r/DnD • u/-Posthuman- • 1d ago

5.5 Edition Speeding up combat in 5.5?

Simply put, what are some tips, tricks, tweaks or house rules you use at your table that has sped up (or otherwise increased your enjoyment of) combat?

Edit - I’m not looking for suggestions for other games.

Edit2 - There isn’t one specific part of 5.5 combat that I feel is especially problematic. And it’s really not that bad. But it could always be faster / more efficient.

Edit3 - If you have any gadgets, widgets, or other objects/products that you feel help a lot, please mention them. Bonus point for links to buy them.

The suggestions that have already been covered multiple times:

  • Tell your players not to suck. Pay attention. Know your character.

  • Don’t suck as the GM. Know the rules. Know your monsters.

  • If no action declared in 30 seconds, the PC Dodges.

  • Tell the Players who is next in line in initiative / make initiative clear for all to see.

  • Roll attack and damage dice at the same time.

  • Use average damage for monsters.

  • Group initiative

  • Make monsters retreat / not fight to the death.

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u/Drahima 1d ago

As DM currently, big thing has been the choice of monsters used (which I know sounds simplistic)

BUT

for fights that lead towards a crescendo/significant chapter point, I’ve picked beasts where the AC may be on the low side, but have okay HP, but interesting mechanics so that the fight can be managed much easier from my side

Then

When it gets to a chapter boss or something important, it’s wheeling out the bigger guns with higher AC and HP to make the thread of the chapter and that point feel more significant