For when just an attack isn’t enough.
Is it always best to go with your bread-and-butter attacks?
Veteran players can also feel like their combat gets stale after a period of time.
Best-laid plans can win the day in tough combat situations.
Several spells and items can help in this regard too, such as Glyph of Warding.
Before combat, you should review what items you have at your disposal.
Even if theyre not combat-based items, this is still important.
Potions, acids, or other toxins can drastically turn the tide of battle, for example.
Even using an item that creates additional cover for your party can prove a small help.
Theres no need to be a hero!
You have a party for a reason.
Squishy spellcasters might not want to use these abilities on themselves, but their brawny barbarian might!
This doesnt necessarily mean creating a whole new ruleset.
But, you should feel free to get creative with it!
Yes, its combat.
Conflict Between Characters by Scott Murphy
But that doesnt necessarily mean you always need to be hacking and slashing your way through it.
Consider some of the other options at your disposal when your turn rolls around.
Can you use an item to boost another player?
Can you temporarily distract an enemy, luring them away from a more vulnerable party member?
Whatever the solution, dont just run into combat headfirst swinging a sword.
There are always alternatives to fighting.
Conflict Between Characters by Scott Murphy
Holding your action is an option that players often forget about.
Sometimes, your turn comes around in the initiative order, and youre not really sure what to do.
But, its important to remember that patience is a virtue.
Dwarven Forge from the 2024 Player’s Handbook 5th Edition.
This is especially true for healing and support classes.
In the 2024 Player’s Handbook, holding your action is referred to as the ‘Ready’ action.
This is another option that goes back to the idea of homebrew.
An Adventuring Party by Viko Menezes
Dont be afraid to work with your DM tocreate custom spellsthat work for your character and playstyle.
Of course, theres always a lot that goes into homebrew, but that shouldnt stop you.
This will not only make you more effective in fights, but youll have more fun as well!
A Fiery Battle from the 2024 Player’s Handbook 5th Edition.
There are lots of defensive and preparation spells that last for hours.
This means theres plenty of time to cast these before combat starts.
Here are the best surviving tips for high-level encounters in D&D!
A Spectral Hand by Brian Valeza
Depending on your prep phase, you may be able to get your DM to establish a surprise round!
This gives your enemies disadvantage on their initiative rolls.
Dont ignore damage vulnerabilities.
Sneak Attack by Evyn Fong
This is why its always important to pay attention to combat, even when its not your turn.
A fellow party member may discover that an adversary is immune to necrotic damage but vulnerable to radiant.
You should also pay attention to weaknesses like low speed and reactions.
A Draconic Warlock by Ignatius Budi
A Wizard In His Study by Olga Drebas
Combat by Craig J Spearing
