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Can You Cast 2 Cantrips with Extra Attack? A Deep Dive into D&D Spellcasting

No, you cannot cast two cantrips with Extra Attack. The Extra Attack feature only applies when you take the Attack Action. Casting a spell, even a cantrip, is not the Attack Action; it’s the Cast a Spell Action. Extra Attack allows you to make multiple weapon attacks when you take the Attack Action, not cast multiple spells when you take the Cast a Spell Action. It’s a common misconception, especially for new players, but understanding the distinction between these actions is crucial for mastering the rules of Dungeons & Dragons.

Understanding Actions in D&D 5e

Before we delve deeper, it’s vital to understand how actions work in D&D 5e. Each turn in combat allows you to take one Action, one Bonus Action (if you have one available), and one Reaction. This is the basic framework that governs what you can do during your turn. There are specific actions available, such as:

Attack: Used to make melee or ranged weapon attacks.
Cast a Spell: Used to cast a spell, requiring a spell slot (except for cantrips).
Dash: Allows you to move further than your normal movement speed.
Disengage: Lets you move out of an enemy’s reach without provoking an opportunity attack.
Dodge: Makes it harder for enemies to hit you.
Help: Assist an ally with a task.
Hide: Attempt to conceal yourself from enemies.
Ready: Prepare an action to be triggered later.
Search: Look for something hidden.
Use an Object: Interact with an object, such as opening a door or drinking a potion.

The Crucial Difference: Attack Action vs. Cast a Spell Action

The key to understanding why Extra Attack doesn’t apply to spellcasting lies in the distinction between the Attack Action and the Cast a Spell Action.

Attack Action: This action involves making a weapon attack, whether melee or ranged. The Extra Attack feature specifically enhances this action, allowing you to make multiple attacks instead of just one.
Cast a Spell Action: This action is used to cast a spell. Cantrips, being spells, also require you to take the Cast a Spell Action. Since Extra Attack only affects the Attack Action, it has no bearing on the Cast a Spell Action.

How To Cast Multiple Spells in a Turn (Maybe)

While you can’t use Extra Attack to cast multiple cantrips, there are ways to cast more than one spell in a turn:

Bonus Action Spells: Some spells can be cast as a Bonus Action. However, there’s a specific rule: if you cast any spell as a Bonus Action, the only other spell you can cast on that turn must be a cantrip with a casting time of one action. So, you could cast a spell like Healing Word (bonus action) and then cast a cantrip like Fire Bolt (action) on the same turn.
Action Surge (Fighter): A level 2 Fighter gains the Action Surge feature, which allows them to take an additional action on their turn once per short or long rest. You could use this extra action to cast a second spell, potentially even a second cantrip. However, remember the Bonus Action spell rule: if you cast a spell as a bonus action, any other spell that you cast must be a cantrip.
Metamagic (Sorcerer): Sorcerers can use Metamagic to alter their spells. The Quickened Spell Metamagic option allows you to cast a spell with a casting time of 1 action as a bonus action. This would then let you cast another spell with your action, which could be a cantrip.
War Caster Feat: The War Caster feat has the ability to cast a spell as a reaction. This is a unique way to cast a spell outside of your turn.

Eldritch Blast and Multiple Attacks: A Warlock’s Dilemma

Many players wonder if a Warlock with the Eldritch Blast cantrip can combine it with Extra Attack. Eldritch Blast, even though it launches multiple beams at higher levels, is still a single Cast a Spell Action. Extra Attack doesn’t influence this. The confusion often stems from Eldritch Blast’s scaling, where the number of beams increases with your level. However, these beams are all part of the same spellcasting action, not separate attacks from the Attack Action.

FAQs: Cantrips, Extra Attack, and Spellcasting Rules

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the rules around cantrips, Extra Attack, and spellcasting in D&D 5e:

1. Can you cast a cantrip and then use the Attack Action in the same turn?

Yes, absolutely! As long as you have an action available, you can cast a cantrip using the Cast a Spell Action and then take the Attack Action to make weapon attacks.

2. Does Extra Attack give you more spell slots?

No. Extra Attack has absolutely nothing to do with spell slots. It only affects the number of attacks you can make when you take the Attack Action.

3. Can you use Action Surge to cast two leveled spells in one turn?

Yes, you can, as long as neither of them is cast as a Bonus Action. If you cast a spell as a bonus action, the other spell must be a cantrip.

4. If I cast a spell as a Bonus Action, can I still use Extra Attack?

Yes! Casting a spell as a bonus action only limits the other spells you can cast that turn. It does not prevent you from taking the Attack Action and benefiting from Extra Attack.

5. Can a Fighter/Warlock multiclass cast Eldritch Blast and then make weapon attacks with Extra Attack?

Yes. A Fighter/Warlock can use their action to cast Eldritch Blast and use their bonus action to make a weapon attack if they have a feature that allows it (such as Polearm Master).

6. Can you cast two cantrips with Quickened Spell (Sorcerer Metamagic)?

Yes! The sorcerer would take the cast a spell action and use quickened spell to cast it as a bonus action, they can then cast another cantrip that turn as an action.

7. If I have multiple attacks from Extra Attack, can I split them between different targets?

Yes! When you take the Attack Action and have Extra Attack, you can choose different targets for each of your attacks.

8. Can you cast a cantrip as a Reaction with the War Caster feat, and then cast another spell with your action?

Yes, because Reactions happen on other creatures turns.

9. Can you use a cantrip as an opportunity attack with the War Caster feat?

Yes! The War Caster feat allows you to cast a spell with a casting time of 1 action as an opportunity attack. Since cantrips often have a casting time of 1 action, you can use them in this way.

10. Are there any feats or abilities that allow you to cast more than one non-cantrip spell in a turn?

Beyond Action Surge, the Wish spell is capable of replicating other spells without adhering to the action economy as strictly. Otherwise, the bonus action spell rule is fairly rigid.

11. Can I cast a spell with a casting time of 1 minute during combat?

Generally, no. Most combat encounters are resolved much faster than one minute (10 rounds). Casting such a spell would typically require you to spend multiple rounds doing nothing but maintaining the casting. There are situations where it might be strategically viable, but it’s rare.

12. What are the best ways to optimize spellcasting in combat?

Focus on spells that have impactful effects with a single action, consider spells with ongoing effects, and think about spells that hinder or control enemies. Also, consider feats like War Caster and Spell Sniper.

13. Can you cast a cantrip and make an unarmed strike in the same turn?

Yes. You can cast a cantrip with your Action, and then use your Bonus Action to make an unarmed strike, if you have an ability that allows you to make an unarmed strike with a bonus action.

14. How do concentration spells affect my ability to cast other spells?

You can only concentrate on one spell at a time. Casting another concentration spell immediately ends your concentration on the previous one. This limits the number of ongoing magical effects you can maintain simultaneously.

15. Where can I learn more about D&D rules and strategies?

There are numerous resources available online, including the official D&D website, various forums, and video tutorials. Engaging with the D&D community and participating in online discussions can also be incredibly helpful. Consider exploring educational platforms and organizations, such as the Games Learning Society, which explore the educational applications of games, including Dungeons & Dragons. Find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Understanding these rules and nuances will significantly enhance your D&D experience, allowing you to make informed decisions and craft more effective strategies in combat and beyond. Remember that the key to mastering D&D is to practice and never stop learning!

Can you cast 2 Cantrips with extra attack?