Restrained in 5e – How Bad is it, and How to Counter It

The official description of Restrained is as follows: (Source – Roll20)

• A Restrained creature’s speed becomes 0, and it cannot benefit from any bonus to its speed. A restrained creature cannot fly.
• Attack rolls against the creature have advantage, and the creature’s rolls have disadvantage.
• The creature has disadvantage on dexterity saving throws.

Countering Restrained is usually done by a Constitution Saving Throw, Sometimes Dexterity Saving throws. Breaking out of the restrained condition can also be accomplished typically using a Strength Check if it is caused by something like a net or handcuffs.

Monster Abilities

• Constrictor Snake {Constrict} [Player’s Handbook Pg 305]
• Crocodile {Bite} [Player’s Handbook Pg 305]
• Giant Spider {Web} [Player’s Handbook Pg 306]
  • DC 12 Strength Check
  • Web can be attacked externally using a bladed weapon
  • The web is vulnerable to fire, but so are your clothes – be careful with this method.

Class Abilities

• Channel Divinity {Nature’s Wrath} (Paladin 3rd level Oath of the Ancients Feature) [Player’s Handbook pg 87]
  • Strength or Dexterity Saving throw (it’s choice)
  • Saving throw repeated at the end of each of the restrained target’s turn

Special Weapons

• Net [Player’s Handbook Pg 148]
  • DC 10 Strength saving throw
  • Affects Large or smaller creatures
  • Does not affect formless creatures, such as ghosts, or huge creatures.

Feats

• Grappler {Pin} [Player’s Handbook Pg 167]

Environment Hazards

• Webs [Dungeon Master’s Guide Pg 105]
  • Dexterity Saving throw to resist effect, DC 12
  • Strength Saving Throw to Break out of effect, DC 12
• Quicksand [Dungeon Master’s Guide Pg 110]
  • Strength saving throw DC 10+number of feet submergred
  • If fully submerged, lose ability to breathe, and begin suffocating
• Falling Net [Dungeon Master’s Guide Pg 122]
  • Knocks targets prone if they fail a DC 10 Strength Saving Throw
  • DC 10 Strength check to free yourself or someone else trapped under the net
• Wilderness Chase Complication {d20 (7)} [Dungeon Master’s Guide Pg 254]

Magical Items

• Iron Bands of Bilarro [Dungeon Master’s Guide Pg 177]
• Rope of Entanglement [Dungeon Master’s Guide Pg 197]
• Wand of Binding [Dungeon Master’s Guide Pg 209]
• Wand of Wonder (98/100) [Dungeon Master’s Guide Pg 212]

Spells

• Ensnaring Strike (1st Level) [Player’s Handbook Pg 237]
  • Strength Saving Throw
  • Large or larger creature has advantage on saving throw
• Entangle (1st Level) [Player’s Handbook Pg 238]
  • Strength Saving Throw
• Web (2nd Level) [Player’s Handbook Pg 287]
  • Dexterity Saving Throw to resist the initial effect
  • Strength Saving Throw to break out of the webbing
  • Can be set aflame to burn away after one round
• Evard’s Black Tentacles (4th Level) [Player’s Handbook Pg 238]
  • Strength or Dexterity Saving Throw (It’s choice)
• Telekinesis {Creature} (5th level) [Player’s Handbook Pg 280]
• Flesh to Stone (6th Level) [Player’s Handbook Pg 243]
  • 3 failed Constitution saving throws the target will become petrified for the duration
  • Restrained on Failed saving throw
• Prismatic Spray {Indigo} (7th Level) [Player’s Handbook Pg 267]
  • Constitution Save x3, or turn to stone on 3 fails
• Prismatic Wall {Indigo} [9th Level) [Player’s Handbook Pg 267]
  • Constitution Save x3, or turn to stone on 3 fails
• Imprisonment {Chaining} (9th level) [Player’s Handbook Pg 252]
  • Lasts until the duration ends, whose conditions vary based on an agreement between caster and DM
  • Can only be dispelled by Dispel Magic if cast at 9th level.