Unarmed Strike: choose damage, grapple or shove

SRD 5.2.1 · Combat

At the table

1. Choose damage, grapple or shove against a target within five feet.
2. For grapple or shove, use DC 8 plus Strength modifier plus Proficiency Bonus; the target chooses Strength or Dexterity for its save.
3. The target must be no more than one size larger; grappling also needs a free hand. A failed shove save permits a five-foot push or Prone.

Example decision

A character has Strength modifier +3 and Proficiency Bonus +2 and chooses the grapple option against a valid target. What is the target’s saving throw DC?

13, with the target choosing Strength or Dexterity.

The DC is 8 + 3 + 2 = 13. The target chooses which of its Strength or Dexterity saving throws to use. This ordinary grapple option does not use the damage option’s attack roll. A successful grapple gives Grappled; subsequent escape attempts use the same stated DC.

Watch for this mistake

Do not resolve all three choices by first making an attack roll. Also check size and the free hand before asking for a grapple save, rather than after the result.

Ask the table

Which outcome is chosen, are its prerequisites met, and who chooses the saving throw ability?

Source rule

Instead of using a weapon to make a melee attack, you can use a punch, kick, headbutt, or similar forceful blow. In game terms, this is an Unarmed Strike—a melee attack that involves you using your body to damage, grapple, or shove a target within 5 feet of you. Whenever you use your Unarmed Strike, choose one of the following options for its effect. Damage. You make an attack roll against the target. Your bonus to the roll equals your Strength modifier plus your Proficiency Bonus. On a hit, the target takes Bludgeoning damage equal to 1 plus your Strength modifier. Grapple. The target must succeed on a Strength or Dexterity saving throw (it chooses which), or it has the Grappled condition. The DC for the saving throw and any escape attempts equals 8 plus your Strength modifier and Proficiency Bonus. This grapple is possible only if the target is no more than one size larger than you and if you have a hand free to grab it. See also “Grappling.” Shove. The target must succeed on a Strength or Dexterity saving throw (it chooses which), or you either push it 5 feet away or cause it to have the Prone condition. The DC for the saving throw equals 8 plus your Strength modifier and Proficiency Bonus. This shove is possible only if the target is no more than one size larger than you.

Source: SRD 5.2.1, 190. Online guide.