Can You Cast Two Spells If You Have Two Attacks? The Rules of Spellcasting and Attacks in 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.
No, you cannot cast two spells simply because you have two attacks from features like Extra Attack. The Extra Attack feature specifically enhances the Attack action, allowing you to make multiple weapon attacks. Spellcasting operates under a different set of rules, tied to the actions available on your turn (Action, Bonus Action, Reaction), and subject to specific restrictions regarding casting multiple spells in a single turn.
Understanding Actions, Bonus Actions, and Spellcasting
The core of understanding spellcasting and attacks lies in understanding how actions work in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition.
-
Action: This is your primary activity on your turn. You can use your Action to Attack, Cast a Spell, Dash, Dodge, Help, Hide, Ready, Search, Use an Object, or improvise.
-
Bonus Action: A faster, secondary action. Not all characters have a bonus action available to them. Some spells and abilities require a bonus action to activate.
-
Reaction: An instant response to a trigger. Some spells and abilities require a Reaction.
The Key Spellcasting Rule
The golden rule is this: If you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast on that same turn is a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action. This rule severely limits casting multiple spells in a single turn, regardless of how many attacks you can make.
Action Surge: An Exception (Sort Of)
The Fighter’s Action Surge feature grants you an additional action on your turn. This does allow you to take the Cast a Spell action a second time. However, the bonus action spell restriction still applies. So, you could cast two leveled spells with Action Surge, as long as neither is cast as a bonus action.
How Extra Attack Works
The Extra Attack feature, typically gained by fighters, paladins, rangers, and barbarians at 5th level, specifically states that “Whenever you take the Attack action on your turn, you can attack twice instead of once.” This feature only modifies the Attack action; it does not create additional actions. Spellcasting generally uses the Cast a Spell action, not the Attack action. Therefore, Extra Attack does not enable you to cast more spells.
Bladesinger: A Unique Case
The Bladesinger subclass of wizard gets a unique version of Extra Attack. This feature allows you to replace one of the attacks from your Attack action with the casting of a cantrip. This doesn’t let you cast two spells, but it offers a unique blend of martial and magical abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to clarify the intricate rules surrounding spellcasting and attacks in 5th Edition:
1. Can I attack and then cast a spell in the same turn?
Yes, as long as you have an action and a bonus action available and the spell you want to cast uses a bonus action. For example, you can take the Attack action and then cast Healing Word (a bonus action spell).
2. Does the Extra Attack feature allow me to cast extra attack spells?
No. The Extra Attack feature applies exclusively to the Attack action, specifically enabling you to make multiple weapon attacks when you take that action. It does not apply to the Cast a Spell action.
3. Can I cast two leveled spells in one turn?
Potentially, but it’s difficult. You can only do this if you don’t use a bonus action to cast one of the leveled spells and you have a way to gain an additional action, such as through the Fighter’s Action Surge feature.
4. Can I cast two cantrips in one turn?
Yes, you can cast two cantrips in one turn, as long as you’re not also casting a spell as a bonus action. You could use your action to cast one cantrip and Action Surge to cast another.
5. Can I cast a spell and then make a bonus action attack?
Yes. There is no rule preventing you from taking the Attack action after casting a spell with your bonus action. Many martial characters with spellcasting capabilities, like paladins and rangers, frequently do this.
6. If I dual-wield, can I attack with both weapons and then cast a spell?
Yes. Dual-wielding allows you to make an additional attack as a bonus action if you take the Attack action with a light weapon in one hand and are holding another light weapon in the other. This doesn’t affect your ability to cast a spell using your action.
7. Does using Metamagic, like Quickened Spell, let me cast two leveled spells?
No. Quickened Spell allows you to cast a spell with a casting time of 1 action as a bonus action. However, the rule still applies that if you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast that turn is a cantrip with a casting time of one action.
8. Can I cast a reaction spell, like Counterspell, on the same turn I cast another spell?
Yes, Reactions are handled separately. You can cast a spell using your action or bonus action and still use your reaction to cast a spell like Counterspell or Shield if the trigger condition is met.
9. Does the War Caster feat allow me to cast two spells?
No, the War Caster feat does not allow you to cast two spells on your turn. It allows you to cast spells as an opportunity attack (reaction) instead of making a melee attack, and grants advantage on concentration saving throws.
10. If I have multiple attacks from the Extra Attack feature, can I replace each attack with a spell?
No. With the exception of the Bladesinger’s unique Extra Attack feature, Extra Attack only affects the number of attacks you can make when you take the Attack action, not the Cast a Spell action. Only the Bladesinger can replace one of their attacks with a cantrip.
11. If I use Action Surge, can I cast two Fireballs?
Yes, you can cast two Fireballs if you use the Fighter’s Action Surge feature to gain an extra action, as long as you don’t cast either Fireball as a bonus action.
12. Can an Eldritch Knight cast spells and attack effectively?
Yes. While the Eldritch Knight fighter subclass doesn’t inherently let you cast two spells in a turn, they gain features like War Magic that allow them to make a weapon attack as a bonus action after casting a cantrip, blending martial prowess with spellcasting.
13. Can I cast a spell while holding a weapon and a shield?
Yes, you can perform the somatic components of spells even when you have weapons or a shield in one or both hands. Additionally, the War Caster feat allows you to cast spells with somatic components even while wielding a weapon and a shield.
14. If I am a Sorcerer, can I use two Metamagic options on the same spell to cast two spells?
No, you can only apply one Metamagic option to a single spell. You cannot stack Metamagic options, nor does Metamagic allow you to cast an additional spell.
15. Where can I learn more about D&D 5e rules and game design?
You can find a wealth of information and resources about D&D 5e rules, game design principles, and educational applications of gaming at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource!
Final Thoughts
While the dream of unleashing a barrage of spells alongside a flurry of attacks might seem appealing, the rules of 5e are carefully balanced to prevent such overwhelming displays of power. Understanding the action economy and the specific rules governing spellcasting is crucial for mastering your character and navigating the challenges of the game. Happy adventuring!