Unleash the Fury: A Comprehensive Guide to Mounted Combat in D&D 5e

Mounted combat in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition can transform your battlefield tactics, offering both thrilling advantages and unique challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer looking to diversify your combat style or a new player intrigued by the prospect of riding into battle, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to master mounted combat. We’ll delve into the rules, explore character builds, discuss tactical considerations, and provide practical tips to make your mounted character a force to be reckoned with.

## Understanding the Core Rules of Mounted Combat

The Player’s Handbook (PHB) outlines the fundamental rules for mounted combat. Let’s break them down:

* **Mounting and Dismounting:** Mounting a willing creature takes 1/2 of your movement. Dismounting costs you no movement. If your mount is unwilling, you must succeed on a Wisdom (Animal Handling) check to mount it. The DC is determined by the DM but typically ranges from 10 to 15, depending on the creature’s temperament and training. If you are knocked prone, you must use half of your movement speed to stand up. If you are mounted when this occurs, you are unhorsed (or un-griffoned)..

* **Controlling Your Mount:** You have two options for controlling your mount:
* **Independent Mount:** The mount acts independently, using its own initiative and taking its turn as it normally would. This is the default. If it’s an intelligent creature (Intelligence score of 6 or higher), it can attack and act as it pleases. If it’s less intelligent, it usually just defends itself. It will follow your instructions, but you’ll need to communicate effectively (usually with an Animal Handling check if the mount is not trained or particularly docile).
* **Controlled Mount:** You can control a mount only if it has been trained to accept a rider. This is a *significant* advantage. While controlled, your mount acts on your initiative. It can move and take actions as you direct, but it has only three action options:
* **Dash:** The mount moves up to its full speed.
* **Disengage:** The mount takes the Disengage action, allowing both it and you to avoid opportunity attacks.
* **Dodge:** The mount takes the Dodge action, imposing disadvantage on attack rolls against it. It can’t Dodge while you are incapacitated.

* **Mount Hit Points and Saving Throws:** The mount has its own hit points, Armor Class, saving throws, and abilities. Damage dealt to the mount doesn’t automatically transfer to the rider. If the mount is reduced to 0 hit points, the rider is unseated and falls prone within 5 feet of the mount.

* **Attacks Against the Mount:** Attacks can target either the rider or the mount. If an attacker targets the mount, they make the attack roll as normal. If they target the rider, the attacker *must* declare that target before making the attack. If the attacker isn’t using a reach weapon, they have disadvantage on the attack roll if the mount is Medium or larger. This represents the difficulty of reaching around the mount to strike the rider.

* **Sharing a Space:** You and your mount share the same space. That means that you cannot move your character independently of the mount unless you dismount. Your mount’s space is determined by its size.

## Choosing the Right Mount

The selection of your mount is crucial. Here are some popular choices and their strengths:

* **Horses (PHB):** The classic choice. Warhorses are strong combatants, while riding horses offer speed and endurance. Ponies are suitable for Small characters.
* **Warhorse:** High hit points, good Strength for carrying capacity, and the powerful Trampling Charge action. A solid all-around combat mount. (AC 11, HP 19, Speed 60 ft., STR 18 (+4))
* **Riding Horse:** Faster than a warhorse but less durable and weaker. Better for travel than combat. (AC 10, HP 13, Speed 60 ft., STR 16 (+3))
* **Pony:** Suitable for Small characters. Slower and weaker than larger horses but still a viable option. (AC 10, HP 11, Speed 40 ft., STR 15 (+2))

* **Dire Wolf (MM):** A fearsome and intelligent predator, ideal for characters with a darker bent. It has the Pack Tactics trait, granting it advantage on attack rolls when an ally is adjacent to the target. (AC 14, HP 37, Speed 50 ft., STR 17 (+3), Pack Tactics)

* **Griffon (MM):** A majestic flying mount. Griffons are strong and agile, allowing for aerial combat and scouting. (AC 12, HP 59, Speed 30 ft., fly 80 ft., STR 18 (+4), Keen Sight)

* **Giant Lizard (MM):** Can be used as a mount in specific environments (e.g., jungles, swamps). Less common than horses but offer a unique flavor. (AC 12, HP 19, Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft., STR 15 (+2))

* **Other Considerations:** Consider the terrain, your character’s alignment, and the overall campaign setting when choosing a mount. Exotic mounts like dinosaurs or magical creatures can add a unique touch to your character.

## Character Builds Optimized for Mounted Combat

Certain classes and subclasses synergize exceptionally well with mounted combat. Here are a few examples:

* **Cavalier Fighter (Xanathar’s Guide to Everything):** This subclass is *designed* for mounted combat. Its key features include:
* **Born to the Saddle:** You have advantage on saving throws made to avoid falling off your mount. If you fall off your mount and descend no more than 10 feet, you land on your feet. Finally, mounting or dismounting a creature costs you only 5 feet of movement, rather than half your speed.
* **Unwavering Mark:** You can mark a creature you attack. While it’s marked, it has disadvantage on attack rolls against creatures other than you, and you can make a special melee attack against it if it attacks another creature.
* **Warding Maneuver:** You can protect an ally from harm, granting them a bonus to AC or a saving throw. This is especially useful for protecting your mount.
* **Hold the Line:** Creatures provoke an opportunity attack from you when they move 5 feet or more while within your reach. This makes it difficult for enemies to approach you or your mount.

The Cavalier’s abilities directly enhance both your survivability and your mount’s, making you a formidable force on the battlefield.

* **Paladin (PHB):** Paladins benefit from auras that protect both them and their mount. Their Divine Smite ability adds significant burst damage to their attacks.

* **Find Steed/Greater Steed:** Paladins have access to these spells, which allow them to summon a loyal and powerful steed. These steeds can even be celestial, fey, or fiendish in nature, depending on your oath.
* **Auras:** Paladins’ auras (e.g., Aura of Protection) extend to their mount, providing additional defenses.

* **Ranger (PHB):** Rangers can use their animal handling skills to effectively control their mounts and their spells to enhance their combat capabilities.

* **Beast Master (Revised):** While the traditional Beast Master has some issues, the revised version found in *Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything* allows you to command a powerful beast companion that can serve as a mount. Its share spells feature further enhances your mount’s effectiveness.

* **Other Classes:** Any class can benefit from mounted combat, but these three have abilities that specifically enhance it. Consider multiclassing to gain features from different classes.

## Feats for Mounted Combat

Certain feats can significantly improve your mounted combat prowess:

* **Mounted Combatant (PHB):** This feat is practically essential for any character focused on mounted combat. It provides the following benefits:
* You have advantage on melee attack rolls against any unmounted creature that is smaller than your mount.
* You can force an attack targeted at your mount to target you instead.
* If your mount is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails.

The first benefit grants you advantage against smaller creatures, making it easier to hit them. The second allows you to protect your mount from harm, while the third makes your mount more resilient to area-of-effect attacks.

* **Lance Mastery (Homebrew/Optional):** If your DM allows homebrew content, consider a feat that specifically enhances the use of lances. This might include:
* Increased damage with lances.
* The ability to charge for extra damage.
* Improved accuracy when using a lance while mounted.

* **Inspiring Leader (PHB):** This feat allows you to grant temporary hit points to your allies, including your mount. This can significantly improve their survivability.

## Gear and Equipment

Proper equipment is essential for both you and your mount:

* **Saddle:** A saddle is crucial for comfortable riding. There are several types of saddles, each with different benefits:
* **Riding Saddle (PHB):** The standard saddle for general travel.
* **Military Saddle (PHB):** Provides a more secure seat, granting advantage on saving throws made to avoid falling off your mount.
* **Exotic Saddle:** Designed for unusual mounts, such as griffons or dinosaurs.

* **Barding:** Armor for your mount. Barding provides additional protection, but it can be expensive and heavy. The type of barding your mount can wear depends on its anatomy.
* **Studded Leather Barding:** A lighter option that provides decent protection. (AC 12)
* **Scale Mail Barding:** Offers better protection than studded leather. (AC 14, Disadvantage on Stealth)
* **Plate Barding:** The most protective option but also the heaviest and most expensive. (AC 18, Disadvantage on Stealth)

* **Weapons:** Lances are the quintessential mounted weapon, but other options include swords, axes, and ranged weapons.
* **Lance (PHB):** A reach weapon that deals significant piercing damage. However, it requires two hands to wield when you aren’t mounted.
* **Longbow (PHB):** Ranged weapons can be used effectively from horseback, allowing you to attack enemies from a distance.

* **Other Equipment:** Consider items such as healing potions, rope, and tools for navigating various terrains.

## Tactical Considerations

Mounted combat requires careful planning and tactical awareness:

* **Positioning:** Use your mount’s speed to your advantage. Position yourself to maximize your reach and mobility while minimizing your exposure to enemy attacks. Keep moving and avoid being surrounded.

* **Charge Attacks:** Use the Dash action to charge into combat, dealing extra damage with weapons like lances. Be mindful of obstacles and difficult terrain.

* **Controlling the Battlefield:** Use your mount to control the flow of battle. Flank enemies, disrupt formations, and protect vulnerable allies.

* **Protecting Your Mount:** Your mount is a valuable asset, so prioritize its safety. Use the Mounted Combatant feat to redirect attacks, and position your mount strategically to avoid danger.

* **Dealing with Difficult Terrain:** Difficult terrain can significantly hinder your mount’s movement. Plan your routes carefully and consider using spells or abilities to overcome obstacles.

* **Communication:** Establish clear communication with your party members. Coordinate your attacks and movements to maximize your effectiveness.

## Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

* **Forgetting About Your Mount’s Abilities:** Remember that your mount has its own actions and abilities. Use them to your advantage. If your mount is intelligent, collaborate on tactics.

* **Ignoring Terrain:** Terrain can be a major obstacle for mounted combat. Pay attention to the environment and plan accordingly. Narrow corridors, dense forests, and steep cliffs can all limit your mobility.

* **Neglecting Your Mount’s Defenses:** Don’t focus solely on your own defenses. Invest in barding and use abilities like Warding Maneuver to protect your mount from harm.

* **Underestimating the Cost:** Maintaining a mount can be expensive. Factor in the cost of food, lodging, and veterinary care.

* **Not Considering the DM’s Interpretation:** Some of the rules for mounted combat are open to interpretation. Discuss your plans with your DM to ensure that you’re on the same page.

## Advanced Strategies and Techniques

* **Using Spells to Enhance Mounted Combat:** Spells like *Haste*, *Enlarge/Reduce*, and *Find Steed* can significantly enhance your mounted combat abilities.

* **Combining Mounted Combat with Other Combat Styles:** Don’t be afraid to dismount and engage in melee combat when necessary. A well-rounded character can adapt to various situations.

* **Roleplaying Your Mounted Character:** Develop a backstory and personality that reflects your character’s connection to their mount. This can add depth and immersion to your game.

## House Rules and Optional Rules

Your DM may introduce house rules or optional rules to modify mounted combat. Be sure to discuss these with your DM and understand how they will affect your character.

* **Simplified Mounting Rules:** Some DMs may simplify the mounting rules, allowing characters to mount and dismount as a bonus action. Or, for very low levels, give players the ability to summon their mount, like a ranger. This speeds up combat and reduces the likelihood of characters being caught off guard.

* **Expanded Mount Options:** Your DM may allow you to use mounts from other sources, such as the Monster Manual or third-party supplements. Just because a monster is friendly, doesn’t mean it will let you ride it. You may need to use Animal Handling.

* **Custom Feats and Abilities:** Your DM may create custom feats or abilities to enhance mounted combat, such as a feat that allows you to use your mount’s senses to gain advantage on perception checks.

## Bringing Your Mounted Combatant to Life: A Roleplaying Perspective

Beyond the mechanics, remember that mounted combat offers rich roleplaying opportunities. Consider the following:

* **The Bond with Your Mount:** Develop a meaningful relationship with your mount. Is it a loyal companion, a trusted friend, or simply a tool? How does your character treat their mount? Talk with your DM about whether you can have a sentient mount. This brings roleplaying to a whole new level.

* **The Mount’s Personality:** Give your mount a personality. Is it brave, timid, stubborn, or playful? How does it react to different situations? If it is not a sentient mount, consider how you will communicate with it.

* **The History of Your Mount:** Explore the history of your mount. Where did it come from? How did you acquire it? What challenges have you faced together?

* **The Mount’s Appearance:** Customize your mount’s appearance. Give it a unique name, tack it with distinctive markings, and adorn it with decorative armor.

## Conclusion

Mounted combat in D&D 5e can be a rewarding and exciting experience. By understanding the rules, choosing the right mount, optimizing your character build, and employing sound tactics, you can become a formidable mounted combatant. So saddle up, grab your lance, and ride into battle!