Getting That Elusive Second Bonus Action in D&D 5e
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The question of gaining additional bonus actions in D&D 5e is a common one, and the answer is quite straightforward: Generally, you cannot get another bonus action. The rules of D&D 5e are quite strict – you are limited to one action, one bonus action, and one reaction per turn. Most abilities and spells that grant actions specify either a standard “action” or a “bonus action.” However, there’s a key exception to this rule: the 17th-level Rogue Thief subclass feature, “Thief’s Reflexes,” which allows the Rogue to take an extra turn in the first round of combat, effectively granting a second action and bonus action in that specific round. Aside from that very specific high-level Rogue feature, there are no ways to gain a second bonus action during a single turn. You may be able to gain additional reactions or actions through class features and spells but not additional bonus actions.
The Core Rules of Actions and Bonus Actions
Understanding the core mechanics is crucial. During each round of combat, a character has:
- One Action: This is used for most standard combat actions like attacking, casting a spell, or using an object.
- One Bonus Action: Bonus actions are typically granted by specific abilities, spells, or class features and are not a default action.
- One Reaction: Reactions are used in response to triggers outside a character’s turn.
This strict limitation is designed to prevent some character options from becoming overpowered and allows a level of balance between character class and abilities. It forces players to be creative with their single action and bonus action each round.
What About “Extra Attacks?”
It’s essential not to confuse “extra attacks” with additional actions. Certain classes, particularly martial ones, gain features like Extra Attack, allowing them to make multiple attacks with their action. These are still part of a single action, not additional actions. An additional attack via an extra attack class feature is not a bonus action.
Spells and Abilities Affecting Actions
While you can’t get extra bonus actions, several spells and abilities provide additional actions, which can sometimes be confused with bonus actions:
- Haste: This spell grants an additional action on your turn, specifically limited to attacking, dashing, disengaging, hiding, or using an object, along with increased movement. However, you still only have one bonus action.
- Fighter’s Action Surge: This ability allows a fighter to take one additional action on their turn, but it also doesn’t grant an additional bonus action.
These features increase a character’s total actions, but they do not affect the number of bonus actions a character can take.
The Limitations of Bonus Actions
It’s crucial to remember:
- Bonus actions are ability-specific: You don’t have a bonus action to take if no ability, spell, or feature grants you one.
- Only One per Turn: No matter how many ways you have to potentially use a bonus action, you are still limited to one use on your turn (with the notable exception of a Rogue using Thief’s Reflexes on the first round of combat).
- Actions vs. Bonus Actions: You cannot use a bonus action as a regular action and vice-versa.
The Unique Case: Rogue Thief’s Reflexes
The Thief subclass Rogue at 17th level gains “Thief’s Reflexes.” It grants an extra turn at the start of combat, allowing them to act fully again. In effect, this gives them two turns with two actions and two bonus actions in the first round of combat. This is a unique exception to the one bonus action per turn rule, and no other class can replicate this feature.
FAQs: Bonus Actions in Detail
1. Can I use my bonus action as a regular action?
No. Bonus actions and actions are separate and cannot be interchanged. Each must be used according to their prescribed rules and purposes.
2. Can I hold onto my bonus action and use it later in the turn or another turn?
No. If you do not use your bonus action during your turn, you lose the ability to use it for that turn. Bonus actions are tied to your turn and do not carry over.
3. If I have two options for a bonus action, can I use both?
No. You can only choose one bonus action from the available options per turn.
4. Can I use a bonus action to cast two spells?
No. You can cast a spell using your bonus action, but if you do, you can only cast a cantrip with a casting time of one action as your other spell during your turn.
5. Does the Haste spell grant a bonus action?
The Haste spell grants an additional action, not a bonus action. It is specific in what this extra action can be used for (attack, dash, disengage, hide, or use an object).
6. Can I use Action Surge to gain a second bonus action?
No. Action Surge grants an extra action, not an extra bonus action.
7. Can I use a readied action as a bonus action?
Readied actions don’t happen during your turn, and you are limited to one bonus action during your turn.
8. Are cantrips bonus actions?
Most cantrips are actions. Only a very few cantrips are cast as bonus actions, such as Magic Stone and Shillelagh.
9. Can I use a reaction during my turn instead of a bonus action?
No. Reactions are separate from both actions and bonus actions, and are typically used when triggered by events outside of your turn.
10. Can I use a bonus action to make an attack with a thrown weapon like a dagger?
Yes, with certain conditions. Some abilities, such as the Two-Weapon Fighting feature, allow you to make an attack with a light weapon held in your off-hand using a bonus action after you attack with a melee weapon. Additionally, certain feats and class abilities enable you to make ranged attacks using a bonus action.
11. Can I use the Dash action as a bonus action and a regular action?
Yes. Some features, like the Rogue’s Cunning Action or the spell Expeditious Retreat, allow you to Dash as a bonus action. You could then also use your action to Dash again, effectively allowing you to move three times your speed.
12. Does being able to Wild Shape as a bonus action as a Moon Druid mean I lose the ability to use it as an action?
No. A Moon Druid can choose to use Wild Shape as either an action or bonus action.
13. Do Rangers have any bonus action abilities?
Yes. Many Ranger subclasses grant bonus action abilities, such as the Hunter’s bonus action to use Hunter’s Mark or a Gloom Stalker’s bonus action to make an additional attack. Additionally, at 14th level, all Rangers gain the ability to Hide as a bonus action.
14. Can I use a bonus action to reload a crossbow or other ranged weapon?
Reloading is generally considered an “interact” action and doesn’t normally consume either an action or a bonus action. This allows a single attack to occur after the weapon is reloaded without penalty.
15. Does my familiar’s action take away from my action or bonus action?
No, a familiar acts on their own turn. Having a familiar does not change your action or bonus action availability or frequency.
Conclusion
While the idea of gaining an extra bonus action is tempting, the rules of D&D 5e firmly limit characters to one bonus action per turn. However, there is a single exception to this rule with the Rogue Thief’s high-level ability to gain an extra action and bonus action during their second turn on the first round of combat. Understanding the rules of actions, bonus actions, and reactions, as well as the specific abilities and spells that affect them, is essential for playing D&D effectively and creatively. Remember to use your available actions and bonus action wisely each turn to make the most of your character’s capabilities.