Can I cast a bonus action spell then attack?
The answer to the question Can I cast a bonus action spell then attack? is yes, you can cast a bonus action spell and then attack on the same turn, as long as you haven’t already taken a bonus action this turn and the attack action is taken after the bonus action spell. The key is understanding the action economy during combat, where bonus action spells can be incredibly powerful in allowing you to cast a spell and still have an action to attack or cast a cantrip.
Understanding Bonus Action Spells
To fully grasp the potential of bonus action spells, it’s essential to delve into the specifics of how they work within the framework of a turn. A bonus action is a type of action that can be taken in addition to your main action on your turn, but there are rules governing their use.
Bonus Action Rules
A spell cast with a bonus action is particularly swift, and you must use a bonus action on your turn to cast the spell, provided you haven’t already taken a bonus action this turn. The general rule is that if you cast a spell as a bonus action, you can’t cast another spell during your turn, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can You Attack and Then Use a Bonus Action?
No, the attack action includes all of your attacks, meaning you cannot attack and then use a bonus action to attack again in the same turn, as the attack action encompasses all attacks you make.
2. Can You Cast a Spell and Then Attack?
Usually, no, but there are exceptions. If you cast a spell as a bonus action, you can then use your action to attack, illustrating that while there are restrictions, there are ways to cast a spell and attack in the same turn.
3. What Are the Rules for Bonus Action Spellcasting?
The rules state you must use a bonus action on your turn to cast the spell, and you can’t cast another spell during the same turn, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.
4. Can You Use an Action and a Bonus Action in the Same Turn?
Yes, you can, and this is the basis for being able to cast a spell as a bonus action and then attack with your action.
5. Can You Cast More Than One Spell Per Round?
Generally, no, unless one of those spells is a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action and the other is cast as a bonus action.
6. Can You Use a Bonus Action and a Reaction in the Same Round?
A reaction can be taken on your turn or another’s, but you cannot take a bonus action as a reaction because bonus actions are tied to your turn.
7. What Are the Rules for Bonus Action 5e?
In D&D 5e, each character has the ability to use one bonus action per turn, but bonus actions are dependent on a character’s abilities and are not universal like actions.
8. Can You Cast a Bonus Action Spell First?
Yes, you can cast a bonus action spell first, and then use your action for something else, like attacking.
9. Can You Cast a Bonus Action Spell Before an Action?
Yes, bonus actions and actions aren’t interchangeable, and you can choose when to take your bonus action on your turn, including before your action.
10. Can You Use a Bonus Action and a Reaction?
No, because a reaction is an instant response and cannot include taking a bonus action, which is specifically tied to your turn.
11. Can You Cast Spells Before Attackers Are Declared?
Yes, a spell that may be cast “only before (or after) attackers are declared” can be cast before the declare attackers step begins.
12. Can You Cast 2 Cantrips in One Turn?
Yes, the only restriction being that if you use a bonus action to cast any spell, the only other spell you can cast in the same turn is a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.
13. Can You Cast a Spell and Then Counterspell?
No, if you’ve already cast a spell using your bonus action, you cannot cast another spell that turn, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.
14. Can You Bonus Action Before Extra Attack?
Yes, you can take your bonus action whenever you want on your turn, unless its timing is specified, allowing for flexibility in when you choose to attack or cast a spell.
15. Can You Cast Two Bonus Action Spells in One Turn?
No, spells must be cast using their normal casting time unless specified otherwise, and if a spell is cast using a bonus action, you cannot cast another spell in the same turn except a cantrip cast as an action.