Couldn't find if this was already asked and might be a bad question. But in 2014 it explicitly says that no action is required to end a grapple. I didn't see if an action is necessary or not anywhere in the 2024 PHB, so I'm wondering if this is assumed to still be the case or if it is no longer how grappling works?
It looks like that's just assumed now. The Grappling rule from the Glossary says this:
Whatever part a grappler uses, it can grapple only one creature at a time with that part, and the grappler can’t use that part to target another creature unless it ends the grapple.
It doesn't say "(no action required), but it also doesn't specify any requirements for ending the grapple, such as using an action. So, probably just by default this is just something that can be done for free.
If you mean the grappled character escaping the grapple?
If so the 2024 PHB says -
"Escaping a Grapple. A Grappled creature can use its action to make a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check against the grapple’s escape DC, ending the condition on itself on a success. The condition also ends if the grappler has the Incapacitated condition or if the distance between the Grappled target and the grappler exceeds the grapple’s range."
If you mean the grappler ending the grapple, I would assume it is a free action, like dropping an object.
I also assume no action required to end end a grapple though it doesn't say so like 2014.
Grappling 2014: The condition specifies the things that end it, and you can release the target whenever you like (no action required).
Grappling 2024: Whatever part a grappler uses, it can grapple only one creature at a time with that part, and the grappler can’t use that part to target another creature unless it ends the grapple.
Does a push by a 3rd personagem not involved end the grapple?
By RAW, this does appear to be the case:
The condition also ends if the grappler has the Incapacitated condition or if the distance between the Grappled target and the grappler exceeds the grapple’s range.
However, I think that it's pretty reasonable to allow the Grappler to attempt to maintain the grapple (by forcibly maintaining the grappled creature's current position) by succeeding on the Strength or Dexterity Saving Throw that is associated with the Shove. But that would be a house rule. Generally, forced movement of the grappled creature can break the grapple -- this was spelled out more clearly in the 2014 rules, but the concept has not changed.
It is cleverly hidden in the Unarmed Strike entry in the Rules Glossary.
Grapple. The target must succeed on a Strength or Dexterity saving throw (it chooses which), or it has the Grappled condition. The DC for the saving throw and any escape attempts equals 8 plus your Strength modifier and Proficiency Bonus. This grapple is possible only if the target is no more than one size larger than you and if you have a hand free to grab it.
With the description for Escaping a Grapple under Grappling
Escaping a Grapple. A Grappled creature can use its action to make a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check against the grapple’s escape DC, ending the condition on itself on a success. The condition also ends if the grappler has the Incapacitated condition or if the distance between the Grappled target and the grappler exceeds the grapple’s range.
With the odd interaction that many characters will be rolling with different modifiers to Escape a Grapple than to avoid being Grappled in the first place.
Grappled creature goes with grappler even if grappler is pushed, because they're grappled and are thus dragged with.
so no, pushing does not end a grapple as it doesn't interfere with the hold they have on the person. To do that they could use the "help" action to help the grappled escape the grapple condition.
Grappled creature goes with grappler even if grappler is pushed, because they're grappled and are thus dragged with.
so no, pushing does not end a grapple as it doesn't interfere with the hold they have on the person. To do that they could use the "help" action to help the grappled escape the grapple condition.
I believe it's generally accepted forced movement breaks grapples, for example using Push, Shove or the classic Thunderwave.
Grappled creature goes with grappler even if grappler is pushed, because they're grappled and are thus dragged with.
so no, pushing does not end a grapple as it doesn't interfere with the hold they have on the person. To do that they could use the "help" action to help the grappled escape the grapple condition.
People here are referring to pushing the grappled creature, not the grappled.
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Grappled creature goes with grappler even if grappler is pushed, because they're grappled and are thus dragged with.
so no, pushing does not end a grapple as it doesn't interfere with the hold they have on the person. To do that they could use the "help" action to help the grappled escape the grapple condition.
While Grappled, the grappler can drag or carry you when it moves, but every foot of movement costs it 1 extra foot unless you are Tiny or two or more sizes smaller than it, meaning it's not moveable with movement that cost no foot of movement and therefore the condition ends when the distance between the Grappled target and the grappler exceeds the grapple’s range.
What the heck is an "Escape DC"? How is that calculated
Per the Player's Handbook rules on grappling, it is 8 + the grappler's proficiency bonus + the grappler's Strength modifier.
You are correct if the grapple is initiated by a player character. Monsters are calculated differently for some reason (you wouldn't have known since the MM hadn't come out yet)
A monster's grapple escape DC seems to be 10 + STR mod. I would guess this is because looking up the Proficiency Bonus of monsters is hit and miss. It wasn't even listed in 2014 MM
I also assume no action required to end end a grapple though it doesn't say so like 2014.
Grappling 2014: The condition specifies the things that end it, and you can release the target whenever you like (no action required).
Grappling 2024: Whatever part a grappler uses, it can grapple only one creature at a time with that part, and the grappler can’t use that part to target another creature unless it ends the grapple.
Grappling (p. 367) In the “Grappling” entry, the heading “Escaping a Grapple” is now “Ending a Grapple”. Also, the following sentence has been added to the end of that subsection: “In addition, the grappler can release the target at any time (no action required).”
What the heck is an "Escape DC"? How is that calculated
Per the Player's Handbook rules on grappling, it is 8 + the grappler's proficiency bonus + the grappler's Strength modifier.
You are correct if the grapple is initiated by a player character. Monsters are calculated differently for some reason (you wouldn't have known since the MM hadn't come out yet)
A monster's grapple escape DC seems to be 10 + STR mod. I would guess this is because looking up the Proficiency Bonus of monsters is hit and miss. It wasn't even listed in 2014 MM
Not entirely true. You're looking at attacks that also initiate the Grappled condition, and because those aren't considered Unarmed Strikes with the Grapple usage, they follow different rules, because that's now under the rules of a monster's ability DCs. However, if the monster were to simply Unarmed Strike and grapple that way, it would follow the normal rules.
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Couldn't find if this was already asked and might be a bad question. But in 2014 it explicitly says that no action is required to end a grapple. I didn't see if an action is necessary or not anywhere in the 2024 PHB, so I'm wondering if this is assumed to still be the case or if it is no longer how grappling works?
It looks like that's just assumed now. The Grappling rule from the Glossary says this:
It doesn't say "(no action required), but it also doesn't specify any requirements for ending the grapple, such as using an action. So, probably just by default this is just something that can be done for free.
If you mean the grappled character escaping the grapple?
If so the 2024 PHB says -
"Escaping a Grapple. A Grappled creature can use its action to make a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check against the grapple’s escape DC, ending the condition on itself on a success. The condition also ends if the grappler has the Incapacitated condition or if the distance between the Grappled target and the grappler exceeds the grapple’s range."
If you mean the grappler ending the grapple, I would assume it is a free action, like dropping an object.
I also assume no action required to end end a grapple though it doesn't say so like 2014.
Does a push by a 3rd character not involved end the grapple?
If it pushes the grappled creature out of the grapple's range, then yes it does.
pronouns: he/she/they
By RAW, this does appear to be the case:
However, I think that it's pretty reasonable to allow the Grappler to attempt to maintain the grapple (by forcibly maintaining the grappled creature's current position) by succeeding on the Strength or Dexterity Saving Throw that is associated with the Shove. But that would be a house rule. Generally, forced movement of the grappled creature can break the grapple -- this was spelled out more clearly in the 2014 rules, but the concept has not changed.
Your question reminded me of a similar one on RPG Stack Exchange. I'll share it here in case it's helpful for you or someone else: Does shoving a creature break its grapple on another?
What the heck is an "Escape DC"? How is that calculated
Per the Player's Handbook rules on grappling, it is 8 + the grappler's proficiency bonus + the grappler's Strength modifier.
pronouns: he/she/they
Where did you find that?
It is cleverly hidden in the Unarmed Strike entry in the Rules Glossary.
With the description for Escaping a Grapple under Grappling
With the odd interaction that many characters will be rolling with different modifiers to Escape a Grapple than to avoid being Grappled in the first place.
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Clever! Thanks! You would think they would put it somewhere in the Grapple rules!
Grappled creature goes with grappler even if grappler is pushed, because they're grappled and are thus dragged with.
so no, pushing does not end a grapple as it doesn't interfere with the hold they have on the person. To do that they could use the "help" action to help the grappled escape the grapple condition.
I believe it's generally accepted forced movement breaks grapples, for example using Push, Shove or the classic Thunderwave.
People here are referring to pushing the grappled creature, not the grappled.
Extended signature
While Grappled, the grappler can drag or carry you when it moves, but every foot of movement costs it 1 extra foot unless you are Tiny or two or more sizes smaller than it, meaning it's not moveable with movement that cost no foot of movement and therefore the condition ends when the distance between the Grappled target and the grappler exceeds the grapple’s range.
You are correct if the grapple is initiated by a player character. Monsters are calculated differently for some reason (you wouldn't have known since the MM hadn't come out yet)
A monster's grapple escape DC seems to be 10 + STR mod. I would guess this is because looking up the Proficiency Bonus of monsters is hit and miss. It wasn't even listed in 2014 MM
Plaguescarred! They updated the rules:
Not entirely true. You're looking at attacks that also initiate the Grappled condition, and because those aren't considered Unarmed Strikes with the Grapple usage, they follow different rules, because that's now under the rules of a monster's ability DCs. However, if the monster were to simply Unarmed Strike and grapple that way, it would follow the normal rules.