{"id":20584,"date":"2025-02-18T05:54:16","date_gmt":"2025-02-18T05:54:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/?p=20584"},"modified":"2025-02-18T05:54:16","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T05:54:16","slug":"what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the rules for shove action 5e?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_67_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Mastering_the_Shove_A_Comprehensive_Guide_to_5es_Tactical_Maneuver\" title=\"Mastering the Shove: A Comprehensive Guide to 5e&#8217;s Tactical Maneuver\">Mastering the Shove: A Comprehensive Guide to 5e&#8217;s Tactical Maneuver<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#What_are_the_rules_for_the_shove_action_in_5e\" title=\"What are the rules for the shove action in 5e?\">What are the rules for the shove action in 5e?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Shove_Action_FAQs\" title=\"Shove Action FAQs\">Shove Action FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Does_the_shove_action_count_as_an_attack\" title=\"Does the shove action count as an attack?\">Does the shove action count as an attack?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Do_you_get_an_opportunity_attack_if_you_shove_a_creature\" title=\"Do you get an opportunity attack if you shove a creature?\">Do you get an opportunity attack if you shove a creature?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Can_I_shove_with_extra_attack\" title=\"Can I shove with extra attack?\">Can I shove with extra attack?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Can_you_shove_twice_in_a_turn_5e\" title=\"Can you shove twice in a turn 5e?\">Can you shove twice in a turn 5e?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Can_you_shove_and_grapple_with_extra_attack\" title=\"Can you shove and grapple with extra attack?\">Can you shove and grapple with extra attack?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Is_a_shove_an_unarmed_strike\" title=\"Is a shove an unarmed strike?\">Is a shove an unarmed strike?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Does_rage_give_advantage_on_shove\" title=\"Does rage give advantage on shove?\">Does rage give advantage on shove?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Do_you_need_a_free_hand_to_shove_5e\" title=\"Do you need a free hand to shove 5e?\">Do you need a free hand to shove 5e?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Can_you_use_Mage_Hand_to_shove\" title=\"Can you use Mage Hand to shove?\">Can you use Mage Hand to shove?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Does_pushing_attack_trigger_an_opportunity_attack\" title=\"Does pushing attack trigger an opportunity attack?\">Does pushing attack trigger an opportunity attack?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Can_the_Echo_use_a_bow_to_shove\" title=\"Can the Echo use a bow to shove?\">Can the Echo use a bow to shove?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Do_you_get_sneak_attack_if_you_have_both_advantage_and_disadvantage\" title=\"Do you get sneak attack if you have both advantage and disadvantage?\">Do you get sneak attack if you have both advantage and disadvantage?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Can_you_use_an_attack_of_opportunity_to_grapple_5e\" title=\"Can you use an attack of opportunity to grapple 5e?\">Can you use an attack of opportunity to grapple 5e?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Does_Ranger_get_extra_attack\" title=\"Does Ranger get extra attack?\">Does Ranger get extra attack?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Can_you_shove_with_flurry_of_blows\" title=\"Can you shove with flurry of blows?\">Can you shove with flurry of blows?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mastering_the_Shove_A_Comprehensive_Guide_to_5es_Tactical_Maneuver\"><\/span>Mastering the Shove: A Comprehensive Guide to 5e&#8217;s Tactical Maneuver<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>The <strong>shove action<\/strong> in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition is a powerful tool for battlefield control, allowing characters to reposition enemies, set up tactical advantages, or even create openings for their allies. It&#8217;s a special melee attack, distinct from a standard weapon attack, offering a unique way to interact with opponents. Understanding its nuances can significantly elevate your gameplay.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_rules_for_the_shove_action_in_5e\"><\/span>What are the rules for the shove action in 5e?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The core of the shove action involves a <strong>contested check<\/strong>. Instead of making an attack roll, you make a <strong>Strength (Athletics) check<\/strong>. This is contested by the target&#8217;s choice of either a <strong>Strength (Athletics) check<\/strong> or a <strong>Dexterity (Acrobatics) check<\/strong>. The target decides which ability to use for their defense. <\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a breakdown of the key rules:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Action Type:<\/strong> The shove action is a <strong>special melee attack<\/strong> and is performed as part of the <strong>Attack action<\/strong>. This means if you have multiple attacks, you can choose to replace one or more with a shove.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Target Size:<\/strong> The target must be no more than <strong>one size larger than you<\/strong>. A Medium character can shove a Medium or Large creature, but not a Huge creature.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Target Location:<\/strong> The target must be <strong>within your reach<\/strong>. Most characters have a reach of 5 feet, but some creatures or weapons might extend that.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check:<\/strong> You make a <strong>Strength (Athletics) check<\/strong>, contested by the target&#8217;s <strong>Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check<\/strong> (their choice).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Success:<\/strong> If you succeed on the contested check, you have two options:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Push:<\/strong> You move the target 5 feet directly away from you. This movement is forced, and it can potentially move the creature into hazards, off ledges, or into a more vulnerable position.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Knock Prone:<\/strong> You knock the target prone, making it easier for melee attacks to hit them while imposing disadvantage on their ranged attacks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Special Shove:<\/strong> The Dungeon Master&#8217;s Guide (DMG) introduces a variant: <strong>Shove Aside<\/strong>. It works like the normal shove but the target is moved to a space within your reach, instead of moving it directly away. However, this variant gives the attacker disadvantage on the check.<\/li>\n<li><strong>No Damage:<\/strong> Shoving doesn\u2019t inflict damage. It&#8217;s a purely repositioning and status effect tool.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Opportunity Attacks:<\/strong> Shoving does <strong>not<\/strong> trigger an opportunity attack. Opportunity attacks are triggered by movement that a creature makes using its action, reaction, or movement outside of your reach (willing movement).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Free Hand:<\/strong> You <strong>do not<\/strong> need a free hand to shove. Unlike grappling, which explicitly requires a free hand, shoving has no such restriction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Understanding these rules is essential for using shove effectively in combat. This tactical move can often be more valuable than simply attacking.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shove_Action_FAQs\"><\/span>Shove Action FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_the_shove_action_count_as_an_attack\"><\/span>Does the shove action count as an attack?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, the shove action is a <strong>special melee attack<\/strong>. It replaces one or more of the attacks you make when you take the <strong>Attack action<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_get_an_opportunity_attack_if_you_shove_a_creature\"><\/span>Do you get an opportunity attack if you shove a creature?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No, you do <strong>not<\/strong> get an opportunity attack if you shove a creature. Opportunity attacks are triggered by creatures <strong>willingly moving<\/strong> out of your reach, not by being forcibly moved.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_shove_with_extra_attack\"><\/span>Can I shove with extra attack?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Absolutely. If your class features, such as Extra Attack, allow you to make multiple attacks, you can choose to replace one or more of those attacks with a shove attempt. This allows fighters and other martials to weave in tactical repositioning while still maintaining offensive pressure.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_shove_twice_in_a_turn_5e\"><\/span>Can you shove twice in a turn 5e?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You can only shove twice in a turn if you gain an extra action such as through the use of <strong>Haste<\/strong> or <strong>Action Surge<\/strong>, otherwise, you are limited to using a maximum of one shove per attack action. If you have multiple attacks, only one of your attacks can be used for a shove.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_shove_and_grapple_with_extra_attack\"><\/span>Can you shove and grapple with extra attack?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you can. Grappling and shoving are both <strong>special melee attacks<\/strong> that you can use instead of a standard attack. If you have Extra Attack, you can use one attack to grapple and another to shove (or vice versa).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_shove_an_unarmed_strike\"><\/span>Is a shove an unarmed strike?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>An <strong>unarmed strike<\/strong> is a melee attack involving using your body to cause damage, grapple, or shove. The shove is considered a type of unarmed strike. While shoving does not deal damage, it still fits within the category of an unarmed strike attack.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_rage_give_advantage_on_shove\"><\/span>Does rage give advantage on shove?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, a Barbarian&#8217;s Rage grants <strong>advantage<\/strong> on Strength checks. This includes Strength (Athletics) checks, making it easier for them to successfully shove enemies.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_need_a_free_hand_to_shove_5e\"><\/span>Do you need a free hand to shove 5e?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No, you <strong>do not<\/strong> need a free hand to shove. This makes shoving a versatile option for characters using weapons or shields, where grappling may not be viable.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_use_Mage_Hand_to_shove\"><\/span>Can you use Mage Hand to shove?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No, you <strong>cannot<\/strong> use Mage Hand to shove. Mage Hand is limited to the actions described within the spell. Shoving is not a function it can perform.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_pushing_attack_trigger_an_opportunity_attack\"><\/span>Does pushing attack trigger an opportunity attack?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No, pushing an enemy out of your reach with the shove action <strong>does not<\/strong> trigger an opportunity attack. Opportunity attacks are triggered by the creature willingly moving.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_the_Echo_use_a_bow_to_shove\"><\/span>Can the Echo use a bow to shove?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The echo of the Echo Knight subclass can technically use a bow to make an attack, however, it cannot shove. Shoving is a melee attack and a bow is a ranged attack. The echo cannot use melee if you are using ranged, and vice versa.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_get_sneak_attack_if_you_have_both_advantage_and_disadvantage\"><\/span>Do you get sneak attack if you have both advantage and disadvantage?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Sneak attack requires you to have either advantage on the attack roll OR an ally within 5 feet of the target, and you must <strong>not have disadvantage<\/strong>. Thus, if you have both advantage and disadvantage, you would not get sneak attack.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_use_an_attack_of_opportunity_to_grapple_5e\"><\/span>Can you use an attack of opportunity to grapple 5e?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You <strong>cannot<\/strong> use an opportunity attack to grapple. Grappling is a special melee attack that requires the use of the attack action, which is only available on your turn. You can, however, ready a grapple action.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_Ranger_get_extra_attack\"><\/span>Does Ranger get extra attack?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, Rangers gain the <strong>Extra Attack<\/strong> feature at 5th level, allowing them to attack twice whenever they take the Attack action. This, again, means the ranger can choose one of those attacks to be a shove attempt.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_shove_with_flurry_of_blows\"><\/span>Can you shove with flurry of blows?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No, you <strong>cannot<\/strong> use Flurry of Blows to shove. Flurry of Blows specifies that it is for making unarmed attacks and a shove is not considered an unarmed attack in this case. Disarming is also a similar case, in that, it is a special weapon attack and cannot be done with flurry of blows.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The shove action is a vital tool in the 5e arsenal, offering a flexible and effective means of battlefield control. Whether you are looking to knock enemies prone, move them into environmental hazards, or simply create space for yourself and your allies, understanding the rules and strategic applications of the shove action will significantly improve your tactical gameplay. Embrace this maneuver and unlock a new dimension of tactical prowess in your D&amp;D 5e adventures.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mastering the Shove: A Comprehensive Guide to 5e&#8217;s Tactical Maneuver The shove action in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition is a powerful tool for battlefield control, allowing characters to reposition enemies, set up tactical advantages, or even create openings for their allies. It&#8217;s a special melee attack, distinct from a standard weapon attack, offering a &#8230; <a title=\"What are the rules for shove action 5e?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/what-are-the-rules-for-shove-action-5e\/\" aria-label=\"More on What are the rules for shove action 5e?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20584","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20584"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20584\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}