An attack of opportunity in D&D represents a reactive strike that enemies can take when a character moves out of reach or creates an opening. Understanding when and how these reactions work helps players position characters intelligently and plan turns around enemy behavior.
Below you can scan a quick reference for when attacks of opportunity happen, how they interact with movement and class features, and how to avoid or exploit them in combat. The table and sections clarify timing, conditions, and tactical implications for both players and Dungeon Masters.
| Trigger | Typical Reaction | Movement Type | Key Exception |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving an enemy’s reach | Enemy can use its reaction to make one melee attack | Leaving a threatened square | If the movement is forced, such as by a spell, no attack of opportunity is allowed |
| Entering an enemy’s reach | Enemy can use its reaction to make one melee attack | Entering a threatened square | Some features, like the Sentinel feat, modify these triggers |
| Using the Dash action | No attack of opportunity from that movement | Voluntary movement that ignores opportunity rules | Reactions can still be used for other triggers, such as entering threatening areas |
| Disengage action | No attack of opportunity until your next turn | Movement while suppressing opportunity triggers | Concentration on spells or difficult terrain can still impose risks |
| Teleportation or forced movement | Usually no attack of opportunity | Non-voluntary movement through space | Specific class features or environmental hazards may create exceptions |
Understanding Movement That Provokes Attacks
Voluntary movement out of an enemy’s reach typically provokes an attack of opportunity, provided you are still within that enemy’s reach at the start of your movement. Enemies positioned at the edge of your space can attempt to punish that motion with a single reactionary strike. The Dungeon Master resolves the attack before you complete the rest of your movement, creating a risk-reward decision about repositioning.
Classes and features that modify reach or grant reach weapons can change which squares are considered threatening. A reach weapon lets you threaten more tiles, making it easier to attack enemies as they enter your zone without provoking attacks yourself. Positioning knowledge of these threat areas helps you move efficiently while minimizing exposure to opportunity attacks.
Key Tactics Around Opportunity Attacks
Smart positioning reduces the chance enemies can exploit your movement. Using cover, controlling chokepoints, and coordinating with allies let you manipulate who gets these reactive strikes. Below are practical approaches that apply whether you play a martial striker or a support caster.
- Dash or Disengage when you must move through dangerous areas to avoid wasting actions on defensive rolls.
- Use reach weapons or spells with area effects to threaten multiple enemies without exposing yourself each turn.
- Time your movement to coincide with ally actions that can suppress enemy reactions, such as grabbing allies’ attention with taunts.
- Coordinate with your party to flank and control enemy positioning, reducing the number of safe squares for opponents to exploit.
Reactions and Combat Flow
Attacks of opportunity interact with the broader initiative and reactions system. Because reactions are a shared resource, classes that rely on them, like fighters and monks, must consider when to spend a reaction versus conserving it for a more valuable moment. Having a few planned reactions for specific triggers, such as enemy movement or spellcasting, increases your overall combat effectiveness.
Spells and features that grant additional reactions, like some subclass abilities, can be as impactful as extra attacks. Knowing when to use a reaction for an opportunity attack, a defensive boost, or a counterspell shapes how efficiently you respond to enemy actions. Balancing offense and defense with reactions is a core skill for optimizing turn efficiency.
Advanced Interactions and Exceptions
Certain class features, spells, and environmental factors can bypass normal opportunity attack rules. Features like the Sentinel feat modify trigger conditions, allowing extra attacks or even additional movement penalties against enemies who provoke. Recognizing these exceptions helps you build characters that control the battlefield rather than merely reacting to it.
Spells that affect movement, such as difficult terrain, restraining effects, or forced movement, may alter whether an attack of opportunity is valid. Some effects explicitly deny opportunity attacks, while others replace the triggering event with a different consequence. Careful reading of each feature’s text ensures you apply the rules consistently at your table.
FAQ
Reader questions
Do I provoke an attack of opportunity if an enemy pulls me with a spell?
No, forced movement such as teleportation or being pulled by a spell does not trigger attacks of opportunity, unless a specific feature states otherwise.
Can I use my reaction for something other than an attack of opportunity if I move out of reach?
You can choose to use your reaction for a different eligible response, like casting Shield, if you did not take the Attack action earlier in your turn, but you cannot use the same reaction for both purposes.
What happens if I start my move inside an enemy’s reach and then move 5 feet away?
You provoke an attack of opportunity when you leave that enemy’s reach, provided you are moving using a voluntary action and not forced movement.
Does the Disengage action stop all opportunity attacks for my entire turn?
Yes, taking the Disengage action suppresses attacks of opportunity from your movement until the start of your next turn.