Combat Basics

When a fight starts, combat is organized into rounds. Each round is about 6 seconds of action.

Starting Combat

1. Check for surprise: If you catch enemies off-guard, they can't act in the first round.
2. Everyone rolls initiative: 1d20 + Dexterity modifier determines turn order.
3. Take turns in that order until the fight ends.

Your Turn

On your turn, you can do all of these:

• Move up to your speed (usually 30 feet). You can split your movement before and after your action.
• Take one action (see below).
• Take one bonus action if an ability or spell grants you one.
• Speak briefly (a few words or a short phrase).

Common Actions

• Attack: Make one weapon attack or unarmed strike (some classes get multiple attacks).
• Cast a Spell: Cast one spell (check the spell's casting time).
• Dash: Move again up to your speed.
• Disengage: Move without provoking opportunity attacks.
• Dodge: Attackers have disadvantage against you until your next turn.
• Help: Give an ally advantage on their next check or attack.
• Hide: Make a Stealth check to become hidden.
• Ready: Prepare an action to trigger when a condition you specify occurs.

See all actions for the complete list, or use the quick reference for at-a-glance combat info.

Reactions

You get one reaction per round, a quick response to something happening. The most common reaction is an opportunity attack when an enemy leaves your reach without disengaging.

Making an Attack

1. Roll 1d20 + your attack bonus (Strength for melee weapons, Dexterity for ranged).
2. Compare to the target's Armor Class (AC) (determined by their armor and Dexterity).
3. If you meet or beat their AC, you hit!
4. Roll weapon damage and add your ability modifier.

See attack rolls and critical hits for more details.

Next: Learn Adventuring Basics for what happens outside of combat.