Want to wrestle a dragon (or at least something a little less terrifying)? The Grappler feat might be just what your character needs. Often overlooked, grappling can be surprisingly powerful. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Grappler feat in 5e, from its mechanics to clever uses. We’ll cover synergies with other feats and classes, common mistakes, and example scenarios. So, if you’re ready to control the battlefield, read on!
The Grappler feat embodies battlefield control. It’s about dictating enemy movement and positioning, setting up allies, and disrupting foes. Requiring a Strength score of 13 or higher, this feat empowers you to restrain enemies, leaving them vulnerable to attacks. It even makes it easier to hit a grappled creature.
Grappler Mechanics: A Detailed Breakdown
The Grappler feat doesn’t improve your initial grappling check (which is a Strength (Athletics) contest against the target’s Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics)). Instead, it shines after a successful grapple. You gain advantage on attack rolls against the grappled creature, and, as an action, you can attempt another grapple check to restrain both you and the target. Restrained creatures have disadvantage on attack rolls, while you have advantage against them. Remember the size limitation: you can only grapple a creature no more than one size larger than you.
Strategic Grappling: Hold ‘Em or Fold ‘Em
When to Grapple (and When to Run)
Grappling isn’t about mindless grabbing; it’s tactical. Consider grappling key enemies in large groups to control the flow of combat, interrupt a spellcaster’s concentration, or set up allies (especially rogues) for devastating attacks. Be mindful, restraining a foe also restrains you. This encourages teamwork. Imagine grappling a large enemy near a precarious ledge… accidents do happen.
Synergies and Builds: Creating a Grappling Machine
Certain classes and builds are exceptionally effective with the Grappler feat:
Class
Subclass/Build
Synergy
Barbarian
Totem Warrior (Bear)
Reduced damage while raging makes you incredibly durable while grappling.
Fighter
Battle Master
Combining maneuvers like Trip Attack with the Grappler feat creates a lockdown combo.
Rogue
Mastermind
Helping allies set up grapples allows for strategic positioning and control.
Monk
Way of Mercy
Hand of Harm inflicts additional damage on restrained targets, maximizing the Grappler’s effectiveness.
A Barbarian becomes an unyielding wall. Fighters utilize tactical prowess. Rogues orchestrate the battlefield. Monks exploit weaknesses. Consider multiclassing options too, such as Paladin for improved grappling and saving throws.
Thinking Outside the Box: Creative Grappling
The Grappler feat extends beyond combat. Apprehending a fleeing suspect? Grappling! Creating a dramatic escape? Grapple a guard as a shield! This feat encourages creative solutions.
Debunking the Myths: Grappler’s True Potential
More Than Just a Hold
Some dismiss the Grappler feat as niche. This overlooks its tactical depth. It’s about manipulating the battlefield and creating opportunities. While not always optimal, in the right hands, it’s a game-changer.
Ongoing Research and Evolving Strategies
The D&D community continually discusses optimal Grappler strategies. Explore different perspectives, adapt, and find what works for your playstyle. Current knowledge may evolve with future playtests and rule updates.
How Does the Grappler Feat Work in 5e? (A Quick Guide)
Skip the intro, let’s get to the mechanics. You want to know if this feat is worth it. We’ll cover everything from basics to advanced tactics, and debunk common misconceptions.
Grappling Basics: A Refresher
Grappling is a special melee attack. You need a free hand and can’t grapple creatures more than one size larger. Your Strength (Athletics) goes against their Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics).
Grappler Feat Mechanics: Beyond the Basics
The Grappler feat doesn’t enhance your initial grapple attempt. It’s about what happens after. You gain advantage on attack rolls against the grappled creature.
Pinning Them Down: Restraining and Its Catch
After grappling, you can use your action for another grapple check. Success restrains both you and the target. This is powerful, but restricts your movement.
Tactical Thinking: When to Grapple
It’s about battlefield control. Restraining an enemy gives melee allies advantage. Choose targets wisely. A nimble rogue might escape, and a giant might laugh off your attempts. Consider the environment. A cliff edge? Hungry wolves? A grapple becomes dangerous.
Advanced Grappling: Synergies and Smart Plays
Combine the Grappler feat with other abilities. A Battle Master Fighter using Trip Attack then grappling creates an almost guaranteed pin. A rogue with Expertise in Athletics can make grapples inescapable.
Debunking the Myths
The Grappler feat doesn’t magically improve initiating grapples; it’s about what happens after. Restraining also restrains you. It’s not always the best option.
Can You Grapple Without the Grappler Feat?
Absolutely! Grappling is a core mechanic accessible to almost everyone. It’s a built-in wrestling move, ready when needed.
Grappling Basics: No Feat Needed
It starts with your Attack action. You use one attack to attempt a grapple.
Getting Your Hands Dirty: The Mechanics
You need a free hand, the target can’t be more than one size larger, and they must be within reach. It’s a Strength (Athletics) check against their Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics). Success means they’re grappled, their speed becomes 0.
Why Bother? Control is King
Featless grappling is about control, not damage. Keep an archer from kiting, give your rogue an easy sneak attack.
The Downsides: Trading Damage for Control
You sacrifice a potential attack. Your opponent can attempt to break free.
Grappler Feat vs. No Feat: Two Sides of the Same Coin
The Grappler feat enhances the experience. It grants advantage on attack rolls against a grappled creature and lets you restrain them. But it’s not a prerequisite.
Team Grappling: Synergy Without the Feat
Combine grappling with teammates. A barbarian raging, grappling, and shoving a foe prone gives the entire party advantage.
Breaking Free: The Art of the Escape
You can attempt to break free with a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. Spells like Freedom of Movement shut down grappling.
Beyond Combat: Creative Grappling
Detain a suspect, create a diversion. Grappling offers non-lethal solutions.
So, YES, you can grapple without the feat. It’s a valuable tool.
What Are the Benefits of the Grappler Feat?
Let’s delve into the Grappler feat’s advantages in battle.
Advantage on Attack Rolls: Hitting Where It Hurts
After grappling a creature, you have advantage on attack rolls against it. This increases your hit chance and damage potential. Crucial for consistent attackers like fighters, paladins, and barbarians.
Pinning: Controlling the Chaos
You can pin a grappled creature, restraining both of you. This is risky, but creates an opportunity for allies. A rogue could land a devastating Sneak Attack.
Grappling Proficiency: Strength (or Dexterity) Still Matters
The Grappler feat doesn’t automatically make you a grappling god. You still need Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics). It enhances abilities, not replaces them.
Moving a Grappled Foe: Shifting the Battlefield (One D&D)
Recent playtest materials suggest moving a creature your size or smaller might not incur a movement penalty. This allows for repositioning, opening up tactical possibilities.
Grappler Feat Synergies: Building a Control Master
Think beyond the barbarian. A Battle Master Fighter tripping then grappling becomes a control master. A rogue grappling for a Sneak Attack becomes more dangerous.
Beyond the Rules: Homebrewing and House Rules
The Grappler feat has limitations. Homebrewing can customize it. A variant could grant a bonus to grapple checks or allow dragging a pinned enemy. Unleash the raw power of the Fallout 76 Lightning Harvester for another electrifying experience.
Feature
Description
Advantage on Attack Rolls
Against a grappled creature.
Pinning
As an action, attempt another grapple check against a grappled creature. Success restrains both of you.
No Improvement to Grapple Checks
The feat doesn’t improve your ability to grapple.
Movement Changes (One D&D Playtest)
Potentially removes movement penalties for creatures of your size or smaller.
Remember, rules, especially concerning movement, are subject to change. Always check with your DM. The information here suggests advantages and limitations, but be open to new possibilities.
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