Can you use a Cantrip and a melee attack?

The answer to whether you can use a Cantrip and a melee attack is broadly no, but with nuanced exceptions, such as when the Cantrip itself allows for a melee attack as part of its casting or if it’s a bonus action Cantrip. Understanding the intricacies of D&D 5E rules regarding Cantrips and melee attacks requires a deep dive into the mechanics and exceptions that govern these actions.

Understanding Cantrips and Melee Attacks

To grasp the relationship between Cantrips and melee attacks, it’s essential to understand what each entails. Cantrips are spells that can be cast at will, without using a spell slot, and they do not require preparation in advance. Melee attacks, on the other hand, involve physical combat where characters use weapons or their bodies to attack enemies at close range.

Cantrips in Combat

In the context of combat, Cantrips can be particularly useful for characters who rely on magic. They can provide a means to attack or affect enemies without expending limited spell slots. However, the rules governing the use of Cantrips alongside other combat actions, such as melee attacks, can be complex.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I cast a Cantrip and then make a melee attack?

• No, you cannot use a 1 action Cantrip and an attack action (or a bonus attack) in the same turn unless the Cantrip gives you that ability or is a bonus action Cantrip.

1. Can I use a Cantrip as a bonus action and also cast a different Cantrip as my action?

• Yes, you can cast a Cantrip as a bonus action and also cast a different Cantrip as your action in Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition.

1. Can I use Cantrips with Extra Attack 5E?

• No, casting a spell uses the Cast a Spell action, not the Attack action. Therefore, you can’t cast a spell as your extra attack.

1. Can I use 2 Cantrips in one turn?

• Yes, the rule for casting any spell with a bonus action says that the only other spells you may cast that turn are Cantrips with an action.

1. Can I cast two Cantrips as two attacks?

• They can cast a Cantrip in replacement of an attack that they take during the Attack action, but only one. They can’t do two Cantrips in the same action; they can do one Cantrip and one attack.

1. Can I cast 2 Cantrips with 2 actions?

• Yes, you can’t cast two spells of 1st-level or higher in the same turn, but you can cast as many Cantrips as you have actions for.

1. Can I use a Cantrip and attack in the same turn?

• No, you cannot use a 1 action Cantrip and an attack action (or a bonus attack), so only if the Cantrip gives you that ability or is a bonus action Cantrip.

1. Can I infinitely use Cantrips?

• Any character can cast any Cantrips they know at will and an unlimited number of times, unless the feature that lets them cast it specifically says otherwise.

1. Can Extra Attack be Cantrips?

• No, normally it’s either two attacks if you have Extra Attack, or a spell. You can do an extra Cantrip after a spell if either the Cantrip or the spell is a bonus action or reaction.

1. Does using a Cantrip count as an action?

   • The use of a Cantrip costs an action; specifically, the “Cast a Spell” action. They can be cast as bonus actions through the Sorcerer’s Metamagic (Quickened Spell), and as reactions through the War Caster Feat, but beyond those bounds, Cantrips always cost an action to cast.

2. Can I use Cantrips while concentrating?

   • Yes, you only break concentration if you cast another spell that requires concentration.

3. Can I use Cantrips as a reaction?

   • No, this is not possible without specific feats or abilities like War Caster.

4. Can I cast a Cantrip and then a bonus action spell?

   • Yes, but if you cast any spell – Cantrip or not – as a Bonus Action, you can cast another spell on the same turn only if it’s a Cantrip with a casting time of one Action.

5. Can I Cantrip while raging?

   • You cannot cast spells while you are raging. This includes Cantrips. You can, however, cast them while you are not raging.

6. Does a Cantrip break invisibility?

   • Invisibility only breaks if you attack or cast a spell. So, RAW, you should be able to use it and stay Invisible. However, a DM could easily rule it’s effectively a specialized Cantrip, or a limited version of the Pyrotechnics spell.

By understanding the rules and exceptions surrounding Cantrips and melee attacks, players can make more informed decisions during their D&D 5E games, leveraging Cantrips to enhance their combat strategies without violating the game’s mechanics. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, mastering the use of Cantrips can significantly impact your gameplay experience.