Can You Make a Second Attack as a Bonus Action in D&D 5e?
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Yes, under specific circumstances, you can make a second attack as a bonus action in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. The most common way to achieve this is through the Two-Weapon Fighting rule. However, it’s crucial to understand the limitations and prerequisites involved. Let’s delve into the details.
Two-Weapon Fighting: The Key to a Bonus Action Attack
The core mechanic that allows for a second attack as a bonus action is the Two-Weapon Fighting rule. This rule states that when you take the Attack action and attack with a light melee weapon that you’re holding in one hand, you can use a bonus action to attack with a different light melee weapon that you’re holding in the other hand.
Important Considerations:
- Light Weapons Only: This bonus action attack is restricted to light melee weapons. Examples include daggers, shortswords, and scimitars. You cannot use larger weapons like longswords or greatswords for this purpose.
- Attack Action Prerequisite: You must use your action to take the Attack action. This means you can’t use your action to cast a spell or perform some other action and still get the bonus action attack from Two-Weapon Fighting.
- No Ability Modifier to Damage: By default, you do not add your ability modifier (typically Strength or Dexterity) to the damage roll of the bonus action attack, unless that modifier is negative. This makes the bonus action attack less potent than your main action attacks. Certain feats and class features can circumvent this limitation.
- One Bonus Action Per Turn: You only have one bonus action per turn. If you have other potential uses for your bonus action (e.g., casting a bonus action spell, using a class feature), you must choose which one to use.
Beyond Two-Weapon Fighting: Other Bonus Action Attacks
While Two-Weapon Fighting is the most common method, other class features and feats can also grant you a bonus action attack.
- War Magic (Eldritch Knight Fighter): This feature allows you to make one weapon attack as a bonus action after you cast a cantrip as your action.
- Polearm Master Feat: If you take the Attack action and attack with only a glaive, halberd, quarterstaff, or spear, you can use a bonus action to make a melee attack with the opposite end of the weapon.
- Various Class Features: Some subclasses and specific character builds might have unique bonus action attack options. Always read your class and subclass features carefully.
It is important to remember that the bonus action attack granted by the Two-Weapon Fighting rule is a “second attack” only in the sense that it supplements your main action attack. It’s not the same as the Extra Attack feature, which allows you to make multiple attacks as part of the Attack action itself.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bonus Action Attacks
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the rules surrounding bonus action attacks in 5e:
1. Can I attack twice with a bonus action?
No. You can only take one bonus action per turn, regardless of how many abilities you have that grant you a bonus action attack. You must choose which bonus action to use.
2. What are the specific rules for the bonus action attack granted by Two-Weapon Fighting?
You must use your action to take the Attack action, attack with a light melee weapon in one hand, and use a bonus action to attack with a different light melee weapon in your other hand. You typically don’t add your ability modifier to the damage of the bonus action attack unless it’s negative.
3. Can I make multiple bonus actions if I have multiple features that grant them?
No. The rules explicitly limit you to one bonus action per turn.
4. Can I Dash as a bonus action and then make a bonus action attack?
Yes, if you have a feature that allows you to Dash as a bonus action and you meet the requirements for a bonus action attack (e.g., Two-Weapon Fighting).
5. Does Extra Attack affect my bonus action attack?
No. Extra Attack only affects the number of attacks you can make when you take the Attack action. It does not grant you additional bonus actions or modify the rules for bonus action attacks.
6. Can I throw a weapon as a bonus action attack?
Yes, provided the thrown weapon is a light melee weapon, such as a dagger, and you are using the Two-Weapon Fighting rule. Remember that you will need a second light melee weapon to attack with as your main action.
7. If I have the Dual Wielder feat, does it change how Two-Weapon Fighting works?
Yes. The Dual Wielder feat allows you to use weapons that are not light, and also lets you add your ability modifier to the damage of the bonus action attack.
8. Can I use an action to gain an additional bonus action for an attack?
No. You cannot convert your action into a bonus action. You are limited to one bonus action per turn.
9. If I have advantage on my attack roll, does it apply to my bonus action attack?
Yes. Advantage and disadvantage apply to attack rolls, regardless of whether the attack is made as part of your action or as a bonus action.
10. Does the Surprise condition affect my ability to make a bonus action attack?
Yes. If you are surprised, you cannot take actions, move, or use bonus actions until after your first turn.
11. Can I hold my action to make a bonus action attack later?
Technically no. You Ready an Action, not a Bonus Action. You could Ready the Attack Action and subsequently, if the trigger is met, use your Bonus Action for a Two-Weapon Fighting attack on your next turn. This consumes your reaction.
12. Can I use a bonus action attack if I have not moved on my turn?
Yes. Movement is independent of actions and bonus actions. You can move, attack as an action, and then attack as a bonus action, or any other valid order.
13. If I have a negative Strength modifier, do I still not add it to the damage of my bonus action attack?
No. The Two-Weapon Fighting rule specifies that you do add your ability modifier if it’s negative.
14. If I have a fighting style, such as Two-Weapon Fighting, does that change the rules for bonus action attacks?
The Two-Weapon Fighting Fighting Style allows you to add your ability modifier to the damage of the bonus action attack, which would not normally be allowed without the feat Dual Wielder.
15. How does multiclassing affect my ability to make bonus action attacks?
Multiclassing can provide access to class features that grant bonus action attacks. However, you still need to meet the specific requirements for each feature. For example, multiclassing into Fighter to get the War Magic feature won’t grant you a bonus action attack unless you cast a cantrip with your action first.
Understanding the intricacies of bonus action attacks can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness in D&D 5e. By carefully considering the rules and limitations, you can optimize your character’s actions and unleash devastating combinations on your foes.