Are there any limitations on attacking while grappling?Can one attack for damage after having grappled an opponent?What movement limits are there when maintaining a grapple?Can a serpentine eidolon use multiple natural attacks while grappling?Can a Grappler Rogue Sneak Attack while grappling?Does having improved grab allow a character to deal unarmed strike + natural attack damage?Is a creature that used the 2nd option of Improved Grab grappling or not?Can a monster grab, constrict and swallow whole in a single round?How does a Zealot Barbarian's critical hits interact with Divine Fury?Does a monk with Extra Attack trigger Martial Arts if only one attack is unarmed?Can you maintain a grapple you are no longer capable of initiating?If you are grappled by a creature with 10'+ reach, can you make a ranged attack without disadvantage?

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Are there any limitations on attacking while grappling?


Can one attack for damage after having grappled an opponent?What movement limits are there when maintaining a grapple?Can a serpentine eidolon use multiple natural attacks while grappling?Can a Grappler Rogue Sneak Attack while grappling?Does having improved grab allow a character to deal unarmed strike + natural attack damage?Is a creature that used the 2nd option of Improved Grab grappling or not?Can a monster grab, constrict and swallow whole in a single round?How does a Zealot Barbarian's critical hits interact with Divine Fury?Does a monk with Extra Attack trigger Martial Arts if only one attack is unarmed?Can you maintain a grapple you are no longer capable of initiating?If you are grappled by a creature with 10'+ reach, can you make a ranged attack without disadvantage?






.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;








8












$begingroup$


I've tried looking in other posts regarding my question, but couldn't find a definitive answer to my question.



  • If a level 5 barbarian equipped with a 2-handed weapon attempts a grapple and succeeds, would the extra attack feature allow an attack with the 2-handed weapon?

  • The barbarian's next turn comes around, can he still make 2 weapon attacks without breaking the grapple?

The rules for grappling states that the one who initiates the grappling needs at least one free hand, so it's been confusing for me...










share|improve this question









$endgroup$











  • $begingroup$
    Related: Can one attack for damage after having grappled an opponent?
    $endgroup$
    – Sdjz
    Mar 29 at 15:09










  • $begingroup$
    Welcome! I see you already took the tour so you can check the help center if you need further guidance. Excellent question. Good luck and happy gaming!
    $endgroup$
    – Sdjz
    Mar 29 at 15:10

















8












$begingroup$


I've tried looking in other posts regarding my question, but couldn't find a definitive answer to my question.



  • If a level 5 barbarian equipped with a 2-handed weapon attempts a grapple and succeeds, would the extra attack feature allow an attack with the 2-handed weapon?

  • The barbarian's next turn comes around, can he still make 2 weapon attacks without breaking the grapple?

The rules for grappling states that the one who initiates the grappling needs at least one free hand, so it's been confusing for me...










share|improve this question









$endgroup$











  • $begingroup$
    Related: Can one attack for damage after having grappled an opponent?
    $endgroup$
    – Sdjz
    Mar 29 at 15:09










  • $begingroup$
    Welcome! I see you already took the tour so you can check the help center if you need further guidance. Excellent question. Good luck and happy gaming!
    $endgroup$
    – Sdjz
    Mar 29 at 15:10













8












8








8





$begingroup$


I've tried looking in other posts regarding my question, but couldn't find a definitive answer to my question.



  • If a level 5 barbarian equipped with a 2-handed weapon attempts a grapple and succeeds, would the extra attack feature allow an attack with the 2-handed weapon?

  • The barbarian's next turn comes around, can he still make 2 weapon attacks without breaking the grapple?

The rules for grappling states that the one who initiates the grappling needs at least one free hand, so it's been confusing for me...










share|improve this question









$endgroup$




I've tried looking in other posts regarding my question, but couldn't find a definitive answer to my question.



  • If a level 5 barbarian equipped with a 2-handed weapon attempts a grapple and succeeds, would the extra attack feature allow an attack with the 2-handed weapon?

  • The barbarian's next turn comes around, can he still make 2 weapon attacks without breaking the grapple?

The rules for grappling states that the one who initiates the grappling needs at least one free hand, so it's been confusing for me...







dnd-5e attack grapple






share|improve this question













share|improve this question











share|improve this question




share|improve this question










asked Mar 29 at 15:01









qqaejaqqaeja

725




725











  • $begingroup$
    Related: Can one attack for damage after having grappled an opponent?
    $endgroup$
    – Sdjz
    Mar 29 at 15:09










  • $begingroup$
    Welcome! I see you already took the tour so you can check the help center if you need further guidance. Excellent question. Good luck and happy gaming!
    $endgroup$
    – Sdjz
    Mar 29 at 15:10
















  • $begingroup$
    Related: Can one attack for damage after having grappled an opponent?
    $endgroup$
    – Sdjz
    Mar 29 at 15:09










  • $begingroup$
    Welcome! I see you already took the tour so you can check the help center if you need further guidance. Excellent question. Good luck and happy gaming!
    $endgroup$
    – Sdjz
    Mar 29 at 15:10















$begingroup$
Related: Can one attack for damage after having grappled an opponent?
$endgroup$
– Sdjz
Mar 29 at 15:09




$begingroup$
Related: Can one attack for damage after having grappled an opponent?
$endgroup$
– Sdjz
Mar 29 at 15:09












$begingroup$
Welcome! I see you already took the tour so you can check the help center if you need further guidance. Excellent question. Good luck and happy gaming!
$endgroup$
– Sdjz
Mar 29 at 15:10




$begingroup$
Welcome! I see you already took the tour so you can check the help center if you need further guidance. Excellent question. Good luck and happy gaming!
$endgroup$
– Sdjz
Mar 29 at 15:10










2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes


















16












$begingroup$

No, you can not use a 2-handed weapon to attack when grappling*



As you've noted, when you grapple, you must be:




Using at least one free hand...




If the grapple is successful, that hand is now busy grappling. Unless you can wield the weapon in one hand (if it has Versatile property), then you do not have a weapon out that you can attack with.



You can still choose to use it as an improvised weapon, or you can use an unarmed strike if you have any remaining attacks left during the turn you used to grapple



Next turn, you are free to attack (but again, with only one arm)



If you are still maintaining your grapple (the target hasn't successfully broken it), then you use your attacks as normal. But you still only have one free hand available which limits your weapon options and prevents you from using your 2-handed weapon as above.



*unless you've got a third arm.






share|improve this answer











$endgroup$












  • $begingroup$
    Perhaps worth pointing out that it could be useful to grapple, move (dragging your target with you at half speed), then release the grapple and make an attack with a 2H weapon, all on your turn if you have Extra Attack. But that's a different tactical option than the question is asking about.
    $endgroup$
    – Peter Cordes
    Mar 29 at 23:56


















9












$begingroup$

You can still attack, and use Extra Attack, but you can't use your 2-handed weapon to do it.



The Grapple Action specifies the following...




Using at least one free hand, you try to seize the target by making a grapple check instead of an attack roll [...] you can release the target whenever you like (no action required).




source



This pretty clearly states that you need at least 1 free hand to grapple your target, and that 'releasing them' ends the grapple. The problem comes that you're trying to use a two-handed weapon.




Two-Handed. This weapon requires two hands when you attack with it.




source



If you are Grappling a target, one of your hands is busy holding on to the person you have grappled. Therefore, you do not have two hands available to use a Two-handed weapon.



Work-arounds



If you are using a one-handed weapon, you can still hit them with that. You may also choose to use Unarmed Attacks instead. Note that you do not have to put your Axe down to do this, because...




Instead of using a weapon to make a melee weapon attack, you can use an unarmed strike: a punch, kick, head-butt, or similar forceful blow (none of which count as weapons). On a hit, an unarmed strike deals bludgeoning damage equal to 1 + your Strength modifier. You are proficient with your unarmed strikes.




source



So you could grapple someone then headbutt them into submission, without putting your axe down.






share|improve this answer











$endgroup$








  • 1




    $begingroup$
    +1 for headbutt them into submission ... nice visual.
    $endgroup$
    – KorvinStarmast
    Mar 29 at 15:27










  • $begingroup$
    @guildsbounty No worries! It is easy to do. Comment removed.
    $endgroup$
    – Rubiksmoose
    Mar 29 at 15:49











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2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes








2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes









active

oldest

votes






active

oldest

votes









16












$begingroup$

No, you can not use a 2-handed weapon to attack when grappling*



As you've noted, when you grapple, you must be:




Using at least one free hand...




If the grapple is successful, that hand is now busy grappling. Unless you can wield the weapon in one hand (if it has Versatile property), then you do not have a weapon out that you can attack with.



You can still choose to use it as an improvised weapon, or you can use an unarmed strike if you have any remaining attacks left during the turn you used to grapple



Next turn, you are free to attack (but again, with only one arm)



If you are still maintaining your grapple (the target hasn't successfully broken it), then you use your attacks as normal. But you still only have one free hand available which limits your weapon options and prevents you from using your 2-handed weapon as above.



*unless you've got a third arm.






share|improve this answer











$endgroup$












  • $begingroup$
    Perhaps worth pointing out that it could be useful to grapple, move (dragging your target with you at half speed), then release the grapple and make an attack with a 2H weapon, all on your turn if you have Extra Attack. But that's a different tactical option than the question is asking about.
    $endgroup$
    – Peter Cordes
    Mar 29 at 23:56















16












$begingroup$

No, you can not use a 2-handed weapon to attack when grappling*



As you've noted, when you grapple, you must be:




Using at least one free hand...




If the grapple is successful, that hand is now busy grappling. Unless you can wield the weapon in one hand (if it has Versatile property), then you do not have a weapon out that you can attack with.



You can still choose to use it as an improvised weapon, or you can use an unarmed strike if you have any remaining attacks left during the turn you used to grapple



Next turn, you are free to attack (but again, with only one arm)



If you are still maintaining your grapple (the target hasn't successfully broken it), then you use your attacks as normal. But you still only have one free hand available which limits your weapon options and prevents you from using your 2-handed weapon as above.



*unless you've got a third arm.






share|improve this answer











$endgroup$












  • $begingroup$
    Perhaps worth pointing out that it could be useful to grapple, move (dragging your target with you at half speed), then release the grapple and make an attack with a 2H weapon, all on your turn if you have Extra Attack. But that's a different tactical option than the question is asking about.
    $endgroup$
    – Peter Cordes
    Mar 29 at 23:56













16












16








16





$begingroup$

No, you can not use a 2-handed weapon to attack when grappling*



As you've noted, when you grapple, you must be:




Using at least one free hand...




If the grapple is successful, that hand is now busy grappling. Unless you can wield the weapon in one hand (if it has Versatile property), then you do not have a weapon out that you can attack with.



You can still choose to use it as an improvised weapon, or you can use an unarmed strike if you have any remaining attacks left during the turn you used to grapple



Next turn, you are free to attack (but again, with only one arm)



If you are still maintaining your grapple (the target hasn't successfully broken it), then you use your attacks as normal. But you still only have one free hand available which limits your weapon options and prevents you from using your 2-handed weapon as above.



*unless you've got a third arm.






share|improve this answer











$endgroup$



No, you can not use a 2-handed weapon to attack when grappling*



As you've noted, when you grapple, you must be:




Using at least one free hand...




If the grapple is successful, that hand is now busy grappling. Unless you can wield the weapon in one hand (if it has Versatile property), then you do not have a weapon out that you can attack with.



You can still choose to use it as an improvised weapon, or you can use an unarmed strike if you have any remaining attacks left during the turn you used to grapple



Next turn, you are free to attack (but again, with only one arm)



If you are still maintaining your grapple (the target hasn't successfully broken it), then you use your attacks as normal. But you still only have one free hand available which limits your weapon options and prevents you from using your 2-handed weapon as above.



*unless you've got a third arm.







share|improve this answer














share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer








edited Mar 29 at 15:14

























answered Mar 29 at 15:07









NautArchNautArch

63.1k9229417




63.1k9229417











  • $begingroup$
    Perhaps worth pointing out that it could be useful to grapple, move (dragging your target with you at half speed), then release the grapple and make an attack with a 2H weapon, all on your turn if you have Extra Attack. But that's a different tactical option than the question is asking about.
    $endgroup$
    – Peter Cordes
    Mar 29 at 23:56
















  • $begingroup$
    Perhaps worth pointing out that it could be useful to grapple, move (dragging your target with you at half speed), then release the grapple and make an attack with a 2H weapon, all on your turn if you have Extra Attack. But that's a different tactical option than the question is asking about.
    $endgroup$
    – Peter Cordes
    Mar 29 at 23:56















$begingroup$
Perhaps worth pointing out that it could be useful to grapple, move (dragging your target with you at half speed), then release the grapple and make an attack with a 2H weapon, all on your turn if you have Extra Attack. But that's a different tactical option than the question is asking about.
$endgroup$
– Peter Cordes
Mar 29 at 23:56




$begingroup$
Perhaps worth pointing out that it could be useful to grapple, move (dragging your target with you at half speed), then release the grapple and make an attack with a 2H weapon, all on your turn if you have Extra Attack. But that's a different tactical option than the question is asking about.
$endgroup$
– Peter Cordes
Mar 29 at 23:56













9












$begingroup$

You can still attack, and use Extra Attack, but you can't use your 2-handed weapon to do it.



The Grapple Action specifies the following...




Using at least one free hand, you try to seize the target by making a grapple check instead of an attack roll [...] you can release the target whenever you like (no action required).




source



This pretty clearly states that you need at least 1 free hand to grapple your target, and that 'releasing them' ends the grapple. The problem comes that you're trying to use a two-handed weapon.




Two-Handed. This weapon requires two hands when you attack with it.




source



If you are Grappling a target, one of your hands is busy holding on to the person you have grappled. Therefore, you do not have two hands available to use a Two-handed weapon.



Work-arounds



If you are using a one-handed weapon, you can still hit them with that. You may also choose to use Unarmed Attacks instead. Note that you do not have to put your Axe down to do this, because...




Instead of using a weapon to make a melee weapon attack, you can use an unarmed strike: a punch, kick, head-butt, or similar forceful blow (none of which count as weapons). On a hit, an unarmed strike deals bludgeoning damage equal to 1 + your Strength modifier. You are proficient with your unarmed strikes.




source



So you could grapple someone then headbutt them into submission, without putting your axe down.






share|improve this answer











$endgroup$








  • 1




    $begingroup$
    +1 for headbutt them into submission ... nice visual.
    $endgroup$
    – KorvinStarmast
    Mar 29 at 15:27










  • $begingroup$
    @guildsbounty No worries! It is easy to do. Comment removed.
    $endgroup$
    – Rubiksmoose
    Mar 29 at 15:49















9












$begingroup$

You can still attack, and use Extra Attack, but you can't use your 2-handed weapon to do it.



The Grapple Action specifies the following...




Using at least one free hand, you try to seize the target by making a grapple check instead of an attack roll [...] you can release the target whenever you like (no action required).




source



This pretty clearly states that you need at least 1 free hand to grapple your target, and that 'releasing them' ends the grapple. The problem comes that you're trying to use a two-handed weapon.




Two-Handed. This weapon requires two hands when you attack with it.




source



If you are Grappling a target, one of your hands is busy holding on to the person you have grappled. Therefore, you do not have two hands available to use a Two-handed weapon.



Work-arounds



If you are using a one-handed weapon, you can still hit them with that. You may also choose to use Unarmed Attacks instead. Note that you do not have to put your Axe down to do this, because...




Instead of using a weapon to make a melee weapon attack, you can use an unarmed strike: a punch, kick, head-butt, or similar forceful blow (none of which count as weapons). On a hit, an unarmed strike deals bludgeoning damage equal to 1 + your Strength modifier. You are proficient with your unarmed strikes.




source



So you could grapple someone then headbutt them into submission, without putting your axe down.






share|improve this answer











$endgroup$








  • 1




    $begingroup$
    +1 for headbutt them into submission ... nice visual.
    $endgroup$
    – KorvinStarmast
    Mar 29 at 15:27










  • $begingroup$
    @guildsbounty No worries! It is easy to do. Comment removed.
    $endgroup$
    – Rubiksmoose
    Mar 29 at 15:49













9












9








9





$begingroup$

You can still attack, and use Extra Attack, but you can't use your 2-handed weapon to do it.



The Grapple Action specifies the following...




Using at least one free hand, you try to seize the target by making a grapple check instead of an attack roll [...] you can release the target whenever you like (no action required).




source



This pretty clearly states that you need at least 1 free hand to grapple your target, and that 'releasing them' ends the grapple. The problem comes that you're trying to use a two-handed weapon.




Two-Handed. This weapon requires two hands when you attack with it.




source



If you are Grappling a target, one of your hands is busy holding on to the person you have grappled. Therefore, you do not have two hands available to use a Two-handed weapon.



Work-arounds



If you are using a one-handed weapon, you can still hit them with that. You may also choose to use Unarmed Attacks instead. Note that you do not have to put your Axe down to do this, because...




Instead of using a weapon to make a melee weapon attack, you can use an unarmed strike: a punch, kick, head-butt, or similar forceful blow (none of which count as weapons). On a hit, an unarmed strike deals bludgeoning damage equal to 1 + your Strength modifier. You are proficient with your unarmed strikes.




source



So you could grapple someone then headbutt them into submission, without putting your axe down.






share|improve this answer











$endgroup$



You can still attack, and use Extra Attack, but you can't use your 2-handed weapon to do it.



The Grapple Action specifies the following...




Using at least one free hand, you try to seize the target by making a grapple check instead of an attack roll [...] you can release the target whenever you like (no action required).




source



This pretty clearly states that you need at least 1 free hand to grapple your target, and that 'releasing them' ends the grapple. The problem comes that you're trying to use a two-handed weapon.




Two-Handed. This weapon requires two hands when you attack with it.




source



If you are Grappling a target, one of your hands is busy holding on to the person you have grappled. Therefore, you do not have two hands available to use a Two-handed weapon.



Work-arounds



If you are using a one-handed weapon, you can still hit them with that. You may also choose to use Unarmed Attacks instead. Note that you do not have to put your Axe down to do this, because...




Instead of using a weapon to make a melee weapon attack, you can use an unarmed strike: a punch, kick, head-butt, or similar forceful blow (none of which count as weapons). On a hit, an unarmed strike deals bludgeoning damage equal to 1 + your Strength modifier. You are proficient with your unarmed strikes.




source



So you could grapple someone then headbutt them into submission, without putting your axe down.







share|improve this answer














share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer








edited Mar 29 at 15:46

























answered Mar 29 at 15:12









guildsbountyguildsbounty

37.5k7155186




37.5k7155186







  • 1




    $begingroup$
    +1 for headbutt them into submission ... nice visual.
    $endgroup$
    – KorvinStarmast
    Mar 29 at 15:27










  • $begingroup$
    @guildsbounty No worries! It is easy to do. Comment removed.
    $endgroup$
    – Rubiksmoose
    Mar 29 at 15:49












  • 1




    $begingroup$
    +1 for headbutt them into submission ... nice visual.
    $endgroup$
    – KorvinStarmast
    Mar 29 at 15:27










  • $begingroup$
    @guildsbounty No worries! It is easy to do. Comment removed.
    $endgroup$
    – Rubiksmoose
    Mar 29 at 15:49







1




1




$begingroup$
+1 for headbutt them into submission ... nice visual.
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
Mar 29 at 15:27




$begingroup$
+1 for headbutt them into submission ... nice visual.
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
Mar 29 at 15:27












$begingroup$
@guildsbounty No worries! It is easy to do. Comment removed.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
Mar 29 at 15:49




$begingroup$
@guildsbounty No worries! It is easy to do. Comment removed.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
Mar 29 at 15:49

















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