How does combat work in D&D?

Combat in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is structured and turn-based. Here's a basic overview of how combat works:

1. Initiative:

At the start of combat, each player rolls a twenty-sided die (d20) and adds their Dexterity modifier to determine their initiative score. The Dungeon Master (DM) rolls initiative for non-player characters (NPCs) like monsters. This determines the order in which characters and creatures take their turns in combat, from highest to lowest initiative.

2. Turn Order:

Once initiative is determined, combat proceeds in rounds, with each participant taking a turn in the established order. A turn represents about 6 seconds of real-time action in the game world.

3. Actions:

On a character's turn, they can take one action, one bonus action (if available), and move a certain distance determined by their speed. Some actions, like attacking or casting a spell, might require rolling dice to determine success or damage.

4. Movement:

Characters can move a distance determined by their speed, typically measured in feet. Moving through difficult terrain may require extra movement, and certain abilities or spells can affect movement.

5. Attacks and Spellcasting:

Characters can use their actions to make attacks with weapons, cast spells, use items, or take other actions. To make an attack, a player rolls a d20 and adds relevant modifiers (such as their proficiency bonus and ability modifier) to determine if the attack hits the target's Armor Class (AC). If the attack roll equals or exceeds the target's AC, it hits, and the player rolls damage dice to determine how much damage is dealt.

6. Bonus Actions and Reactions:

Some abilities, spells, or class features allow characters to take a bonus action or reaction on their turn or in response to certain triggers. These actions typically have specific rules governing when they can be used.

7. Conditions and Status Effects:

Combat often involves various conditions and status effects that can affect characters and creatures, such as being poisoned, paralyzed, or invisible. These effects can impose penalties or change how certain actions work.

8. Death Saving Throws:

When a character's hit points drop to zero, they fall unconscious and must make death saving throws at the start of each of their turns to determine if they stabilize or continue to lose hit points and risk dying.

9. Conclusion of Combat:

Combat ends when one side achieves its objectives (such as defeating all enemies, escaping, or negotiating a truce) or when the DM decides that combat is no longer necessary and transitions back to the exploration or role-playing phase of the game.

10. Experience Points and Rewards:

Characters typically earn experience points (XP) for defeating enemies and overcoming challenges in combat. These XP contribute to the characters' progression and leveling up.

Overall, combat in D&D is dynamic and strategic, with players and the DM making tactical decisions and rolling dice to determine the outcomes of actions and attacks. It's an integral part of many adventures and campaigns, offering opportunities for teamwork, problem-solving, and thrilling encounters.