Can You Move on a Bonus Action in D&D 5e? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is: generally, no, you cannot simply move using a bonus action in D&D 5e. Movement, in its basic form, is tied to your regular action and movement allowance on your turn. However, certain class features, feats, and spells can grant you the ability to move as a bonus action under specific circumstances. This article will explore these nuances and address common questions surrounding movement and bonus actions in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition.

Understanding Actions, Movement, and Bonus Actions

To truly understand when and how you can move as a bonus action, we need to clarify the core mechanics of D&D 5e combat.

• Action: Every character gets one action per turn in combat. This action can be used for a wide variety of activities, from attacking and casting spells to using items and taking the Dash action to move further.

• Movement: Every character has a speed, which dictates how far they can move on their turn. You can break up your movement before, during, and after your action.

• Bonus Action: Bonus actions are special actions that can only be taken if a specific ability, spell, or feature allows you to do so. You only get one bonus action per turn.

The crucial takeaway is that movement itself isn’t inherently a bonus action. You cannot decide to sacrifice your action to gain an extra chunk of movement. Movement is intrinsically linked to your turn structure, separate from bonus actions unless otherwise specified.

How to Move as a Bonus Action: Specific Cases

While general movement isn’t a bonus action, several features grant you movement options that are tied to your bonus action. Here are some prominent examples:

• Rogue (Cunning Action): The Rogue’s Cunning Action feature, gained at 2nd level, allows them to use a bonus action to Dash, Disengage, or Hide. The Dash action, when taken as a bonus action via Cunning Action, allows you to move an additional distance equal to your speed.

• Monk (Step of the Wind): Monks can use a Ki point to take the Dash or Disengage action as a bonus action via their Step of the Wind feature. This mirrors the Rogue’s Cunning Action, providing tactical movement options.

• Spells: Certain spells might grant you additional movement options as a bonus action. For example, some teleportation spells might have a bonus action component. Always carefully read the spell description.

• Feats: Specific feats can, on occasion, offer movement-related bonus actions. Remember to consult the specific feat’s description.

Strategic Implications

Being able to move as a bonus action is incredibly powerful. It grants you increased mobility and tactical flexibility, allowing you to position yourself optimally for attacks, escape dangerous situations, or gain a better vantage point.

Consider the Rogue, for instance. They can attack, then use Cunning Action to Dash away, making it difficult for enemies to retaliate. Or they can move into cover, Hide as a bonus action, and become much harder to target. Monks gain similar advantages with their Ki-fueled movement.

FAQs: Bonus Actions and Movement

1. Can I always use a bonus action to move?

No. You can only take a bonus action if a specific ability, spell, or feature allows you to do something as a bonus action. Simply wanting to move further isn’t enough.

2. If I have multiple bonus action options, can I use them all in one turn?

No. You only get one bonus action per turn, regardless of how many abilities or features grant you bonus action options. You must choose which one to use.

3. Can I Dash as a bonus action without a specific feature?

No. The Dash action typically requires your standard action. Only specific features, like Cunning Action or Step of the Wind, allow you to Dash as a bonus action.

4. Does Disengaging as a bonus action allow me to move away from an enemy without provoking opportunity attacks?

Yes. The Disengage action, whether taken as a standard action or a bonus action (through features like Cunning Action), allows you to move away from an enemy without provoking opportunity attacks.

5. Can I move, use a bonus action to attack, and then move again?

Yes, as long as the bonus action attack doesn’t consume all of your available movement. You can split your movement before, during, and after your action and bonus action. For example, move 10 feet, attack, use a bonus action to make an off-hand attack, then move another 10 feet.

6. If I use my action to Ready a Dash, can I then move my speed as a reaction?

Yes, that is how the Ready action works. You can ready movement (up to your speed) in response to a specific trigger.

7. Is interacting with an object a bonus action?

Generally, no. Interacting with a simple object (drawing a weapon, opening a door) is usually considered part of your movement or a free action. However, some complex interactions might require a full action or, in rare cases, a bonus action if a specific feature dictates it.

8. Can I use a bonus action to climb?

Climbing is generally considered part of your movement. Each foot of movement climbing costs 1 extra foot (2 feet total), unless you have a special ability that negates this cost.

9. What happens if I don’t use my bonus action?

Nothing happens. You simply don’t use it. There’s no penalty for not using your bonus action if you don’t have a relevant ability or don’t need to use it.

10. Can I cast two spells in one turn if one is a bonus action?

Yes, with a caveat. If you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast on that turn must be a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.

11. Does the Haste spell grant me a bonus action for movement?

No. Haste grants you an additional action on each of your turns, which can be used for attack (one weapon attack only), Dash, Disengage, Hide, or Use an Object action. It does not grant a bonus action.

12. If I have Extra Attack, can I use one attack to move and the other to attack?

No. Extra Attack allows you to make multiple attacks when you take the Attack action. It doesn’t allow you to replace an attack with movement. You can still break up your movement before, during, and after the Attack action, though.

13. Can I use a bonus action to jump?

No. Jumping is considered part of your movement. The distance you can jump is determined by your Strength score and whether you’re jumping standing or with a running start.

14. Can you use actions outside of combat?

Yes, you can absolutely use actions and bonus actions outside of combat. Actions are used for various activities such as sneaking, running, breaking down doors, and much more.

15. Where can I learn more about game design and education?

For those interested in exploring the intersection of game design and education, the Games Learning Society offers valuable resources and insights. You can visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover more about their initiatives. GamesLearningSociety.org provides resources and community for educators and designers.

Conclusion

While movement is generally tied to your action and movement allowance, D&D 5e offers several ways to move as a bonus action through specific class features, feats, and spells. Understanding these mechanics and how they interact with the action economy is crucial for effective tactical play. Always read your character’s abilities and spell descriptions carefully to understand the full range of your movement options.