Can Wizards Cast a Cantrip as a Bonus Action? Unpacking the 5e Spellcasting Rules
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The short, direct answer is: generally, no, a wizard cannot cast a cantrip as a bonus action. Most cantrips in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition have a casting time of 1 action, not a bonus action. However, there are nuances within the spellcasting rules that are crucial to understand. While wizards cannot generally cast cantrips as a bonus action, the interplay between bonus action spells and action spells is where the confusion often lies. Let’s delve deeper into the rules and explore the intricacies.
Understanding the Spellcasting Rules
The core of the matter lies in the specifics of spellcasting action economy in 5th Edition. Generally, on your turn, you have one action, one bonus action, and movement. Most spells, including most cantrips, require an action to cast. This limitation usually prevents casting multiple spells on one turn.
However, some spells have a casting time of 1 bonus action. This is where things get interesting. If you cast any spell as a bonus action, including a bonus action cantrip, then the only other spell you can cast on that same turn must be a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action. This rule is often summarized as: If you cast a spell as a bonus action, the other spell must be a 1-action cantrip.
Therefore, it’s not specifically about whether a wizard can cast a cantrip as a bonus action, it’s about whether any spellcaster can cast a spell as a bonus action and then what can be cast as their action.
Bonus Action Cantrips: The Exceptions
Currently, there are only two official cantrips in the 5e rules that have a casting time of 1 bonus action:
- Shillelagh: This cantrip enchants a club or quarterstaff into a magical weapon.
- Magic Stone: This cantrip imbues small stones with magic, allowing you to hurl them as ranged attacks.
A wizard could potentially use Magic Initiate feat to get either of these cantrips, and cast either of them as bonus actions, adhering to the rules stated above. However, wizards do not naturally have access to either cantrip.
If a wizard were to somehow gain access to one of these bonus action cantrips, they would still need to follow the bonus action spell rules. If they cast Shillelagh or Magic Stone as a bonus action, they could only cast a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action as their action. If a Wizard, however, cast another spell as a bonus action, they would similarly be restricted to casting a cantrip as an action, with a casting time of 1 action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the nuances and related aspects of spellcasting, let’s explore some frequently asked questions.
1. Can a wizard cast two cantrips in one turn?
Yes, a wizard can cast two cantrips in one turn as long as they both have a casting time of 1 action, unless they use a bonus action spell. This would require the wizard to gain an additional action through a special feature, like the Fighter’s Action Surge, which allows the user to cast any additional action, including a second spell, with the restriction that if you cast any spell as a bonus action, then the only other spell you can cast is a cantrip with the casting time of 1 action.
2. What Wizard spells can be cast as a bonus action?
There are several Wizard spells that can be cast as a bonus action, including:
- Dragon’s Breath
- Expeditious Retreat
- Kinetic Jaunt
- Misty Step
- Shadow Blade
- Ashardalon’s Stride
- Far Step
- Fizban’s Platinum Shield
- Tasha’s Otherworldly Guise
- Draconic Transformation
- Blade of Disaster
If any of these are cast as a bonus action, only a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action can be cast as their action.
3. Can wizards cast cantrips infinitely?
Yes, wizards can cast cantrips infinitely. Cantrips are designed to be used at will, and do not consume spell slots. This is a core feature of cantrips, setting them apart from other spells.
4. Can a wizard cast cantrips without a focus?
Yes, a wizard can cast cantrips without a focus if the cantrips only require verbal and/or somatic components. The arcane focus only substitutes material components that do not have a cost. If material components with a cost are necessary, they must be provided.
5. Does casting a cantrip take an action?
Yes, most cantrips take an action to cast, unless they have a specific casting time of a bonus action. This is a standard rule for most spells and cantrips.
6. Can I cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action?
Normally, no, you cannot cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action. However, a Sorcerer can use the Quicken Spell Metamagic to cast Eldritch Blast (or any spell) as a bonus action, but they would be restricted to using a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action on their turn. Similarly, if a Wizard were to multi-class into Sorcerer or obtain the Metamagic adept feat, they could cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action, but be restricted to the action rule for any spells on their turn.
7. Can a cantrip break invisibility?
Yes, casting a cantrip will break invisibility, as invisibility breaks when a spell is cast. The method of how a spell is cast does not factor into the rule.
8. Can you unlearn cantrips?
No, generally, you cannot unlearn cantrips in 5th Edition. Once selected, cantrips are usually permanent. There is a variant rule that allows casters to exchange one cantrip per level up, as they can with any spell.
9. How many cantrips can a wizard have?
Wizards can have a certain number of cantrips prepared at a time which can be found on the Wizard table on their class page. They can swap one cantrip they know for another known cantrip at the end of a long rest, making them very versatile.
10. Can you rage and cast cantrips?
No, you cannot cast spells, including cantrips, while raging as a Barbarian. Raging and spellcasting are mutually exclusive.
11. Can you make a bonus action cantrip take an action instead?
No, you cannot choose to cast a bonus action cantrip as an action. The rules dictate that when you cast any spell as a bonus action, then the only spell you can cast as an action must be a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.
12. Can you cast cantrips during a long rest?
Yes, you can cast cantrips during a long rest, but excessive spellcasting (more than an hour) will disrupt the benefits of a long rest. A single cantrip will break your long rest.
13. Can you use Action Surge to cast two spells on your turn?
Yes, Action Surge allows you to take an additional action, which can be used to cast a spell, even if you’ve already used your action. However, again, remember the rule: If you cast a bonus action spell, then any other spell you cast must be a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.
14. Do cantrips get spell damage bonus?
Yes, cantrips benefit from spell attack modifiers, but only when using cantrips that require an attack roll, such as fire bolt, ray of frost, or chill touch. Saving throw cantrips do not benefit from attack modifiers.
15. Are there other bonus action cantrips that will be published?
It is unknown if there will be more bonus action cantrips published in the future. However, the only bonus action cantrips released so far (Shillelagh and Magic Stone) are designed to affect and enchant an item into a magical weapon.
Conclusion
While wizards cannot typically cast a cantrip as a bonus action, the interaction between bonus action spells and the restriction on casting other spells can be complex. Understanding the rules related to action economy and the specific properties of cantrips will help players use their wizards most effectively. Remember the core rule: if you cast any 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 1 action. This rule applies to all spellcasters, not just wizards. By understanding these nuances, you can navigate the world of 5th Edition spellcasting with greater confidence.