Unarmed Attack Damage in 5e: A Comprehensive Guide
Unarmed attacks in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) are a fundamental combat option available to all characters, regardless of class or equipment. While often overshadowed by weapons, understanding the mechanics and potential for unarmed strikes is crucial for any player, especially those interested in martial classes like monks, or characters disarmed in the heat of battle. This comprehensive guide will delve into the rules governing unarmed attacks, how damage is calculated, ways to improve your unarmed combat prowess, and tactical considerations for incorporating them into your gameplay.
## What is an Unarmed Attack?
An unarmed attack is a melee attack made without a weapon. This can involve punches, kicks, headbutts, knees, or any other form of bodily strike. It’s the default recourse when a character is without a weapon, chooses not to use one, or is physically restrained from wielding a weapon.
## The Basic Rules of Unarmed Attacks
Here’s a breakdown of the core rules surrounding unarmed attacks in 5e:
* **Proficiency:** Everyone is proficient with unarmed strikes. This means you add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll when making an unarmed attack.
* **Attack Roll:** To make an unarmed attack, you roll a d20, add your Strength modifier (or Dexterity if specified by a feature), and your proficiency bonus. You compare the total to the target’s Armor Class (AC). If your attack roll equals or exceeds the target’s AC, you hit.
* **Damage:** By default, an unarmed strike deals 1 point of bludgeoning damage. This is the standard damage for most creatures.
* **Damage Type:** Unarmed strikes deal bludgeoning damage unless a specific class feature or feat changes the damage type.
## Calculating Unarmed Attack Damage
The base damage for an unarmed strike is 1 + your Strength modifier. Let’s look at some examples:
* **Strength Modifier of +0:** You deal 1 point of bludgeoning damage.
* **Strength Modifier of +2:** You deal 1 + 2 = 3 points of bludgeoning damage.
* **Strength Modifier of -1:** You deal 1 – 1 = 0 points of bludgeoning damage. Note that damage can never be reduced below 0.
While the base damage seems low, certain classes and feats can significantly enhance your unarmed combat capabilities.
## Classes and Features that Enhance Unarmed Attacks
Several classes and features offer improved unarmed attack damage and other benefits. Here are some of the most notable:
### Monk
The Monk class is the archetype of unarmed combat in 5e. They gain numerous features that dramatically improve their unarmed strikes:
* **Martial Arts:** At 1st level, Monks gain the Martial Arts feature. This allows them to use Dexterity instead of Strength for attack and damage rolls with their unarmed strikes and monk weapons. It also changes their unarmed strike damage die. Instead of 1, the damage die starts at 1d4 and increases as they level up (1d4 at 1st level, 1d6 at 5th level, 1d8 at 11th level, and 1d10 at 17th level).
* **Ki-Fueled Attack:** At 3rd level, a Monk can spend 1 ki point to make one unarmed strike as a bonus action after spending an action to cast a spell.
* **Stunning Strike:** At 5th level, Monks can spend 1 ki point to attempt to stun a creature they hit with a melee weapon attack (including an unarmed strike). The target must make a Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of your next turn.
* **Deflect Missiles:** Monks can use their reaction to deflect ranged weapon attacks, potentially even catching the missile and throwing it back.
* **Empty Body:** At 18th level, Monks can become invisible and resistant to all damage except force damage for 1 minute by spending 4 ki points.
**Example Monk Unarmed Attack Calculation (Level 5):**
A 5th level Monk with a Dexterity score of 16 (+3 modifier) would deal 1d6 + 3 bludgeoning damage with their unarmed strikes. This is a significant improvement over the standard 1 + Strength modifier.
### Tavern Brawler Feat
The Tavern Brawler feat provides several benefits for unarmed combat:
* **Increased Strength or Constitution:** You gain +1 to your Strength or Constitution score, up to a maximum of 20.
* **Proficiency with Improvised Weapons:** You are proficient with improvised weapons.
* **Bonus Action Grapple:** When you hit a creature with an unarmed strike or an improvised weapon on your turn, you can use a bonus action to attempt to grapple the target.
This feat is particularly useful for characters who want to specialize in grappling and controlling enemies in melee combat.
### Fighting Styles
Some classes, like Fighters and Rangers, can choose Fighting Styles that indirectly improve unarmed combat:
* **Unarmed Fighting (Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything):** Your unarmed strikes can deal 1d6 damage. If you are not wielding any weapons or a shield when you make the attack roll, the unarmed strike deals 1d8 damage. At the start of each of your turns, you can deal 1d4 bludgeoning damage to one creature grabbed by you.
### Other Features and Spells
* **Rage (Barbarian):** While raging, a Barbarian gains a bonus to damage rolls with melee weapons, which includes unarmed strikes.
* **Enhance Ability (Spell):** This spell can grant advantage on Strength checks and saving throws, and also provides a temporary Strength boost, increasing unarmed strike damage for the duration.
* **Magic Items:** While less common, some magic items may enhance unarmed strikes, providing bonuses to attack rolls, damage, or even adding magical effects.
## Tactical Considerations for Unarmed Attacks
While unarmed attacks might not always be the optimal choice for damage dealing, they can be strategically advantageous in certain situations:
* **Disarming Opponents:** In situations where you need to disarm an opponent (though there are no specific disarm mechanics in 5e, the DM may allow it, especially if using an unarmed strike). You could flavor your attacks as attempts to knock weapons from their hands.
* **Grappling:** Unarmed strikes are often used in conjunction with grappling. The Tavern Brawler feat explicitly allows for a bonus action grapple after hitting with an unarmed strike. Characters like Monks can grapple enemies to control the battlefield and set up opportunities for allies.
* **Stealth:** Unarmed attacks are generally quieter than weapon attacks, making them suitable for stealthy takedowns.
* **Improvisation:** When caught without weapons, unarmed attacks are your default option. It’s always good to know how to defend yourself, even when unprepared.
* **Non-Lethal Combat:** If you wish to subdue an opponent without killing them, you can declare that your melee attack (including an unarmed strike) is non-lethal. The target falls unconscious and is stable.
* **Breaking Free from Restraints**: In situations when you are tied up, you can attempt to break free. If you succeed, your first method of attack is likely to be an unarmed strike.
## Optimizing Your Unarmed Attack Build
If you want to create a character that excels in unarmed combat, consider the following:
* **Choose the Right Class:** The Monk is the obvious choice, but other classes like Fighter (with the Unarmed Fighting Style), Barbarian (for rage bonuses), or even Rogues (for sneak attack opportunities when flanking with an ally) can be viable options.
* **Select Relevant Feats:** Tavern Brawler is a must-have for grappling builds. Other feats that improve survivability or mobility can also be beneficial.
* **Maximize Your Ability Scores:** Strength (or Dexterity for Monks) is the primary ability score for unarmed attacks. Constitution is also important for survivability.
* **Consider Multiclassing:** Multiclassing can provide access to additional features that enhance unarmed combat. For example, a Monk/Rogue multiclass can combine the Monk’s unarmed attack prowess with the Rogue’s sneak attack damage.
* **Coordinate with Your Party:** A well-coordinated party can create opportunities for unarmed combat specialists to shine. For example, a character with high Strength can grapple an enemy, making it easier for allies to attack with advantage.
* **Magic Items (DM Dependent):** While not always available, seek out magic items that enhance your unarmed strikes, such as gloves that increase damage or provide other bonuses. Work with your DM to potentially homebrew items if needed.
## Rules Clarifications and Common Misconceptions
* **Natural Weapons vs. Unarmed Strikes:** Some creatures have natural weapons (claws, bites, etc.). These are distinct from unarmed strikes and have their own damage dice and properties as defined in the creature’s stat block. Characters do not gain the benefits of a creature’s natural weapons unless they have a specific feature that allows them to do so (e.g., a Druid in Wild Shape).
* **Improvised Weapons:** While an unarmed strike is not an improvised weapon by definition, you can use your body in creative ways to make an improvised attack. The DM determines the damage and properties of such attacks.
* **Sneak Attack and Unarmed Strikes:** A Rogue can apply Sneak Attack damage to an unarmed strike if they meet the requirements for Sneak Attack (advantage on the attack roll or an ally within 5 feet of the target).
* **Two-Weapon Fighting:** You can’t use two-weapon fighting with unarmed strikes unless you have a specific feature that allows you to do so. The Martial Arts feature of the Monk allows an unarmed strike as a bonus action, but it is not considered two-weapon fighting.
## Examples of Unarmed Combat in Play
* **The Disarmed Fighter:** A Fighter is disarmed during a battle. Instead of panicking, they use their training to deliver a series of quick punches and kicks, keeping the enemy at bay until they can retrieve their weapon.
* **The Grappling Barbarian:** A Barbarian charges into battle, grabs a powerful enemy, and uses their superior Strength to restrain them, allowing their allies to focus on other threats.
* **The Stealthy Rogue:** A Rogue sneaks up on a guard and delivers a swift, silent knockout blow, taking them down without raising an alarm.
* **The Versatile Monk:** A Monk uses their Martial Arts skills to deliver a flurry of precise strikes, stunning their opponents and controlling the flow of combat.
## Conclusion
Unarmed attacks in 5e are a versatile and often underestimated combat option. While the base damage might seem low, certain classes, feats, and tactical considerations can turn unarmed strikes into a formidable force. Whether you’re a Monk specializing in martial arts, a Barbarian grappling foes, or simply a character caught without a weapon, understanding the mechanics of unarmed combat can give you a significant edge in your adventures. So, embrace the power of your fists, and unleash the fury of your unarmed strikes!
By mastering the techniques and strategies outlined in this guide, you can become a proficient unarmed combatant and add a unique and exciting dimension to your D&D 5e gameplay. Remember to always consult with your DM regarding specific rules interpretations and homebrew additions to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for everyone at the table.