In the Dungeons & Dragons 2024 rules, grappling remains a key combat

tactic for controlling the movement and actions of an opponent.

Grapple

To initiate a grapple, the attacker must force the target to succeed on a

Strength or Dexterity saving throw, whichever the target prefers. If the

target fails this save, it gains the Grappled condition.

The saving throw DC for the grapple and any escape attempts is

calculated by adding 8 to your Strength modifier and your Proficiency

Bonus. A creature can grapple a target that is no more than one size

larger than itself; for example, a Medium creature could grapple a Large

creature, but not a Huge one. Additionally, the grappler must have at

least one hand free to successfully initiate a grapple, meaning

characters or monsters using weapons or abilities need to be mindful of

how many hands are occupied.

Grappled condition

Once a grapple is successful, the target gains the Grappled condition,

which imposes several key effects. While Grappled, the target's Speed

becomes 0 and cannot increase, preventing any movement or actions

reliant on mobility until they break free from the grapple. The target

also suffers Disadvantage on attack rolls against any target other than

the grappler, reflecting the difficulty of striking an enemy while

restrained. Furthermore, the grappler can drag or carry the Grappled

creature, but every foot of movement costs the grappler an extra foot,

making it less efficient to move with a restrained target unless the

target is significantly smaller.

Ending a Grapple

A Grappled creature can use its Action to attempt to escape by making a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check against the

grappler’s escape DC. If successful, the Grappled condition ends,

allowing the creature to move freely. Other scenarios that can

automatically end a grapple include the grappler becoming

Incapacitated or if the distance between the grappler and the Grappled

creature exceeds the grapple's effective range.