally, up, or down within the designated distance. The actual distance a creature moves with its fly speed will be determined by the listed speed (e.g., 60 feet) and the direction of travel. This might require a little thought if you’re moving at an angle; you may end up mentally using some Pythagoras theorem to get it correct.
Understanding Fly Speed Mechanics
A creature’s fly speed is typically a fixed value, though it can be modified by spells, items, or other special abilities. Unlike walking speed, fly speed doesn’t usually stack. If a creature has multiple sources of fly speed, it uses the highest speed. For example, if a character has a base fly speed of 30 feet and gains a 60-foot fly speed from a spell, they will have a fly speed of 60 feet, not 90 feet. The one big exception is if a source specifically mentions that it increases fly speed, such as the rare Goggles of Night.
Vertical and Diagonal Movement
Because fly speed encompasses all directions, players should factor in vertical movement. A creature with a fly speed of 60 feet can move up to 60 feet in a straight line, but that includes all combined horizontal and vertical movement. A creature that flies 30 feet horizontally and 30 feet vertically, for example, would still be within their 60 foot limit for the round, using diagonal movement. This can lead to unique tactical advantages, as flying creatures can easily ascend and descend to gain a better vantage point or bypass obstacles.
Switching Speeds
A character with both walking and flying speeds can switch back and forth between them within their turn. The rules state clearly that if you have multiple speeds, “you can switch back and forth between your speeds during your move.” When a change occurs, you subtract the distance moved so far from the new speed to determine how far you can move using the new speed.
Falling and Hovering
A critical aspect of fly speed is what happens when it’s interrupted. If a creature with a fly speed is incapacitated, restrained, or has their speed reduced to zero (unless they have the hover ability), they will fall. This includes being knocked prone, stunned, or paralyzed. Hover is an important trait to note, it allows a creature to stay airborne without needing to take actions or move, preventing falling even under the above conditions. So while a winged creature may be able to fly, and can choose to hover, it will still fall if restrained, unless it has the hover trait.
Modifying Fly Speed
There are many ways a creature’s fly speed can be increased. Dash action allows you to double all of your movement speeds, including fly speed. Magic items, like Winged Boots, can grant a fly speed equal to your walking speed. Spells like Haste will double speed, and this applies to fly speed too. Additionally, some character class features, such as the bladesong feature of a bladesinger wizard, increase movement speed which in turn, can modify the fly speed gained from items, but they rarely directly affect the fly speed.
The Significance of Fly Speed in Combat and Exploration
Having a fly speed provides tactical advantages in both combat and exploration. It enables characters to bypass terrain, easily access hard-to-reach areas, and gain an advantageous position in combat. In battles, a flying creature is often more difficult to attack and can easily move out of reach of ground-based enemies. This is why, in the game, you will often hear players call flying “broken” in 5e. It is a huge advantage.
Fly Speed – The Great Equalizer
While the average walking speed for humans in 5e is 30 feet per round, creatures with fly speed often possess much greater mobility. Dragons, for instance, can have fly speeds of 80 feet or more, while creatures like a Pegasus may fly at 90 feet. This enhanced mobility not only translates to superior tactical options during combat but also allows these creatures to cover more ground in a single round, enhancing their exploratory capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the typical fly speed for a humanoid?
Most humanoids do not have a natural fly speed. However, certain races, like winged Tieflings, or when granted by magic or items, might have a fly speed. This speed varies depending on the source but 60ft is a reasonable average.
2. Can you increase your fly speed beyond the maximum?
Generally, no. If a character has multiple sources of fly speed, they take the highest value available, unless a source specifically states it increases the existing speed (such as the Goggles of Night). The Dash action can double your fly speed.
3. Can a flying creature hover?
Yes, any creature with a fly speed can hover. Meaning they can choose to remain in the air without moving, they only provoke an attack of opportunity if they fly out of reach. However, it’s important to note that without the hover trait, they will still fall if incapacitated or their speed is reduced to 0.
4. Does the Dash action affect fly speed?
Yes, the Dash action doubles all of your movement speeds, including your fly speed. This allows a flying creature to cover a significant distance in a single round.
5. Can you attack while flying?
Yes, you can attack while flying, as long as you are within range of your target. Flying doesn’t impose any disadvantage on your attacks.
6. What happens if your speed is reduced to 0 while flying?
If a creature with a fly speed has its speed reduced to 0, they will fall unless they have the hover ability or are being held aloft by magic, like the Fly spell.
7. How is fly speed different from walking speed?
Fly speed encompasses movement in all directions, including vertical and diagonal movement, while walking speed is primarily horizontal movement along the ground.
8. Can you carry a creature while flying?
Yes, you can often carry another creature while flying, especially if they are smaller or the same size as you. However, this typically reduces your flying speed by half.
9. Are there flying mounts?
Yes, there are many flying mounts in D&D 5e, such as the Pegasus and Griffon. Each mount has its own unique fly speed.
10. Does wearing medium or heavy armor affect flying speed?
Some races and creatures that have natural flight, like the Aarakocra, may have their fly speed slowed if they wear medium armor, and they may be unable to fly while wearing heavy armor.
11. What is the fastest flying mount in D&D 5e?
The Pegasus is the fastest flying mount with a fly speed of 90 feet.
12. Can you be knocked prone while flying?
Yes, you can be knocked prone while flying. Being tripped, for example, is an action that only happens on the ground. However, being knocked prone itself can happen in the air. If knocked prone a flying creature will then fall, as being prone reduces your movement to zero, unless it has hover.
13. Can you switch between walking and flying during your turn?
Yes, you can freely switch between your walking speed and fly speed within your turn. The distance already moved is subtracted from your new speed, limiting the amount of movement available.
14. Does levitate increase fly speed?
No, levitate creates vertical movement at 20 speed, and this is not considered flight, nor is it a fly speed. It’s a movement speed but not one that is interchangeable with the fly speed.
15. What is a realistic comparison of speed?
In 5e, 30 feet per round is about 3.4 mph. This is similar to a brisk walk for a human. The fastest human sprinters can run about 300 feet in 10 seconds, so approximately 20mph. The 5e standard for dash is roughly 6.8mph. This game assumes all is happening at “combat speed” in bursts of energy.