Can a spiritual weapon get flanking?

Can a Spiritual Weapon Get Flanking?

In this article, we will be exploring the rules surrounding flanking and spiritual weapons in Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. We’ll dive into the specifics of how spiritual weapons interact with flanking and what mechanics apply to them.

Direct Answer

No, a spiritual weapon cannot get flanking. A spiritual weapon is a Melee Spell Attack that does not count as a creature or ally for the purposes of setting up a flanking position. Therefore, even if the target is positioned in a way that would normally allow for flanking, the spiritual weapon would not be eligible to benefit from it.

Why Spiritual Weapons Don’t Count as Creatures or Allies

One of the primary reasons that spiritual weapons do not qualify for flanking is because they are not considered to be creatures or allies in the context of the rules. Section 51.3 of the Monster Manual defines creatures as entities that can move, and allies as those that fight alongside the party. Spiritual Weapon, however, is explicitly stated as a spell effect that generates a floating, spectral weapon. As a spell, it does not meet these criteria.

Flanking Mechanics

For those who may be unfamiliar, flanking is a mechanic in D&D that allows two or more creatures to take advantage of their positioning in combat. When a target is flanked, each creature involved in the flanking gains advantage on its melee attacks. However, Spiritual Weapon, as a spell attack, does not have the opportunity to take advantage of flanking in the same way that a physical creature might.

Benefits of Spiritual Weapons

Despite not benefiting from flanking, Spiritual Weapons offer several benefits in combat. They can be moved within 20 feet as a bonus action, allowing them to be used in various positions and providing an element of flexibility. Additionally, they can attack multiple targets in a single round, providing a high level of attack potential.

Conclusion

In conclusion, spiritual weapons do not benefit from flanking because they are not considered to be creatures or allies for the purposes of setting up a flanking position. While they may not provide the same level of flanking benefits, they still offer several advantages in combat, making them a viable option for casters who want to get in the thick of the action.