Table of Contents

Can You Use Dash as a Bonus Action and an Action? A Deep Dive into 5e Movement

Quick answer

This page answers Can you use Dash as a bonus action and an action? quickly.

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.

▶

The short answer is yes, sometimes. Whether you can Dash as both an action and a bonus action in the same turn in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition (5e) depends entirely on your character class, abilities, and specific circumstances. While any character can use their action to Dash, certain features grant the ability to Dash as a bonus action, effectively allowing you to move significantly further in a single turn. Let’s break down the specifics and explore some common scenarios.

Understanding the Basics: Actions, Bonus Actions, and Movement

Before diving into specific classes and abilities, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental concepts of actions, bonus actions, and movement in 5e.

Action: Every character gets one action on their turn. This can be used for a wide variety of activities, including attacking, casting spells, using objects, or taking the Dash action.
Bonus Action: Some classes, feats, and spells grant the use of a bonus action. Bonus actions are often quicker or less taxing activities. You only get one bonus action per turn, regardless of how many potential bonus actions you have available.
Movement: Every character has a movement speed, which determines how far they can move on their turn. This movement can be broken up – you don’t have to move your full distance at once.

The Dash action itself simply grants you additional movement equal to your speed. It doesn’t increase your actual speed stat; it just adds to the amount of movement you have available. This distinction can be important in certain situations involving spells or other effects that refer to your base speed.

Classes and Abilities That Allow Dashing as a Bonus Action

Several classes have features that allow them to Dash as a bonus action. These include:

Rogue (Cunning Action): At 2nd level, Rogues gain the Cunning Action feature. This allows them to use a bonus action to Dash, Hide, or Disengage. This makes Rogues incredibly mobile, allowing them to move in, attack, and then quickly retreat to safety.
Monk (Step of the Wind): Monks gain the Step of the Wind feature at 2nd level. By spending 1 ki point, they can take the Dash or Disengage action as a bonus action, and their jump distance is doubled for the turn.
Fighter (Action Surge): While not directly granting a bonus action Dash, the Fighter’s Action Surge at 2nd level grants them an additional action on their turn. This effectively allows them to Dash twice using two actions.
Feats and Magic Items: Certain feats and magic items can also grant the ability to Dash as a bonus action or provide other ways to increase movement. Be sure to carefully read the descriptions of any feats or items your character possesses.

Combining Actions and Bonus Actions for Maximum Movement

The real power comes from combining the standard Dash action with abilities that allow a bonus action Dash. For example:

A Rogue could use their action to Dash and then use Cunning Action to Dash again as a bonus action.
A Monk could use their action to Dash and then use Step of the Wind to Dash again as a bonus action.
A Fighter with Action Surge could use both actions granted to Dash.

Example Scenarios

Let’s illustrate with a couple of scenarios:

Scenario 1: The Desperate Escape: A Rogue with a speed of 30 feet is surrounded by enemies. They use their action to Dash, moving 30 feet. They then use Cunning Action to Dash again as a bonus action, moving another 30 feet. In total, they move 60 feet, potentially escaping danger.
Scenario 2: The Monastic Sprint: A Monk with a speed of 40 feet needs to reach a distant objective quickly. They use their action to Dash, moving 40 feet. They then spend 1 ki point and use Step of the Wind to Dash again as a bonus action, moving another 40 feet. They have moved 80 feet this round.

Limitations and Considerations

While powerful, using both an action and a bonus action to Dash does have limitations:

No Attacks: If you use your action to Dash, you cannot use it to attack. This trade-off between mobility and offense is important to consider.
Resource Costs: Some abilities, like the Monk’s Step of the Wind, require resources (ki points) to use.
Opportunity Attacks: Remember that moving out of an enemy’s reach still provokes an opportunity attack unless you take the Disengage action.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify the rules around Dashing and movement in 5e:

Can a Rogue use Dash as an action and a bonus action? Yes, a Rogue can use Dash as an action and again as a bonus action using their Cunning Action feature.
Can a Monk Dash as an action and bonus action? Yes, a Monk can use Dash as an action and again as a bonus action using their Step of the Wind feature (by spending 1 ki point).
Can you use both a bonus action and a reaction in the same turn? Yes, you can use both a bonus action and a reaction in the same round. The bonus action must be taken on your turn, while a reaction is triggered by something else that happens either on your turn or another creature’s turn.
What can be used as a bonus action? Bonus actions depend on your character’s abilities, race, class, or even magic items. Any of these can grant the ability to use a specific action as a bonus action.
Can you cast 2 bonus actions? No, you cannot use more than one bonus action on a single turn, regardless of how many features you have that grant a bonus action.
Can you cast two bonus actions instead of an action? No, you only get one bonus action per turn. You cannot trade your action for an additional bonus action.
Can you use an action and a bonus action in the same turn? Yes, unless your bonus action is casting a spell. If you cast a spell as a bonus action, you can only cast a cantrip as your action.
Can you use a bonus action and ready an action on the same turn? Yes, you can use your bonus action and ready an action on the same turn, as long as the bonus action doesn’t have a prerequisite that requires an action.
Can you double dash with Step of the Wind? Yes, a Monk can use their action to Dash and then use Step of the Wind to Dash again as a bonus action, effectively doubling their movement for the turn.
Does dashing double your speed? Dashing adds movement equal to your speed. It does not increase your “speed” stat. So, if your speed is 30 feet, Dashing adds 30 feet of movement, giving you a total of 60 feet of movement that turn.
How many dash actions can you take before exhaustion? The rule about exhaustion from Dashing applies to extended periods of travel outside of combat. In combat, you are not typically tracking exhaustion from Dashing.
What is the dash action in 5e bonus action? The Dash action as a bonus action functions the same as the standard Dash action: it grants you additional movement equal to your speed.
Can you triple dash as a rogue? No, you cannot triple Dash as a Rogue. You only have one action and one bonus action. You can Dash with your action and then Dash with your bonus action, thanks to Cunning Action, doubling your speed and then adding your speed again.
Can you hold an action to dash? You cannot hold an action to Dash. You can use your Readied Action to move up to your speed.
Can you cast a cantrip as a bonus action and an action? Yes, you can cast a cantrip as an action, and then a cantrip as a bonus action – as long as you have a feature that allows for this. But if you cast a spell as a bonus action, the other spell cast must be a cantrip.

Understanding the nuances of actions, bonus actions, and movement is essential for mastering combat and exploration in 5e. By carefully considering your character’s abilities and the tactical situation, you can effectively utilize the Dash action to gain a crucial advantage.

For more in-depth explorations of game mechanics and their educational potential, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.