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Maneuvers are the heart of the Battle Master 5e subclass in Dungeons & Dragons, turning a basic fighter into a tactical powerhouse. Powered by superiority dice, these special abilities let you control the battlefield, boost your attacks, or support your allies—all with a single swing. This guide breaks down every maneuver, highlights the best picks, and helps you choose the right ones for your fighter. Whether you’re new to the subclass or refining your build, you’ll find everything you need to master combat here.
Maneuvers are unique combat techniques you unlock at level 3 as a Battle Master. You start with 3, choosing from a pool of 23, and use superiority dice (d8s at first, scaling to d12s) to activate them. Each maneuver adds an effect—like extra damage or a tactical advantage—to your attacks, making every fight dynamic. You’ll gain more maneuvers as you level, up to 9 by level 15, giving you a versatile arsenal.
Not all maneuvers are created equal—some stand out for their power and versatility. Here are three of the best, rated highly for their impact:
Adds a superiority die to your attack roll, perfect for high-AC foes. When you need to land a critical hit, this ensures you don’t miss.
Knocks enemies prone while dealing an extra die of damage, granting melee advantage to you and your allies. It’s a game-changer against big threats.
Throws a net or weapon as a bonus action, restraining targets or adding damage. Pair it with a net to lock down enemies fast.
Here’s a rundown of all 23 maneuvers, including their effects and ratings (Red = situational, Orange = decent, Green = good, Blue = great). Use this to plan your fighter’s toolkit:
Here’s a quick reference table for some highlights:
Maneuver | Effect | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Precision Attack | +1d8 to attack roll | Blue |
Trip Attack | Knock prone +1d8 damage | Blue |
Disarming Attack | Drop item +1d8 damage | Green |
Quick Toss | Bonus action throw +1d8 damage | Blue |
Menacing Attack | +1d8 damage, frighten foe | Blue |
Picking the right maneuvers depends on your role:
Start with 3 at level 3, and add more at levels 7, 10, and 15. Mix offense and utility to stay adaptable—your superiority dice (4 at first, up to 6 later) give you plenty of fuel.
These tricks make your maneuvers hit harder and smarter.
Maneuvers elevate the Battle Master above basic fighters. They’re not just extra damage—they’re options. You can disarm a boss, trip a horde, or toss a net to stop a retreat. With ratings from Red to Blue, you can prioritize the best—like Precision Attack’s clutch accuracy or Quick Toss’s bonus-action brilliance—and build a fighter that’s uniquely yours.
Ready to wield these maneuvers? Pick your favorites, pair them with your weapon and feats, and take control of combat. This guide is your roadmap—dive deeper with our build guides or FAQ for more insights. Master your maneuvers, master the fight.
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