Can an Eldritch Knight Cast 2 Spells With Action Surge?

Yes, an Eldritch Knight Fighter can, under specific circumstances, cast two spells in one turn using Action Surge. However, it’s crucial to understand the limitations imposed by the spellcasting rules in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e). The core of the matter revolves around the bonus action spellcasting rule. This rule dictates that if you cast a spell using a bonus action, you can only cast a cantrip with your action on that same turn. Action Surge grants an additional action, but it doesn’t circumvent this rule. Therefore, if neither spell uses a bonus action, yes, the Eldritch Knight can cast two leveled spells in one turn.

Understanding the Core Mechanics

To fully grasp the Eldritch Knight’s spellcasting potential with Action Surge, let’s break down the relevant game mechanics.

• Action Surge: This Fighter feature, gained at 2nd level, allows you to take one additional action on your turn. You regain the use of this feature after a short or long rest. It’s a powerful tool for both martial and magical endeavors.

• Eldritch Knight: This Fighter subclass, introduced at 3rd level, grants access to a limited selection of spells from the Wizard spell list. They primarily choose spells that enhance their combat prowess.

• Bonus Action Spellcasting Rule: As mentioned earlier, this rule (PHB, p. 202) states: “You must use a bonus action on your turn to cast the spell, provided that you haven’t already taken a bonus action this turn. You can’t cast another spell during the same turn, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.”

• Spellcasting Action: Casting a spell typically requires an action. Cantrips often use an action as well. Certain spells can require other actions as well.

Scenarios Where an Eldritch Knight Can Cast Two Spells

Here are some scenarios where an Eldritch Knight can cast two spells in a single turn using Action Surge:

• Two Action Spells (No Bonus Action Spell): If the Eldritch Knight casts a spell as their action, then uses Action Surge to cast another spell (both requiring an action), they can indeed cast two spells. For example, casting Shield as a reaction to an attack, then Fireball and Burning Hands with Action Surge.

• Cantrip + Leveled Spell: If the Eldritch Knight has a way to cast a leveled spell as a bonus action (perhaps through a magic item or another class feature if multiclassing) and then uses action surge to cast a cantrip.

Scenarios Where an Eldritch Knight Cannot Cast Two Spells

Conversely, here are scenarios where casting two spells in one turn with Action Surge isn’t possible:

• Bonus Action Spell Restriction: If the Eldritch Knight casts a spell as a bonus action, they are then restricted to only casting a cantrip with their action, even if they use Action Surge.

• Reaction Spells: If you use your reaction to cast a spell, like Shield or Counterspell, that doesn’t directly impact your ability to cast a spell and another spell using Action Surge. This is because reactions occur outside your turn.

Examples in Play

Let’s consider some practical examples:

• Example 1 (Allowed): An Eldritch Knight casts Burning Hands as their action. They then use Action Surge to take another action and cast Thunderwave. This is perfectly legal because neither spell required a bonus action.

• Example 2 (Not Allowed): An Eldritch Knight multiclasses into Sorcerer and takes the Quickened Spell Metamagic option. They use Quickened Spell to cast Fireball as a bonus action. They then use their action and Action Surge to try to cast Fire Bolt again as an action. This isn’t allowed. They can only cast a cantrip with their normal action.

Strategic Implications

Understanding these rules is critical for optimizing an Eldritch Knight’s combat effectiveness. Action Surge provides a burst of potential, allowing for swift tactical adjustments or overwhelming offensive capabilities. Knowing when and how to deploy spells alongside martial attacks can significantly impact the outcome of encounters. Consider the action economy carefully and plan spell usage in advance to maximize the benefits of Action Surge. The Games Learning Society may be able to help with strategy! Check out GamesLearningSociety.org.

FAQs on Eldritch Knight Spellcasting and Action Surge

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the interaction between Eldritch Knight spellcasting and Action Surge:

1. Can an Eldritch Knight use Action Surge to cast two Fireball spells in one turn?

Yes, assuming they know the Fireball spell and have spell slots available.

2. Does Action Surge grant an extra bonus action?

No, Action Surge only grants an additional action. Bonus actions are separate and limited to one per turn.

3. Can I cast Shield as a reaction and still cast two spells with Action Surge on my turn?

Yes. Casting Shield as a reaction does not affect your action or bonus action economy on your subsequent turn.

4. If I multiclass into Sorcerer and use Quickened Spell to cast a leveled spell as a bonus action, can I then use Action Surge to cast another leveled spell?

No. If you cast any spell as a bonus action, you are restricted to only casting cantrips with your action, even with Action Surge.

5. Can I cast a cantrip with my action, then use Action Surge to attack?

Yes, absolutely. Action Surge allows you to perform any action, including the Attack action, after casting a spell.

6. Does the War Magic feature interact with Action Surge?

Yes. War Magic allows you to make one weapon attack as a bonus action after you cast a cantrip as an action. You can use Action Surge to cast a cantrip and then trigger War Magic, making an attack.

7. If I have Extra Attack, does Action Surge give me even more attacks?

Yes. If you use the Attack action (or your second Action Surge action to attack) you can make all attacks granted by your Extra Attack feature.

8. Can I use Action Surge to cast two different cantrips?

Yes, as long as neither cantrip is being cast as a bonus action.

9. Does Haste stack with Action Surge to allow for three actions?

Yes, Haste provides an additional action, but its use is restricted to attacking (one weapon attack only), dashing, disengaging, hiding, or using an object. You can use your Action Surge to perform another action entirely.

10. If I cast a concentration spell as my action, can I use Action Surge to cast another concentration spell?

Yes, but as soon as you start casting the second concentration spell, you will lose concentration on the first. You can only actively concentrate on one spell at a time.

11. Can I use Action Surge to Dash twice in one turn?

Yes.

12. What happens if I cast a spell that has a casting time of longer than one action?

Action Surge will not reduce the casting time of a spell that requires multiple actions to cast. It only grants an additional action on your turn.

13. Can I use Action Surge to cast a spell and then Ready an action?

Yes.

14. If I have the Dual Wielder feat, can I use Action Surge to make even more attacks with two weapons?

Action Surge allows you to take another action, you can spend your bonus action to attack. You can only spend your bonus action on either of the Action Surges attacks and not both.

15. Can I cast a spell from a magic item and another leveled spell using Action Surge?

Yes, because magic items are not considered spellcasting and are activated with an action. The bonus action spellcasting rule does not apply.

In conclusion, the Eldritch Knight’s ability to cast multiple spells in a turn with Action Surge is powerful but is governed by the bonus action spellcasting rule. By understanding these rules, you can make informed decisions to maximize your character’s effectiveness in combat and contribute strategically to your party’s success.