Can I Cast an Action Spell and a Bonus Action Spell in the Same Turn?
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The seemingly simple question of whether you can cast both an action spell and a bonus action spell in the same turn is a surprisingly common point of confusion for many Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) players. The short answer is: sometimes, but with significant restrictions. You absolutely cannot cast two leveled spells (spells that require a spell slot) in the same turn, regardless if one is a bonus action spell.
Here’s the rule in detail:
The core rule to understand is that if you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast on that same turn must be a cantrip with a casting time of one action. This limitation doesn’t depend on the level of the bonus action spell – whether it’s a level 1 spell or a potent higher-level spell – the rule still applies. Likewise, if you cast a leveled spell (one requiring a spell slot) as your action, then you cannot cast any bonus action spells at all that turn.
This restriction might sound confusing at first, but it’s actually designed to maintain balance within the game. It prevents spellcasters from unleashing overwhelming combinations of spells in a single round, which could potentially overpower combat encounters. Essentially, the rule ensures that using a bonus action spell often comes with a trade-off, limiting your ability to cast other powerful spells in that same turn.
Understanding the Spellcasting Rules
To break it down further, let’s look at the key terms:
- Action: The primary thing you do on your turn in combat. This can be an attack, casting a spell with an action casting time, or any other action.
- Bonus Action: A secondary action you can take on your turn, if you have a special ability, feature, or spell that allows it. Not every class and character has a consistent bonus action.
- Cantrip: A spell that can be cast at will, without using a spell slot and without being prepared in advance. These are also often called 0-level spells.
- Leveled Spell: Any spell that requires a spell slot to cast, of level 1 or higher.
The “bonus action spell” restriction is specifically about the casting time of the spells, not their levels directly. Casting a spell as a bonus action is the trigger for the limitation. A quickened firebolt is still a cantrip, even if quickened to a bonus action.
Practical Examples
- Good Scenario: A Sorcerer casts Healing Word (a bonus action spell) and then uses their action to cast Fire Bolt (a cantrip). This is perfectly legal.
- Bad Scenario: A Wizard casts Fireball (an action spell) and then tries to cast Misty Step (a bonus action spell). This is not allowed.
- Bad Scenario: A cleric casts Spiritual Weapon (a bonus action spell) and then attempts to cast Guiding Bolt (a first level spell). This is not allowed.
- Bad Scenario: A Sorcerer uses Quickened Spell to cast Fireball as a bonus action and then tries to use their Action to cast another leveled spell like Cone of Cold. This is not allowed.
Key Takeaways
- If you cast a spell as a bonus action, your only other spell option is a cantrip with a 1-action casting time.
- If you cast a leveled spell with your action, you cannot cast any bonus action spells that turn.
- The spell level of the bonus action spell doesn’t matter for the restriction; it applies even if you cast a cantrip as a bonus action.
- The restrictions are specifically triggered by casting a spell as a bonus action, not the spell level itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions related to spellcasting and bonus actions that are worth knowing:
Can you cast a spell and then a bonus action cantrip?
No, the rule specifically states if you cast any spell as a bonus action then your action can only be used to cast a cantrip with a casting time of one action. If you cast a spell with your action you cannot then cast a spell with a bonus action.
Can you ready an action and use a bonus action?
No, the Ready action allows you to prepare a single attack (no extras), spell, or action, but not a bonus action or movement. Bonus actions are meant to be taken during your turn.
Can you cast two spells in one turn with action surge?
Yes, but with caveats. A fighter can use Action Surge to take a second action. This allows you to cast two spells with a casting time of 1 action, however, if one of your two spells is a bonus action spell, then your actions must be cantrips.
How many action surges can you use in one turn?
At early levels, you can only use Action Surge once per short or long rest. At 17th level, you can use it twice before a rest, but only once per turn.
Can I cast 2 cantrips with action surge?
If you cast a spell with your bonus action and then use action surge, you are limited to cantrips with both of your actions. Everyone knows you can cast 2 non cantrip spells on your action and with action surge if you have not used a bonus action spell.
Can you use both your action and bonus action to dash?
Yes. A Fighter’s action surge gives an additional action which can be used to dash. A Rogue’s cunning action and Monk’s step of the wind allow them to dash as a bonus action, allowing them to use their movement, action, and bonus action all to dash, potentially moving a total of three times their movement speed.
Can you take a bonus action in the middle of an action?
Yes, you can move, or use bonus actions between your attacks if the bonus action timing is not specified. From the rules for bonus actions: You choose when to take a bonus action during your turn, unless the bonus action’s timing is specified, and anything that deprives you of your ability to take actions also prevents you from taking a bonus action.
Can you cast a spell and ready an action?
Yes, you can do both on the same round. However, if you use up your reaction with casting Shield or Absorb Element, you will no longer be able to use your Ready action, and the spell that you prepared with your Ready action is essentially wasted as it still consumes a spell slot. Reactions are only triggered after your turn is done.
What are the rules for bonus actions in D&D?
You can take a bonus action only when a special ability, spell, or other feature of the game states that you can do something as a bonus action. You don’t have a default bonus action to take without any abilities that enable it.
Can I use Eldritch blast as a bonus action?
Technically, there are a few very niche cases where it could be a bonus action. For example, a Sorcerer who either takes the Magic Initiate feat to get Eldritch Blast, or multiclasses into Warlock, can use Quicken Metamagic to cast it as a bonus action, but that costs Sorcery Points.
Is vicious mockery a bonus action?
No, the normal casting time for Vicious Mockery is one action. Some Bards gain the ability to cast only Vicious Mockery as a bonus action a number of times equal to your charisma modifier per long rest (minimum 1).
Can you cast the same prepared spell twice?
Yes, if you have spell slots available. You can cast any spell you have prepared/learned as long as you meet the requirements for casting (components, spell level, arcane focus, etc.).
Can you cast two action spells with quickened spell?
No. You cast a quickened levelled spell as a bonus action, and then ONLY a cantrip as a regular action. Remember, you cannot cast a spell of level 1 or higher if you have already cast a bonus action spell.
Can you cast a spell and then counterspell?
If you have already cast a spell using your Bonus Action, you cannot cast any other spells that turn except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 Action. This means you may not cast counterspell if you already cast a bonus action spell. You can however, cast Counterspell on your turn as a reaction, if you haven’t already used your reaction.
Can you cast a bonus action spell before an action?
Yes, bonus actions don’t have to be used after regular actions. You can cast a spell as a bonus action before your action, since the order isn’t restricted by the bonus action rule. The restrictions are triggered by casting a spell as a bonus action, not the timing of it.
Understanding the nuances of action and bonus action spells is crucial for effective spellcasting in D&D. It is not as simple as casting 2 spells in a turn. Remember the rules: if you cast a spell as a bonus action, only a cantrip can follow, and if you cast a leveled spell as an action, no bonus action spell is allowed. Keep these rules in mind and you’ll be a spellcasting master in no time.