Grabbing an enemy is one of the most fun things a strong character can do, and the rules are shorter than people think. They changed a little between the 2014 and 2024 rules, so check which your table uses.
Grappling in the 2014 rules
- When you take the Attack action, replace one attack with a grapple. You need a free hand.
- The target can be no more than one size larger than you.
- Make a Strength (Athletics) check against the target’s Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) — they choose.
- If you win, the target is grappled: its speed becomes 0.
Grappling in the 2024 rules
Grappling is now an option of your Unarmed Strike. The target makes a Strength or Dexterity saving throw against a DC of 8 + your Strength modifier + your proficiency bonus. If it fails, it is grappled. The size limit and free hand still apply.
Escaping and moving
- The grappled creature can use its action to escape with an Athletics or Acrobatics check against your Athletics (2014) or your grapple DC (2024).
- You can drag it along with you, but your movement costs double unless it is much smaller than you.
- The grapple ends if you are incapacitated or something pulls you apart.
Why bother?
- Pin a spellcaster or archer next to your party.
- Combine with a shove to knock it prone: it can’t stand up while its speed is 0, so everyone in melee gets advantage.
- Drag enemies into hazards — a fire, a pit, the spirit guardians around your cleric.
Grappled isn’t the same as restrained: a grappled creature can still attack and cast normally.
Quick reference
All 15 conditions are in our conditions cheat sheet, and your Roleplayer character sheet rolls Athletics with one click. Rules reference: Grappled.