Does Flanking Work with Spell Attacks?
Flanking is a tactical advantage in Dungeons & Dragons that allows creatures to gain an upper hand in combat by attacking from opposite sides or corners of their target. But what about spell attacks? Can they benefit from flanking as well? In this article, we’ll dive into the rules and explore the answer to this question.
Yes, Melee Spell Attacks Benefit from Flanking
According to the rules, flanking grants advantage on melee attacks. A melee spell attack is essentially a melee attack, as it deals damage to a target in close proximity. Therefore, melee spell attacks, such as those from spellcasters like sorcerers and wizards, can benefit from flanking.
Here’s a direct quote from the 5th edition Player’s Handbook:
"When a creature and at least one of its allies are adjacent to an enemy and on opposite sides or corners of the enemy’s space, they flank that enemy, and each of them has advantage on melee attack rolls against that enemy."
Non-Melee Spell Attacks Don’t Count
However, not all spell attacks are melee attacks. Ranged spell attacks, such as those from spellcasters like bards and rangers, don’t benefit from flanking. Non-melee spell attacks don’t count towards flanking, as they don’t deal damage to the target in close proximity.
Here’s a table summarizing the rules:
| Spell Attack Type | Benefits from Flanking |
|---|---|
| Melee | Yes |
| Ranged | No |
Can You Flank with an Invisible Creature?
Another common question is whether you can flank an invisible creature. The answer is yes. Flanking is not dependent on the target’s visibility, but rather on the position of the attacking creatures relative to the target. As long as you’re in the correct position to flank, you can do so even if the target is invisible.
Flanking with a Spiritual Weapon
A spiritual weapon is a type of melee attack that can be conjured by a spellcaster. You cannot flank with a spiritual weapon, as it’s not a creature that can be in the correct position to flank. The spiritual weapon itself doesn’t count towards flanking, as it’s not a living creature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, melee spell attacks can benefit from flanking, while non-melee spell attacks cannot. Additionally, you can flank an invisible creature, but not with a spiritual weapon. By understanding these rules, you can use flanking to your advantage in combat and gain an upper hand over your enemies.
Remember to always keep in mind the type of spell attack you’re using and the position of your creatures relative to the target. With practice and strategy, you can master the art of flanking and become a formidable opponent on the battlefield.