Can You Use Two Cantrips in One Turn in D&D 5e? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you absolutely can cast two cantrips in one turn in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, but it depends on how you’re doing it. The core rule to remember is this: If you cast any spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast that turn is a cantrip with a casting time of one action. Therefore, if you’re not using a bonus action spell, you can get creative. Let’s break down the intricacies of this rule, along with common scenarios, character builds, and frequently asked questions.

Understanding the Spellcasting Rules in 5e

The seemingly simple question of casting two cantrips opens up a rabbit hole of spellcasting rules. It’s essential to understand the action economy in D&D 5e, which governs what you can do during your turn. You typically have an action, a bonus action, a reaction, and movement. Spellcasting usually uses your action, but certain spells and abilities allow you to cast spells as a bonus action.

The key rule to remember, as outlined in the Player’s Handbook and Sage Advice Compendium, is the “bonus action spell” rule. This rule restricts your spellcasting options if you use a bonus action to cast a spell. The game is designed to prevent a caster from unleashing a flurry of high-level spells in a single turn.

However, cantrips, being the most basic form of magic, are generally treated with more leniency. They’re designed to be your go-to, reliable options, and the rules reflect that.

Scenarios Where You Can Cast Two Cantrips

Here are the most common scenarios where you can cast two cantrips in a single turn:

• Quicken Spell Metamagic (Sorcerer): The Sorcerer’s Quicken Spell metamagic allows you to change the casting time of a spell from an action to a bonus action by spending Sorcery Points. You can use Quicken Spell on a cantrip, casting it as a bonus action, and then use your action to cast another cantrip. This is a popular and effective strategy for maximizing damage output.
• Action Surge (Fighter): Taking two levels in Fighter grants you the Action Surge feature. This feature allows you to take an additional action on your turn. You can use your first action to cast a cantrip and your Action Surge action to cast another cantrip.
• Bonus Action Cantrips: Only a few cantrips have a casting time of one bonus action. If you can take advantage of such a cantrip, you can follow it up with your regular action to cast a second cantrip.
• Twin Spell Metamagic (Sorcerer): The Twin Spell metamagic allows you to target a second creature with the same spell (1 sorcery point if the spell is a cantrip). Thus, you are casting a cantrip once, but affecting two creatures at once.
• Haste Spell: If you have the Haste spell cast on you, that spell gives you an additional action which can be used to cast another cantrip.

Cantrip Casting and the Attack Action

A common misconception involves using cantrips as part of the Attack action. While some class features allow you to replace one attack within the Attack action with a spell, you can only do this once. You can’t replace all attacks in an Attack action with cantrips unless you have specific features that allow it. Notably, Eldritch Knight Fighters or similar subclasses will find that cantrips can sometimes supplement their attacks.

Cantrip Versatility and Strategic Importance

Cantrips are incredibly versatile. They provide options for damage, utility, and control. Strategic use of cantrips can significantly impact the outcome of a battle. Knowing the rules around casting multiple cantrips allows you to maximize your character’s effectiveness.

For example, a Sorcerer might use Quicken Spell to cast Fire Bolt as a bonus action and then use their action to cast Ray of Frost, providing both damage and a slowing effect. A Fighter with Action Surge could cast Shocking Grasp to disengage from a melee and then cast Fire Bolt at a distant enemy.

Understanding the action economy is key. Every action and bonus action counts, and knowing how to best utilize them is essential for any spellcaster. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explores these strategic elements of gameplay further, emphasizing the cognitive and problem-solving skills involved in mastering D&D.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I cast a leveled spell and a cantrip in the same turn?

Yes, as long as you don’t cast a spell as a bonus action. If you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast is a cantrip with a casting time of one action.

2. Can I cast two leveled spells if I use Action Surge?

No. The bonus action spellcasting rule still applies. If you cast any spell (leveled or cantrip) as a bonus action, any other spell you cast on that turn must be a cantrip with a casting time of one action. Action Surge can allow a second casting of a leveled spell only if no spell is cast as a bonus action.

3. Does the order of casting matter? If I cast a cantrip as an action, can I cast a leveled spell as a bonus action?

Yes, the order does not matter. Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything clarified that the order is irrelevant. If you cast any spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast on that turn is a cantrip with a casting time of one action.

4. Can I use my reaction to cast a cantrip on someone else’s turn, and then cast another cantrip on my turn?

Yes. Reactions are separate from your turn’s action economy. You can use your reaction to cast a spell on someone else’s turn and still cast a cantrip (or other spells within the spell casting limitations) on your turn.

5. Can I replace an attack in my Attack action with a cantrip more than once?

No, unless you have a specific class feature that says otherwise. Generally, you can only replace one attack in the Attack action with a spell.

6. Do cantrips consume spell slots?

No. Cantrips can be cast at will without using a spell slot. That’s their main advantage.

7. If I multiclass, can I learn more cantrips?

Yes. Multiclassing can grant you additional cantrips based on the spellcasting classes you choose. For example, multiclassing into Warlock or Sorcerer will provide additional cantrips.

8. Is there a limit to how many cantrips I can know?

While there isn’t a hard limit, the number of cantrips you know is determined by your class levels and any feats or features that grant additional cantrips.

9. Can I cast Booming Blade and then Green-Flame Blade in the same turn?

You can, as long as you meet the necessary conditions. Booming Blade and Green-Flame Blade typically require the Attack action, and you would need a way to cast an additional spell (like Action Surge or Quicken Spell) to cast both in the same turn.

10. Can I use Twinned Spell on a cantrip and then cast another cantrip?

Yes. Twinned Spell can be used on cantrips (costing 1 sorcery point). If you have cast your initial cantrip using your action and not your bonus action, you may cast another cantrip in the turn.

11. Can I upcast a cantrip using a spell slot?

No. Cantrips do not use spell slots and cannot be upcast. Their damage scales automatically with your character level.

12. Do cantrips break invisibility?

Generally, casting a cantrip will break invisibility, as it’s considered casting a spell. However, some cantrips, such as Message, might not if they don’t create an obvious visual or audible effect.

13. Can I use a cantrip while concentrating on another spell?

Yes, you can cast cantrips while concentrating on another spell, as long as the cantrip itself doesn’t require concentration.

14. Are cantrips worth taking?

Absolutely! Cantrips are your bread and butter as a spellcaster. They provide reliable damage and utility without consuming valuable spell slots. They’re essential for consistent performance in combat and exploration.

15. Does Multiattack work with cantrips?

No, Multiattack is a feature used by monsters and some classes that involves multiple weapon attacks within the Attack action. It does not apply to casting spells, including cantrips.