Can you cast a spell as an action and a bonus action on the same turn?
The answer to this question is yes, you can cast a spell as an action and a bonus action on the same turn, but with certain restrictions, such as the bonus action spell being limited to cantrips with a casting time of 1 action if the action spell is not a cantrip. The key to understanding this rule is to recognize the distinction between actions, bonus actions, and reactions, and how they can be utilized within the framework of a single turn in D&D.
Understanding the Basics
To delve into the specifics of casting spells as actions and bonus actions, it’s crucial to first grasp the basic rules governing these terms in D&D.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can You Use a Spell Action and a Spell Bonus Action?
Yes, you can cast more than one spell per turn, provided that if you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spells you can cast during that turn are cantrips with a casting time of 1 action.
2. Can You Cast Two Cantrips in One Turn if One is a Bonus Action?
Yes, the rule for casting any spell with a bonus action allows for the casting of cantrips with an action during the same turn.
3. Can You Cast Two Cantrips as Two Attacks?
No, you can’t do two cantrips in the same action; however, you can do one cantrip and one attack, or consider using haste to enable additional cantrip casts.
4. Can You Cast a Spell as an Action and a Reaction?
If you cast a spell as your action, it doesn’t restrict your ability to cast a reaction spell, unless the action spell prevents you from taking a bonus action, which in turn could limit your ability to cast certain spells as bonus actions.
5. Can You Cast More Than One Spell Per Round?
Yes, but with the restriction that if a non-cantrip spell is cast as an action, any subsequent spell cast as a bonus action must be a cantrip.
6. Can You Use a Bonus Action and an Action?
Yes, a bonus action can be used on your turn, similar to a free action or movement, but remember you can only use one bonus action per turn.
7. Can You Cast a Spell from an Item and as a Bonus Action?
Generally, yes, unless the item’s use is considered casting a spell, in which case it would count as your action, limiting your bonus action to cantrips.
8. Can You Use Both Your Action and Bonus Action to Dash?
Yes, certain abilities like a Fighter’s Action Surge, a Rogue’s Cunning Action, or a Monk’s Step of the Wind allow for using both an action and a bonus action to dash.
9. Can You Use Both a Bonus Action and a Reaction?
No, because a reaction is an instant response and can occur on anyone’s turn, but you can only take a bonus action on your turn when you can also take an action.
10. Does Bonus Action Have to Be After Action?
No, the bonus action doesn’t have to come before or after your action or movement unless specified by the ability or spell.
11. Can You Use Two Bonus Actions Instead of an Action?
No, you cannot use more than one bonus action per turn, regardless of the feats you have.
12. What Can You Do with Your Bonus Action?
You can make an offhand attack, shove, use a great weapon attack, use your crossbow, grapple, get a double-bladed scimitar, hit with your polearm, or cast a spell, among other options.
13. Can You Throw a Weapon as a Bonus Action?
Yes, you can throw a weapon you’re holding as a bonus action, especially if you have a way to draw another weapon as a free object interaction.
14. Is Spiritual Weapon an Action or Bonus Action?
Spiritual Weapon takes a bonus action to cast and allows an attack on the same turn, with subsequent turns allowing a bonus action to move and attack with the weapon.
15. Can You Counterspell a Counterspell?
Yes, according to the Sage Advice Compendium, you can counterspell a counterspell cast against you, allowing for complex magical interactions in combat.