A heroic fighter shoves a massive orc off a cliff, illustrating the raw power of force movement, shoves, and battlefield control in DND 5e and Pathfinder, highlighted on Mike’s Tavern.

By the gods, nothing warms an old dwarf’s heart like watching an ogre tumble off a battlement because a clever lad knew the rules better than the brute knew how ta swing. If ye think pushin’ folk around is just for bards who can’t swing an axe, sit down and let Uncle Mike explain. Forced movement is the art of makin’ the battlefield work for ya — pushin’, pullin’, shovin’ and tossin’ enemies where they don’t want to be, all without eatin’ an opportunity attack.

Years ago, me and a halflin’ sorcerer were trapped in a narrow canyon. Orcs on one side, a chasm on t’other. The sorcerer looked at me and grinned. He cast a thunderwave and in one glorious blast sent three of ’em screamin’ into the abyss. No opportunity attacks, no counter‑swings, just gravity doin’ the killin’ for us. That’s forced movement — lettin’ physics and common sense do the dirty work.

Why Forced Movement Doesn’t Trigger Reactions

In D&D 5e, the rule is simple: if something moves ya without you spending your own movement — like bein’ pushed, pulled, or hurled by a spell — it ain’t considered voluntary, and you don’t provoke an opportunity attack. Thunderwave, Gust of Wind, shove attacks, the druid’s thorn whip — all can send enemies flyin’ and none of ’em get to swing at ya for free. Pathfinder 2e is even clearer: forced movement doesn’t trigger reactions that are normally triggered by leaving a space, and the creature forcing the movement decides where you end up. If the effect would move ya into somethin’ hazardous, you stop in the last safe spot.

So next time yer stuck between a dragon and a hard place, don’t think only of damage. Think of pushin’ that scaled fiend into lava. It can’t bite ya if it’s fallin’.

Toolbox for Shoves, Slides, and Tosses

The Shove Attack (D&D 5e) – Use your attack action to push a creature 5 feet or knock it prone. Advantage on Athletics checks helps, and pushin’ something off a cliff deals a hell of a lot more damage than any greatsword.
Reposition and Bull Rush (Pathfinder 2e) – Actions like Reposition, Shove, and Trip make forced movement part of every martial’s kit. Use Athletics to knock foes into hazards without ever sacrificin’ your defense.
Spells That Toss – Thunderwave, catapult, even a carefully aimed telekinesis can send enemies sailin’. And let’s not forget thorn whip for yanking goblins into pit traps.
Magic Items and Conditions – Some cursed relics like the Dagger That Hates the Sun or the Coin of the Lost Patron pair beautifully with forced movement. If your foes are blinded or slowed, shovin’ becomes child’s play.

Don’t Forget Terrain

Forced movement is all about knowing your playground. Pits, cliffs, fires, and even the backs of angry beasts become weapons. A Dungeon Built to Punish the Greedy, Not the Weak is your friend when you’re the one doing the punishin’. In narrow corridors, push foes into each other. On a ship’s deck, toss ’em overboard. And if you’re fighting near lava? Well, even dragons scream when they’re meltin’.

Tactical Pint

Take a minute and picture your next fight. Instead of rushing headfirst, ask yerself: “How can I change where my enemies stand?” It’s quicker to end a fight by droppin’ foes into a hole than by hackin’ away at hit points.

👉 Check out Mike’s Tavern to share stories or ask the barkeep how he once toppled an ogre with a barstool. The tavern always welcomes a good forced‑movement tale.

Synergy With Damage Dealers

The best part? Forced movement combos with your allies’ nastiest tricks. Knock a foe prone and your rogue will thank ya for easy advantage on attacks. Push an enemy through your Sword That Remembers Every Kill It Makes or the Emberhook Blade and watch the carnage. Clerics who “hate healing” still love pushin’ undead into sunlight. And if a foe somehow survives? They’re probably nowhere near your squishy wizard anymore.

Ready to Toss ’Em?

If yer not tossin’ enemies into hazards, you’re missin’ half the fun. Forced movement doesn’t just save yer hide; it turns the battlefield into your ally.

👉 Drop by Mike’s Tavern for more devious strategies. Trust me — there’s nothing like the look on a giant’s face when a dwarf with a crowbar and a shove sends him flyin’.

FAQ

Q: Do opportunity attacks ever trigger off forced movement?
A: Nope. When something moves you without you spendin’ your own movement, actions, or reactions, no opportunity attacks.

Q: Can I shove multiple times in a round?
A: Yes. If you have extra attacks or actions, you can attempt multiple shoves. Each one can move a foe farther.

Q: What if a creature is too heavy to move?
A: In both systems, there are limits (usually size). You can’t shove something massively larger than you without special feats or spells. But even a troll goes tumbling when you’ve got gravity on your side.