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Can an Attack Be a Bonus Action in D&D 5e? A Comprehensive Guide

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Yes, an attack can absolutely be a bonus action in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e). However, it’s crucial to understand that this isn’t a default action available to every character on every turn. The ability to make an attack as a bonus action is dependent on specific class features, feats, spells, or magic items that a character possesses. It’s a granted ability, not an inherent one.

This article will delve into the various ways a character can unlock this powerful option, providing detailed explanations and examples. We’ll also tackle frequently asked questions to clarify any lingering doubts and help you optimize your combat strategies. The Games Learning Society explores many concepts relevant to strategic thinking and decision-making that are also used in D&D. Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Understanding Bonus Actions in Combat

Before diving into specific examples, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental concept of bonus actions in D&D 5e. Unlike actions, which are typically used for core activities like attacking, casting spells, or dashing, bonus actions are more conditional. A character only has a bonus action available if a specific ability or feature allows them to perform a certain action as a bonus. You can only take one bonus action per turn, regardless of how many features might grant you one.

Bonus actions add a layer of tactical depth to combat, enabling characters to perform additional actions alongside their primary activities. This can significantly enhance their effectiveness and open up a wider range of strategic options.

Core Features Granting Bonus Action Attacks

Several class features explicitly allow characters to make attacks as a bonus action. Here are a few prominent examples:

Two-Weapon Fighting: This is perhaps the most common way to gain a bonus action attack. If you take the Attack action and attack with a light melee weapon you’re holding in one hand, you can use a bonus action to attack with a different light melee weapon that you’re holding in the other hand. Importantly, you don’t add your ability modifier to the damage of the bonus action attack unless that modifier is negative.
Barbarian’s Frenzy: At 3rd level, Barbarians who choose the Path of the Totem Warrior can enter a frenzy when they rage. While frenzied, they can make a single melee weapon attack as a bonus action on each of their turns after that one.
Monk’s Martial Arts: Monks possess a unique ability to make an unarmed strike as a bonus action after taking the Attack action. This makes them exceptionally agile and allows them to weave in extra attacks seamlessly.
Spiritual Weapon (Spell): This spell allows a cleric to conjure a spectral weapon that can attack as a bonus action. While the initial casting requires a bonus action, subsequent attacks with the weapon are also made using bonus actions.

Feats & Magic Items

Besides class features, certain feats and magic items can also grant the ability to make bonus action attacks:

Crossbow Expert: This feat removes the loading property from crossbows with which you are proficient and allows you to make an attack with a hand crossbow as a bonus action after attacking with a one-handed weapon.
Various Magic Items: Numerous magic items can grant the ability to make specific attacks as a bonus action, such as the Oathbow, which allows a ranger to mark a creature and then make a bonus action attack against it.

Key Considerations and Limitations

When utilizing bonus action attacks, it’s crucial to keep the following in mind:

Action Economy: While bonus action attacks are powerful, they compete with other potential bonus actions. Carefully consider the optimal use of your limited bonus action each turn.
Specific Requirements: Each feature or ability that grants a bonus action attack comes with its own specific requirements. Ensure you meet those requirements before attempting the attack.
Resource Management: Some bonus action attacks, like those granted by spells or certain magic items, may consume resources such as spell slots or charges. Track these resources carefully to avoid running out at a crucial moment.

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions addressing common confusions and specific scenarios related to making attacks as a bonus action in D&D 5e:

Can any character make a bonus action attack with two weapons? No. Only if they are using two light melee weapons and have taken the Attack action with one of those weapons first. They also must be proficient with those weapons.
Can I throw a dagger as a bonus action attack? Yes, with a bit of maneuvering. If you start with a dagger in one hand, throw it as your action, draw another dagger as your free object interaction, you could throw that second dagger as a bonus action, assuming no other feature granted you a bonus action.
Does Sneak Attack apply to bonus action attacks? Yes, absolutely. Sneak Attack can be applied to any attack that meets the conditions (advantage on the attack roll, or an ally within 5 feet of the target), regardless of whether it’s an action, bonus action, or reaction. It only applies once per turn, not per round.
Can a Fighter’s Action Surge grant me an extra bonus action attack? No, Action Surge grants you an extra action, not a bonus action. You are still limited to one bonus action per turn.
If I have multiple features that grant a bonus action attack, can I use them all? No. You can only use one bonus action per turn. You must choose which feature’s bonus action to utilize.
Can I cast a spell and then make a bonus action attack in the same turn? Yes, with a significant caveat. If the spell has a casting time of one action, you can cast it and then use your bonus action to attack (assuming you have a feature that allows it). However, if you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast that turn is a cantrip with a casting time of one action.
Does the Two-Weapon Fighting style apply to ranged weapons? No. The Two-Weapon Fighting style specifically requires the use of light melee weapons in both hands. It does not extend to ranged weapons.
Can I use Great Weapon Master’s bonus action attack after a critical hit or downing a creature with a bonus action attack? The Great Weapon Master feat provides a bonus action attack if you score a critical hit or reduce a creature to 0 hit points with a melee weapon attack on your turn. This attack must be done with a heavy weapon. It will not work with a ranged weapon, or a light weapon.
Can I use a shield and still make a bonus action attack with two-weapon fighting? No. Two-weapon fighting requires you to be holding a light melee weapon in both hands. A shield occupies one hand, preventing you from meeting the requirements for the bonus action attack.
If I’m raging as a Barbarian, do I have to use my bonus action for a melee attack? No. While the Frenzy feature allows you to make a melee weapon attack as a bonus action, it is not mandatory. You can choose to use your bonus action for something else or not use it at all.
Can I use my bonus action to draw a weapon and then attack with it as part of two-weapon fighting? No. The Two-Weapon Fighting rule requires that you are already holding the second light weapon in your other hand. Drawing a weapon typically requires an object interaction, which is separate from your bonus action. You can draw a weapon as a free action as part of the first attack, then throw it as part of your Attack action, then use your bonus action to attack with a weapon that you are already holding.
Can a Rogue use their Cunning Action to Dash or Disengage and still make a bonus action attack? Yes, if they have a separate feature that allows them to make a bonus action attack. Cunning Action itself does not grant an attack; it allows you to Dash, Disengage, or Hide as a bonus action. These would all be options that prevent you from using any other bonus action, such as an attack.
Does the Monk’s Flurry of Blows count as two separate bonus action attacks? No. Flurry of Blows allows you to make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action, but it is still only one bonus action.
Can I use the Polearm Master feat to make a bonus action attack after attacking with a different weapon? No. Polearm Master specifically allows you to make a bonus action attack with the butt of the polearm you used for your attack, and only if you take the Attack action and attack with a glaive, halberd, quarterstaff, or spear. It doesn’t extend to other weapons.
Can I summon my Pact Weapon as a Warlock and then attack with it as a bonus action on the same turn? Yes. Summoning your pact weapon is a bonus action, which means you can use your action to attack with it, or vice versa, summon it as a bonus action and use your action to attack with it.

Conclusion

As you can see, the ability to make an attack as a bonus action in D&D 5e is a dynamic and powerful feature, but it’s one that must be earned or acquired through specific abilities. Understanding the nuances of these abilities and their limitations is key to maximizing your character’s combat potential and creating memorable encounters. So, dive into your character’s options, explore the possibilities, and unleash the fury of a well-timed bonus action attack! Check out the GamesLearningSociety.org for more on strategy and learning through games.