The Basics of Tavern Brawler and Grappler

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 88 views

Understanding the Rules of Grappling and Pushing in D&D 5e

In the world of Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition, combat can be a complex and dynamic experience. Players and Dungeon Masters alike must navigate the intricacies of rules and mechanics to create an immersive and engaging experience. Two popular feats that can greatly impact combat are Tavern Brawler and Grappler. But what happens when a player has both of these feats? Can they push and grapple their enemies, or are there limitations to their abilities?

The Basics of Tavern Brawler and Grappler

Before we dive into the specifics of combining these two feats, let's take a look at what each of them does.

Tavern Brawler

The Tavern Brawler feat allows a player to deal an additional 1d4 bludgeoning damage with an unarmed strike. Additionally, if the player hits with an unarmed strike, they can push the target 5 feet away and move 5 feet towards the target as a bonus action. This feat is perfect for players who like to get up close and personal with their enemies.

Grappler

The Grappler feat allows a player to grapple a creature as a bonus action, rather than as a reaction. This feat is perfect for players who like to control and manipulate their enemies on the battlefield.

Combining Tavern Brawler and Grappler

Now that we've covered the basics of each feat, let's talk about what happens when a player has both Tavern Brawler and Grappler. Specifically, the scenario you described: hitting an enemy with an unarmed strike and pushing them 5 feet away thanks to Tavern Brawler, while also grappling them as a bonus action using Grappler.

Can You Push and Grapple?

According to the rules, when a player hits with an unarmed strike and uses Tavern Brawler to push the target 5 feet away, they can also move 5 feet towards the target as a bonus action. This is a separate action from the grappling action, and it can be performed as a bonus action on the same turn.

However, there is a catch. The grappling action, which is triggered by the Grappler feat, is a bonus action that can be taken on the same turn as the attack. But, the grappling action also includes the ability to move the target up to 5 feet towards or away from the grappled creature. This means that if the player uses Tavern Brawler to push the target 5 feet away, they will also be moving the target 5 feet towards themselves, which is the same distance as the grappling action.

The Verdict

In conclusion, when a player has both Tavern Brawler and Grappler, they can indeed push and grapple their enemies. However, there are some limitations to consider. The grappling action and the pushing action can be performed on the same turn, but they are separate actions and can be used in different ways. The player can use Tavern Brawler to push the target 5 feet away and then use Grappler to grapple the target, or they can use Grappler to grapple the target and then use Tavern Brawler to push the target 5 feet away.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when using Tavern Brawler and Grappler together:

Use Tavern Brawler to set up the grapple: If you're planning to grapple an enemy, use Tavern Brawler to push them 5 feet away and set them up for the grapple.
Use Grappler to control the enemy: Once you've grappled an enemy, use Grappler to control their movement and keep them in place.
Combine with other feats: Tavern Brawler and Grappler can be combined with other feats, such as Mobile or Keen Mind, to create a powerful and versatile combat strategy.

Conclusion

Understanding the Rules of Grappling and Pushing in D&D 5e

In our previous article, we explored the combination of Tavern Brawler and Grappler, two popular feats in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition. We discussed how these feats can be used together to create a powerful and versatile combat strategy. But, we know that there are always more questions to be answered. In this article, we'll address some of the most common questions about Tavern Brawler and Grappler.

Q: Can I use Tavern Brawler to push an enemy and then immediately grapple them?

A: Yes, you can use Tavern Brawler to push an enemy and then immediately grapple them. However, keep in mind that the grappling action is a bonus action, and you can only take one bonus action per turn. So, if you use Tavern Brawler to push the enemy, you'll need to use your next bonus action to grapple them.

Q: Can I use Grappler to grapple an enemy and then immediately push them 5 feet away with Tavern Brawler?

A: Yes, you can use Grappler to grapple an enemy and then immediately push them 5 feet away with Tavern Brawler. However, keep in mind that the grappling action includes the ability to move the target up to 5 feet towards or away from the grappled creature. So, if you use Tavern Brawler to push the enemy 5 feet away, you'll be moving them in the same direction as the grappling action.

Q: Can I use Tavern Brawler to push an enemy and then use a different feat to grapple them?

A: Yes, you can use Tavern Brawler to push an enemy and then use a different feat to grapple them. For example, if you have the Keen Mind feat, you can use it to grapple the enemy after using Tavern Brawler to push them.

Q: Can I use Grappler to grapple an enemy and then use a different feat to push them 5 feet away?

A: Yes, you can use Grappler to grapple an enemy and then use a different feat to push them 5 feet away. For example, if you have the Mobile feat, you can use it to push the enemy 5 feet away after grapping them with Grappler.

Q: Can I use Tavern Brawler and Grappler together with other feats that allow me to grapple or push enemies?

A: Yes, you can use Tavern Brawler and Grappler together with other feats that allow you to grapple or push enemies. For example, if you have the Keen Mind feat and the Mobile feat, you can use Tavern Brawler to push an enemy and then use Keen Mind to grapple them, and finally use Mobile to push them 5 feet away.

Q: Are there any limitations to using Tavern Brawler and Grappler together?

A: Yes, there are some limitations to using Tavern Brawler and Grappler together. For example, you can only take one bonus action per turn, so you'll need to use your bonus action wisely. Additionally, the grappling action and the pushing action can be performed on the same turn, but they are separate actions and can be used in different ways.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tavern Brawler and Grappler can be a powerful combination in combat. By understanding the rules and limitations of each feat, players can create a dynamic and engaging combat experience. Remember to use Tavern Brawler to set up the grapple, use Grappler to control the enemy, and combine with other feats to create a powerful and versatile combat strategy.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when using Tavern Brawler and Grappler together:

Use Tavern Brawler to set up the grapple: If you're planning to grapple an enemy, use Tavern Brawler to push them 5 feet away and set them up for the grapple.
Use Grappler to control the enemy: Once you've grappled an enemy, use Grappler to control their movement and keep them in place.
Combine with other feats: Tavern Brawler and Grappler can be combined with other feats, such as Mobile or Keen Mind, to create a powerful and versatile combat strategy.
Use your bonus action wisely: Remember that you can only take one bonus action per turn, so use it wisely to set up the grapple or push the enemy.