Mastering Cantrip Casting: Action vs. Bonus Action in D&D 5e
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, absolutely! You can cast an action cantrip and a bonus action cantrip on the same turn in D&D 5e, but there are specific rules you need to understand. The key lies in understanding the “bonus action spell rule“. If you cast any spell as a bonus action – be it a cantrip or a leveled spell – the only other spell you can cast on that same turn is a cantrip with a casting time of one action. This opens the door to some potent combinations, especially for classes like Sorcerers who can manipulate spellcasting with Metamagic. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of this rule and explore various scenarios.
Understanding the Bonus Action Spellcasting Rule
The core rule to remember is this: If you cast a spell (of any level, including cantrips) as a bonus action, you are restricted to casting only a cantrip with a casting time of one action for your regular action on that same turn.
This rule is designed to prevent characters from unleashing multiple high-level spells in a single turn. Think of it as a balancing mechanism to keep the action economy fair. However, it doesn’t restrict you from combining a bonus action cantrip with an action cantrip.
Example Scenarios
Here are a few scenarios to illustrate how this rule plays out:
-
Scenario 1: Shillelagh (Bonus Action) + Fire Bolt (Action): A Druid casts Shillelagh as a bonus action, empowering their club or quarterstaff. They can then use their action to cast Fire Bolt, attacking an enemy with a ranged fire spell. This is perfectly legal.
-
Scenario 2: Healing Word (Bonus Action) + Cure Wounds (Action): This is illegal. Healing Word is a 1st-level spell cast as a bonus action. Cure Wounds is also a 1st-level spell. Because you cast Healing Word as a bonus action, you are restricted from casting any non-cantrip spell.
-
Scenario 3: Quicken Spell (Metamagic) Eldritch Blast (Bonus Action) + Eldritch Blast (Action): A Sorcerer uses their Quicken Spell Metamagic to cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action. They can then use their action to cast Eldritch Blast again. This allows for a devastating double blast.
The Importance of Action Economy
Understanding the action economy of D&D 5e is crucial to maximizing your character’s potential. Each turn, you typically have one action, one bonus action, movement, and a reaction. Efficiently using your action and bonus action is key to effective combat and roleplaying. Spells like Magic Stone and Shillelagh (both bonus action cantrips) are valuable precisely because they free up your action for other things, like attacking or casting another spell.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the interplay of action and bonus action cantrip casting in D&D 5e:
1. Can I cast two spells of 1st level or higher in the same turn?
No, generally not. The bonus action spell rule prevents you from casting two spells of 1st level or higher in the same turn unless one of them is a reaction spell cast due to a trigger. If you use a bonus action to cast any spell, the only other spell you can cast on that turn must be a cantrip with a casting time of one action.
2. Can I cast two cantrips in one turn?
Yes, provided one of the cantrips is cast as a bonus action and the other as an action. Alternatively, you can use Action Surge (from the Fighter class) to gain an additional action, enabling you to cast two cantrips (or any two actions) as well.
3. Can I cast 2 cantrips as a bonus action?
No. You only have one bonus action per turn unless a specific ability grants you an additional one.
4. Can I cast an action spell and then a bonus action spell?
The order doesn’t actually matter. As clarified by the D&D development team, the restriction imposed by the bonus action spell rule is independent of the order in which you use your action and bonus action. If you cast any spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast on that turn must be a cantrip with a casting time of one action.
5. Can I cast Hex and Eldritch Blast on the same turn?
Yes. You can cast Hex (a spell) and then cast Eldritch Blast (a cantrip), assuming you have the means to cast Hex as a bonus action (e.g. the Metamagic Adept feat with the Quickened Spell metamagic).
6. What cantrips can be cast as a bonus action?
There are relatively few cantrips that can be cast as a bonus action. The most common are Magic Stone and Shillelagh. Some features or feats might grant you the ability to cast other cantrips as a bonus action.
7. Why can’t I use my action to take another bonus action?
The rules of D&D 5e specify that you can only take a bonus action if a special ability, spell, or feature explicitly allows you to do so. There is no general rule that allows you to convert your action into a bonus action.
8. Can a bonus action be used before an action?
Yes. You can perform your action and bonus action in any order you choose, provided you meet the requirements for each action.
9. Can I cast a cantrip while concentrating on a spell?
Yes, you can. Casting a cantrip does not break your concentration on another spell unless the cantrip itself requires concentration.
10. How many cantrips can I cast per day?
There is no limit to how many cantrips you can cast per day. Cantrips do not consume spell slots and can be cast as often as you like.
11. Can I use Quicken Spell to cast two cantrips in one turn?
Yes. Quicken Spell allows you to cast a spell with a casting time of one action as a bonus action. You can then use your action to cast another cantrip.
12. Can I cast 2 Fireballs with Quickened Spell?
No. Quicken Spell does not remove the restriction of casting a spell as a bonus action. You can only cast another cantrip as your action.
13. Can I dash as both a bonus action and an action?
Yes. If you have an ability that allows you to dash as a bonus action (such as a Rogue’s Cunning Action), you can use your action to dash as well, effectively moving three times your speed.
14. What are the general rules for bonus actions in D&D 5e?
You are allowed one bonus action per turn. However, unlike actions, there are no universal bonus actions. Bonus actions are granted by specific class features, feats, or spells.
15. Do cantrips get bonus damage?
Cantrips themselves don’t inherently get bonus damage. However, certain class features or feats can add damage to your cantrips. For example, the Agonizing Blast Eldritch Invocation adds your Charisma modifier to the damage of your Eldritch Blast.
Conclusion
Mastering the intricacies of action and bonus action spellcasting is vital for any spellcasting character in D&D 5e. Understanding the rules allows you to optimize your turn, unleash powerful combinations, and make the most of your abilities. Remember the bonus action spell rule, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a spellcasting master. For more insights into the intersection of gaming and education, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Whether you’re a novice adventurer or a seasoned veteran, remember to embrace the rules and enjoy the magic of D&D 5e.