What It Is

Swimming covers movement through water or similar liquid hazards.

This page is a compact play reference. If a spell, feature, monster, item, or DM ruling gives a more specific instruction, use that specific instruction.

How To Use It

Spend movement to swim. Without a swimming speed, each foot usually costs 1 extra foot.

Limits And Rolls

  • Rough water can require a Strength (Athletics) check.
  • Underwater combat and breathing can add separate restrictions.
  • A swimming speed avoids the extra movement cost when used for swimming.
  • Roll Strength (Athletics) when the water is rough or the swim is risky.

FAQ

What is Swimming in D&D?

Swimming is a rules reference that explains one part of character creation, exploration, combat, or spellcasting.

Read more: Swimming A stylized swimming icon representing swimming movement. D&D Portal - Swimming Movement rule Swimming is a movement rule used during exploration, encounters, and combat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/movement/swimming/

How does Swimming work?

The Swimming page explains the rule, its requirements, and the result during play.

Read more: Swimming A stylized swimming icon representing swimming movement. D&D Portal - Swimming Movement rule Swimming is a movement rule used during exploration, encounters, and combat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/movement/swimming/

How do you use Swimming during play?

Use the Swimming rules when the situation described on the page occurs during a game.

Read more: Swimming A stylized swimming icon representing swimming movement. D&D Portal - Swimming Movement rule Swimming is a movement rule used during exploration, encounters, and combat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/movement/swimming/