Melee Attack
Used in hand-to-hand combat, a melee attack allows you to attack a foe within your reach. A melee attack typically uses a handheld weapon such as a sword, a warhammer, or an axe. (95)
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See the optional facing rule of DMG 252.
Knock out a foe instead of killing it.
You can also grapple or shove a foe or use an unarmed strike (punch, kick, head-butt, or similar forceful blow). (95-96)
GM Companion note: You can increase the number of attacks you make in a round a number of ways. Examples include:
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The Extra Attack feature of the fighter. (93)
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Two-Weapon Fighting. (95)
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The Flurry of Blows feature of the monk. (27)
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The haste spell.
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The Action Surge feature of the fighter.
GM Companion note: Tactics to consider during attack
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Use your free brief utterance to coordinate your party's attack.
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With an ally flank an enemy.
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Sneak attack if you are a rogue.
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Instead of using the Attack action:
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use the Help action to help a nearby ally attack a foe.
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use the Disarm action (DMG p. 271).
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use the Overrun action (DMG p. 272).
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