Does Rage Increase Speed in 5e?
In Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th edition, rage is a popular ability available to Barbarians, providing them with temporary boosts in strength and resistance to damage. Among these benefits, some wonder whether rage increases speed as well. The answer to this question has sparked discussions among players, DMs, and lore enthusiasts.
Direct Answer:
In short, YES, rage in 5e increases your movement speed. According to the "Rage" feature (PHB. 54-55):
*When you rage, your movement speed is increased**
How does Rage boost speed?
Raging is a combat feature in D&D, allowing certain characters to increase their ability to deal and withstand physical damage. Raging doesn’t give you magical flight or instant teleportation, but it can improve your regular movement.
In the table below, I’ve summarized how rage modifies your movement:
| Action | Rage modifier | |
|---|---|---|
| Move | Double your Speed (PHB. 55) | |
| Not applicable | Movement speed | Rage |
The table showcases how rage improves your speed for movement purposes. Let’s dive into the explanations behind this adjustment.
Raging with Boots and Wings
Suppose an Aarakocra Barbarian (having a 50′ flying speed) enters their rage in mid-air, gaining access to Rage’ s movement doubling capability. In theory, that Barbarian can now maintain 100′ while still flying 50′, effectively granting them an overall movement 150′. These calculations imply that rage multiplies and increases your current movement rate, rather than replacing your current speed. This synergistic effect results in astonishing distances covered with rage-augmented flight.
Moreover, a character with 65′ walk speed who uses Dash (Step of the Wind PHB. 167) in a normal state moves 130′, while another Aarakocra Barbainer with expeditious retreat as a level 1 spell boosts their running distance to a staggering 195′.
Rage combines well with spells, boosts, and enhancements, revealing an intricate game of possibilities where rage fuels speed to outmaneuver the battlefield.
Rage and Flying Speed
Winged opponents face unique problems when approaching flying enemies; their wings don’t increase their fly speed. It’s logical that rage will not convert an Aarakocra’s flying speed into extra movement unless that Aarakocra already has increased movement potential, such as with feats, spells, or another means.
While rage speeds up movement generally, in flying situations Rage won’t supercharge those additional flying increments within its standard action. Thus, flying or wing-bound abilities should stay separate.
Rage as Combat Strength
This increased Movement Speed in Rage state serves the purpose of bolstering melee combat scenarios, where having more aggressive control over proximity and response is crucial.
Ragers excel at melee combat:
- Unleash their fury faster
- Reach out and slam down opponents without hesitation
When raging, the once static movement restrictions become exponentially faster, positioning the aggressive party for early and dominating actions.
However, ragers should never forget strategic caution. Hasty assaults often lead to poor consequences and wasted time. Plan carefully, analyze the area, and let your furious moves unfold:
Benefits Beyond Speed:
Additionally to the doubling of walking speed, a raging individual:
- Advantages with Strength-based checks: Unleashed fury leads to enhanced performances in challenges reliant on brawn or fortitude, such as disarming mechanical traps.
Remember, combat is two-sided; being prepared isn’t just speed, though Rage’ s enhanced movement accelerates an Aarakocra warrior’ s charge within its context of melee strategy.