Grab your trusty steed and prepare for D&D mounted combat
Mounted Combat in D&D revolutionises your adventures, allowing you to charge into battle on your steed. A mount is any creature that you ride, but no proficiency is needed, so you can ride your dog if you so wish.
Mounted combat isn’t covered in the main rulebooks, so we’ve put together everything you need to know about D&D mounted combat, including how to use a mount, the rules for combat, and which mounts you can ride. If you’re looking for mounts in D&D Beyond, our mounts list has a handy list of all mounts available in the game.
D&D mounted combat rules
Mounted combat in D&D is fairly straightforward, and there are only a few rules you need to know:
Mounting and dismounting
You can mount any time you willingly move. While mounted, you or your mount can be targeted, and a mount can indeed die. There’s a chance you or your mount may be knocked to the ground if you’re attacked while mounted.
If your mount is forcibly moved, you must make a saving throw to avoid falling off. Rules for placement of riders on large mounts are left to the DM’s discretion, so it’s up to them whether you’re on the front or back of the mount.
Controlled mounts move during your turn and cannot attack, whereas independent mounts have their own turn and can take additional actions, such as dash or rear attack.
Mounted Combatant feat
Mounted Combatant is a feat in the Player’s Handbook that allows you to protect your steed and gain advantages when you’re riding. You’ll want to take this feat if you rely on your mount for consistent use of Sneak Attack.
Mounts in D&D
We have a list of standard mounts for you to choose from, including giants ants, griffons, and warhorses.
Now that you know how to ride, where to get a mount, and how to fight while mounted, you’re ready to revolutionise your adventures in D&D. Mounts play an important role in D&D, so consider the Mounted Combatant feat and magical steed spells for your next adventure.
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