5 Ways To Master Underwater Combat In 5e

As a Dungeon Master or player, mastering underwater combat in Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition can be a thrilling experience. The aquatic environment poses unique challenges, requiring clever strategies and adaptability. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of underwater combat, providing you with five essential tips to conquer the watery depths.

Understanding Underwater Combat

Before diving into the tips, it's essential to grasp the basics of underwater combat in 5e. When a creature is submerged in water, it must make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or become vulnerable to drowning. Additionally, underwater combatants have limited visibility, and attacks have disadvantage due to the water's opacity.

1. Utilize Aquatic Adaptations

Some creatures, like merfolk or selkies, possess natural adaptations that grant them advantages in underwater environments. As a player, consider choosing a character with aquatic features, such as a Triton or a Sea Elf, to excel in underwater combat. These traits can provide benefits like increased speed, improved vision, or enhanced attacks.

As a DM, consider incorporating aquatic NPCs or monsters with similar adaptations to challenge your players. This can include giant squids, sharks, or even merrows.

2. Master Underwater Movement

In the underwater realm, movement is crucial for success. Characters can use their action to swim up to their speed, but they must make a DC 10 Strength (Athletics) check to avoid becoming entangled in underwater obstacles. When designing underwater encounters, consider incorporating obstacles like seaweed, coral reefs, or sunken shipwrecks to hinder movement.

To counter this, players can use their surroundings to their advantage. For example, they can use nearby rocks or underwater structures to hide, set up ambushes, or create bottlenecks to funnel enemies.

3. Leverage Aquatic Magic and Abilities

Certain spells, like Fog Cloud or Entangle, become incredibly potent in underwater environments. When casting these spells, consider the aquatic setting to create innovative and devastating effects. For instance, a well-placed Fog Cloud can obscure vision, making it difficult for enemies to attack, while Entangle can immobilize foes amidst a bed of seaweed.

Players can also utilize abilities like the Ranger's Natural Explorer feature or the Rogue's Expertise feature to excel in underwater combat. These abilities can grant advantages in Perception, Athletics, or Stealth, allowing characters to navigate the underwater environment with ease.

4. Exploit Underwater Weaknesses

Underwater environments often come with unique weaknesses that can be exploited to gain an advantage. For example, sound-based attacks are particularly effective underwater, as sound waves travel farther and faster in water than in air. Characters can use spells like Thunderwave or Shatter to devastating effect.

Additionally, underwater combatants can use the water itself as a weapon. Characters can create powerful whirlpools or use their surroundings to create crushing forces. As a DM, consider incorporating environmental hazards like underwater volcanoes, whirlpools, or tidal waves to add an extra layer of complexity to combat.

5. Coordinate with Allies

Underwater combat often requires coordination and strategy to succeed. When fighting alongside allies, consider using communication methods that don't rely on speech, such as hand signals or magical means. This allows characters to coordinate attacks, set up ambushes, or execute complex maneuvers.

As a DM, consider adding underwater NPCs or allies that can provide support or distractions. These can include friendly dolphins, merfolk, or even a cleverly placed underwater trap.

Gallery of Underwater Combat

Underwater Combat Image Gallery

FAQs

How do I determine underwater visibility?

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Underwater visibility is typically limited to 60 feet in clear water. However, this can be affected by various factors such as water clarity, sunlight, or underwater structures.

Can I use my breath underwater?

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No, creatures cannot use their breath underwater unless they have a feature or ability that allows them to do so.

How do I determine the DC for underwater Athletics checks?

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The DC for underwater Athletics checks is typically 10, but this can be adjusted based on the situation and the DM's discretion.

With these five tips and a deeper understanding of underwater combat, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the aquatic realm and conquer the challenges that lie within. Whether you're a seasoned DM or a brave adventurer, remember to adapt, coordinate, and exploit the weaknesses of your foes to emerge victorious.