Can You Use a Bonus Action at the Start of a Turn in D&D 5e?

The short answer is: yes, you can use a bonus action at the start of your turn in D&D 5th Edition, provided you have a feature, spell, or ability that allows you to do so, and you haven’t used your bonus action already this turn. However, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of bonus action timing to effectively utilize them in combat and exploration. Unlike some actions which have more specific timing requirements, bonus actions are flexible within the framework of your turn. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics and related considerations.

Understanding Bonus Actions

Timing Flexibility

The general rule for bonus actions is that you can choose when to take your bonus action during your turn, unless the specific ability or spell specifies a different timing requirement. This means you can use a bonus action before your action, after your action, or even in the middle of an action if you have multiple attacks or actions that allow it. This flexibility allows for tactical maneuvering and optimizing your character’s actions.

The One Bonus Action Limit

Keep in mind that you are limited to only one bonus action per turn. If you have multiple options for bonus actions, you must choose which one to use. If you have a way to get multiple bonus actions, like with special magic items or class abilities, remember that these almost always have a limit, meaning you can’t just use an endless supply. This restriction is designed to keep action economy balanced and prevents players from overwhelming encounters with multiple bonus actions.

Actions and Bonus Actions Are Not Interchangeable

It is very important to note that actions and bonus actions are not interchangeable. You cannot use a bonus action in place of a standard action, nor can you convert an action into a bonus action unless specifically allowed by an ability. The distinctions are crucial for the game’s balance.

Bonus Actions and Other Turn Components

Your turn in D&D 5e consists of several components: movement, an action, a bonus action, and potentially a reaction. Bonus actions are just one of the actions you have access to and should be used wisely.

When Can’t You Take a Bonus Action?

Anything that deprives you of your ability to take actions also prevents you from taking a bonus action. This means if you are stunned, paralyzed, or otherwise incapacitated, you can’t use a bonus action. Essentially, if you’re unable to do anything, bonus actions are no longer an option.

Situations Where a Bonus Action at the Start of a Turn is Advantageous

Here are some examples where it might make sense to use a bonus action at the start of your turn:

• Casting a bonus action spell: Certain spells like healing word or misty step are cast as bonus actions. Casting them at the start of your turn allows you to use your main action for other purposes like attacking, dashing, or taking another action.
• Activating a class feature: Many classes have features that utilize bonus actions. For example, a rogue might use cunning action to dash or disengage at the start of their turn before moving further.
• Utilizing a feat: Certain feats like polearm master or crossbow expert enable you to make specific attacks as a bonus action. Using these at the start of your turn can maximize your damage output right away.

Bonus Actions Are Not Free Actions

It’s important to differentiate bonus actions from free actions (as they existed in earlier editions). There aren’t really “free actions” in 5e – actions outside of actions, bonus actions, movement and reactions are called ‘interacting with the environment’ which takes part of your movement. While you might be able to do certain small things (like speaking) at any point during your turn, bonus actions always take a specific type of resource.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bonus Actions

Here are some additional FAQs to help further your understanding of bonus actions:

1. Can I use a bonus action to move?

In general, no. Moving is separate from using your bonus action. You have movement as its own thing, it is not a bonus action. A few classes, feats and spells will allow you to use a bonus action to move. Some class features like the rogue’s Cunning Action allows dashing as a bonus action.

2. Can I use an action and a bonus action on the same turn?

Yes, you can use both an action and a bonus action on the same turn, as long as you have a bonus action available and haven’t used it yet.

3. Can I use two bonus actions in one turn?

No. You can only use one bonus action per turn. Even if you have multiple ways to trigger bonus actions, you must choose one.

4. If I have multiple feats that grant bonus actions, can I use all of them?

No, you are limited to one bonus action per turn, even if you possess multiple feats that would normally allow it.

5. Can I use a bonus action before an action?

Yes, you can use a bonus action before your action, after your action, or even in the middle of an action. The timing is flexible unless a specific ability states otherwise.

6. Can I use a bonus action and then hold an action?

No, the Ready action only allows you to hold an action and not bonus actions. You have no ability to hold a bonus action for a later time.

7. Can I use a bonus action to make an unarmed strike?

Certain class features like the Monk’s Martial Arts allow an unarmed strike as a bonus action after you take an attack action.

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

Yes, if you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you may cast that turn is a cantrip with a casting time of one action.

9. Can I use a bonus action to attack with a great weapon?

Certain feats like Great Weapon Master or specific class abilities might enable this. Check your character’s abilities to know whether you can attack with a great weapon using your bonus action.

10. Can you use a reaction on your own turn?

Yes you can!, the time in a round is not broken up into phases, they are more like a cycle. As long as all the requirements for using a reaction are met, you are able to use a reaction even on your own turn.

11. Can I use a bonus action to cast a spell and a reaction to cast a spell?

This depends on the spell. You can use a bonus action spell on your turn then cast a reaction spell on another players turn, though that still counts as using a bonus action in that round, and you won’t be able to cast another bonus action spell in the same round.

12. Can you use a bonus action to make a second ranged attack?

Certain features like a rogue’s cunning action, or spells such as Haste can give you a second way to use the ranged attack action in a turn, but in general, you cannot make two ranged attacks using a bonus action alone.

13. Can you use a bonus action to open a door?

No. Opening a door is considered part of your movement and not a bonus action. It would take away from some of your movement, and be part of interacting with the environment.

14. Can you take multiple bonus actions in the same round?

No, only one bonus action is permitted during any given round, regardless of whose turn it is.

15. Does having two turns double my bonus actions?

No. Even if you gain an additional turn through abilities or spells, it doesn’t grant you extra bonus actions. You still are limited to one bonus action per turn during your round.

Conclusion

Understanding when and how to use bonus actions can significantly enhance your gameplay in D&D 5e. The flexibility of bonus action timing allows for creative and tactical play, and choosing when to use it can often make the difference in combat. By keeping these rules and nuances in mind, you can ensure your character is always performing optimally on the battlefield. Remember, bonus actions are not free actions, and only one is permitted per turn, even at the start. Plan accordingly, and good luck adventuring!