5e Advantage/Disadvantage: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Let's dive deep into one of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition's most talked-about mechanics: advantage and disadvantage. This system, designed to simplify combat and add a layer of tactical depth, has become a cornerstone of the game. But, as with all things, it's not without its critics. Today, we're going to explore the good, the bad, and the sometimes ugly sides of this mechanic. We'll look at the criticisms leveled against advantage and disadvantage and what makes this system a bit controversial, even among seasoned D&D players.

The Allure of Simplicity: Why Advantage/Disadvantage Shines

At its core, advantage and disadvantage are brilliant in their simplicity. Instead of crunching numbers with modifiers, players and DMs can quickly determine the outcome of a situation. If you have advantage, you roll two d20s and take the higher result. Disadvantage? You guessed it – roll two and take the lower. This streamlined approach speeds up gameplay, especially in fast-paced combat scenarios. Furthermore, it's incredibly easy to understand for new players. The mechanic helps create a more intuitive experience, allowing players to focus on the narrative and their character's actions rather than getting bogged down in complex calculations. This ease of use is one of the primary reasons why the system is so widely adopted and loved.

One of the other great benefits is that it helps to reduce the impact of small modifiers. Let's say your character has a +1 bonus to their attack roll. This bonus is nice, but it's not always a game-changer. However, if you have advantage, that +1 becomes much more significant because the chance of success is greatly increased. This allows the system to remain relatively balanced. Moreover, it allows DMs to quickly convey the impact of environmental conditions or special abilities without having to track multiple modifiers. Is your character fighting in a hurricane? Disadvantage on your attacks. Are you shielded from a dragon's breath? Advantage on your saving throw. It's a quick and dirty way to add depth to combat encounters.

This system also encourages creativity and player agency. When players know how to gain advantage, they are more likely to think outside the box and try unconventional tactics. Maybe they'll try to flank an enemy, use the Help action to aid an ally, or utilize the environment to their advantage. This level of player agency can lead to memorable moments and more engaging gameplay. In short, the simplicity, the ability to balance the game, and the way it encourages player agency are among the most appealing aspects of the advantage and disadvantage system.

The Balancing Act: The Potential Pitfalls of the System

Now, let's talk about the downsides. While advantage and disadvantage are simple, they're not always perfect. One of the main criticisms is that the mechanic tends to flatten the variance in the game. Imagine a situation where you have a +5 bonus to hit and your opponent has a low AC. You're already likely to hit the target. Adding advantage further increases the odds, but it doesn't dramatically change the outcome. On the flip side, if you have a low attack bonus and are already struggling to hit, disadvantage can make it nearly impossible. The system has the potential to amplify these extremes, leading to swings in luck that can sometimes feel unfair. This can become especially frustrating in high-stakes situations where a single failed roll can mean life or death for a character.

Another concern is the stacking problem. In 5e, advantage and disadvantage don't stack. If you have advantage and then gain disadvantage, they cancel each other out, resulting in a straight roll. While this is simple, it can also lead to a feeling of wasted effort. If a player goes to great lengths to gain advantage, only to have it negated by a single source of disadvantage, the player may feel like the action they took was meaningless. This can be particularly frustrating when players are trying to use multiple abilities or tactics to gain an edge in combat. Players sometimes feel that it devalues the effort put into setting up the perfect scenario, making the game a bit less strategically rewarding.

This system can also create a feeling of predictability. Once players understand the rules, they quickly learn how to game the system to their advantage. They will consistently seek ways to gain advantage and avoid disadvantage. While this is not inherently a bad thing, it can lead to a certain formulaic approach to combat encounters. Players might, for example, always prioritize flanking or using the Help action over more creative or risky strategies, potentially limiting the narrative possibilities of the game.

Overcoming the Flaws: House Rules and Alternative Approaches

So, what can be done to address these criticisms? Luckily, there are a few options. One approach is to use house rules. Some groups modify the system to provide more nuanced results. For instance, some DMs allow advantage and disadvantage to