DnD 5e traps are diverse and found in-game every campaign. Traps are one of the major parts of Dungeons & Dragons that separate it from most other role play games. Although common tasks make the game really fun, a seasoned player can be left unvexed and bored by the same old classic traps.
If you have just started playing DnD 5e and are a beginner in this game, knowing these more complex traps will surely ease your hustle. And adding additional excitement for your more experienced players once integrated into your game.
1. Teleport Doorway
This DnD 5e trap is triggered when a character passes the doorway without a proper key. Rather than this key locking the door, it sends the intruders off to someplace less important. The key may be anything, including a feather, leaf, small stone, etc. Take this into consideration when planting a teleportation doorway in a dungeon, what would that particular enemy use for the key?
Any creature that falls into the trap can resist or reduce this trap’s effect by using saving throws. Wisdom saving throws usually resist the effects of magic like this. Creatures who succeed in this save resist the effects of the teleportation spell and pass through undisturbed.
A teleportation trap is extremely effective in dismissing a single creature or even a group of creatures. Consider where the creature setting this trap would send intruders. Send intruders back to the start of the dungeon as a nonviolent measure or straight into the bowls of a monster’s lair, or a room filled with explosive runes. Be careful when using this trap if the spell teleports characters to an unreachable location without any way to return, splitting the party too far could make it hard to gather them back together.
Additional Input
This “trap” doesn’t necessarily have to function as a trap, but also as means to reach a specific place. Perhaps your BBEG uses a certain key that accesses their own personal pocket dimension where they hide their evil activities. In this case, players could be following a villain who simply seems to vanish into a broom closet.
2. Fun with Magnets
This is an amazing trap to use as most characters possess some amount of metal. Players trigger it in a number of ways. For instance, dungeoneers may have installed a weight-sensitive floor that triggers the trap when too much weight is present. When the trap is triggered, the ceiling attracts everything in the room with magnetic properties. The force of attraction completely depends on the dungeon master. (Keep in mind some metals such as Gold, Silver, Copper, Platinium, Aluminium, Brass, among others, are not magnetic, but may make a good lure to draw PCs closer)
Since most players will be wearing metal armor and weapons, this is one of the best DnD 5e traps for DMs to devise for PCs. Depending on the strength of the magnet, resist the trap with a successful Strength saving throw. Magic-wielding PCs can also dispel the trap, however, this tactic is dependant on the nature of the dungeon. In a wizard’s lair, the magnetic force is almost certainly produced through magic. Players who stumble on a natural anomaly, in certain settings, like the Underdark, cannot be dispelled. The magnetic effect may also be fueled by an artificer’s machine (magic or not) that needs to be destroyed to end its function. However, be careful suddenly ending the effect if a friend is still stuck to the ceiling.
Similar effects occur while using a spell that affects gravity, but this method affects all things equally. When agents are used, PCs wearing plate armor may be pulled to the ceiling (and probably suffer an equivalent of fall damage) while those wearing leather only might lose a weapon, and others, like monks and druids, are left completely unaffected.
Additional Input
The moment this trap goes off is an excellent time to release a beast to clean up. Creatures that crawl on walls, like spiders, will still be able to reach those on the ceiling. Those who have lost their weapons will be at a severe disadvantage, and those stuck to the ceiling prone will have even more trouble.
This is an excellent trap for low to mid-level dungeons as it is relatively simple. While it may be severe when used incorrectly, it is so simple and dramatic that nearly anyone will find entertainment in combating it. Try it out on your group and see their reaction.
3. Monster Traps
These traps are those set not by an intelligent dungeoneer but the natural predatory instinct of your monsters. Creatures use these types of traps in real life to get the drop on their prey, and why? Because these tactics work. Seasoned will appreciate the variance in this style of trap that leads to combat rather than just throwing monsters at them.
Picture this, PCs enter a room covered with natural greenery and a hole in the ceiling. When a character enters the hole, there are several monsters, known as Cave Fishers, that can be really dangerous. These creatures generally have filaments similar to spider webs that trap PCs while they take them in. These filaments are hardly visible, and the Cave Fisher can easily reel in whatever is on the line.
Now for another DnD 5e trap carried out in combination with a monster: the Umberhulk trap. The monster tunnels through solid rock, leaving a small, hardly visible line outside. When someone passes by the rock, the monster burst through the rock and procure serious harm.
Additional Input
Keep in mind the reason most of these types of monsters attack is simply to eat. If half their numbers die in battle every time they go out for a meal, their colony will not last long. Monsters may prefer to stalk their prey until they pick off weaker party members and scamper off with them before the rest of the party can come after them. This can give a single player a chance to shine by fighting off the beast on their own. You may also be creating an opportunity to stress the importance of teamwork when the party comes to the rescue.
DMs mix a trap and a monster to take as much advantage as possible. While traps and monsters can keep players guessing, their combined usage is even more effective in DnD 5e. Even some of the lower-level creatures available in dnd 5e can create deadly traps. These combined strategies work effectively and have a significant impact.
3 Reasons Why These DnD 5e Traps are Effective for Seasoned Players
Certain role play gamers find DnD 5e traps less effective and boring, but this is mostly due to the lack of effort put in by DMs to surprise players with new and interesting traps. Triggering the same old dart traps (that can’t even pierce your defenses) is bound to become stale over time. But exciting new traps give players a chance to flex their creativity, guaranteeing they’ll be back asking for more.
DMs can easily incorporate these traps during their next dnd session prep. Traps, when used properly, might serve a variety of purposes in DnD 5e, from whittling down spell slots and barbarian hitpoints to setting up key moments for roleplay and opportunities for players to be creative.
Here are three major reasons why you should use traps.
- Adaptability
- Uniqueness
- Variety
1. Adaptability
The primary reason a dungeon master may choose to use traps is for their adaptability. To expose the player to danger in a unique way, three components generally compose the traps: misdirection, trigger, and effect. It’s easy to flavor, reskin, or otherwise alter these traps to create a whole new surprise the next time around if players aren’t on their guard after the last one. DMs may recycle traps by simply putting a new face on them, but this won’t work forever.
2. Uniqueness
A narrative approach is best for DnD 5e traps. When fighting, players typically take the same course of action, “I cast firebolt. Oh, he’s resistant to fire? Ray of Frost this time.” When dealing with traps, on the other hand, characters may tackle this unique problem with a unique approach.
3. Variety
Traps represent a whole section of DnD, rooted in its history, that is too often simplified to simple pitfalls. When it comes to traps, there can always be something new coming. Keep your players on their toes with what form the next trap will take. Using multifaceted traps will lead to more player interaction and help them connect in a better way as they work together to find a solution.
Use DnD 5e Traps Effectively
All in all, do not ignore specified, planned use of DnD 5e traps. They’re an important part of the game, especially for seasoned players. Implementing of some these common trap tactics effectively can improve the quality of gameplay for both the players and the DM.
