Can you use flying speed and walking speed 5e?

Can you use flying speed and walking speed 5e?

In the world of Dungeons and Dragons, players are often faced with unique situations that require them to navigate diverse environments. One of the most common requests is whether a character can use flying speed and walking speed simultaneously. In this article, we will delve into the rules surrounding flying speed and walking speed in 5e, providing you with a comprehensive guide on how to navigate these situations.

Using flying speed and walking speed: A Clarification

According to the Player’s Handbook, page 190, if a character has more than one speed, such as walking speed and flying speed, they can switch back and forth between their speeds during their movement. This means that a character can use their flying speed to move through the air and then descend to the ground to use their walking speed without penalty.

Example Scenario 1: Flying and Walking Combination

Let’s say a Half-Elf Rogue, named Eilif, has a walking speed of 30 feet and a flying speed of 50 feet. On their turn, Eilif moves 20 feet through the air, flies 30 feet, and then lands safely on the ground. Since Eilif has switched between flying and walking speeds, they have not exceeded their walking speed allowance. In this scenario, Eilif can continue to move around the battlefield with ease, using their flying speed to cover great distances and then descending to the ground for more precise movements.

How to Calculate Movement

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to calculate movement when using flying and walking speeds:

• Determine the distance a character wants to move.
• Start by using the flying speed to move the character the desired distance.
• Calculate any remaining distance by subtracting the flown distance from the total distance.
• Have the character move the remaining distance using their walking speed.

Example Scenario 2: Flown Distance and Remaining Distance

To illustrate this concept, let’s say the character, Eilif, needs to move 100 feet to get to the other side of the battlefield. The flying speed is 50 feet per turn, and the walking speed is 30 feet. Here’s how Eilif’s movement would be calculated:

• Eilif flies 50 feet per turn, covering 2 turns with a total distance of 100 feet.
• The remaining distance is 0, and Eilif can stop for the turn.

Key Takeaways

• A character can switch back and forth between flying speed and walking speed during their movement.
• When combining flying and walking speeds, always start by using the flying speed first.
• Calculate any remaining distance by subtracting the flown distance from the total distance.
• Then, have the character move the remaining distance using their walking speed.

Flying Speed Exception: Hummingbirds and Antonov An-2

In the unlikely event that a character can fly backwards, such as a hummingbird or an Antonov An-2 biplane, they can use their reverse flying speed to move in the opposite direction of their forward flying speed. Please note that this is an exceptional situation and not a standard mechanic in 5e.

Conclusion

Navigating flying speed and walking speed combinations can be complex, but by following the simple calculations and guidelines outlined in this article, characters can move seamlessly between the air and solid ground. Remember to always start by using the flying speed, calculate remaining distance, and then use the walking speed for precision movements. With practice and patience, adventurers can master the art of flying and walking speeds, taking their campaigns to new heights!

Additional Resources

• PhB, page 190
• D&D 5th Edition Player’s Handbook
• EN World: Can you walk while flying in D&D 5e?

Table: Flying and Walking Speed Guidelines

Common Questions

• What happens if I exceed my flying speed? If you exceed your flying speed, you can still move a maximum of your flying speed distance on your turn.
• Can I stop mid-air and then use my walking speed? No, according to the rules, you must continue flying until you have used up all your flying speed.
• What is the maximum walking speed? There is no maximum walking speed, but you cannot exceed your total movement allowance in a turn.