How many bonus actions are in an action?

To directly answer the question, there is only one bonus action in an action, as the rules of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) clearly state that a character can take only one bonus action per turn. The bonus action is a special mechanic that allows characters to perform an additional action on their turn, but it is not interchangeable with a regular action.

Understanding Bonus Actions

Definition and Purpose

A bonus action is a type of action that can be taken in addition to a character’s regular action and reaction. It is typically used for special abilities, spells, or features that require a bonus action to be performed.

Limitations and Restrictions

The bonus action has several limitations and restrictions, including the fact that a character can only take one bonus action per turn, and it cannot be used as a regular action or reaction. Additionally, bonus actions are only available when a special ability, spell, or feature of the game states that a character can do something as a bonus action.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use two bonus actions?: No, you cannot use more than one bonus action on a single turn, no matter how many feats you have that call for the use of a bonus action.
2. Do I get a bonus action for every action?: No, you can take a bonus action only when a special ability, spell, or other feature of the game states that you can do something as a bonus action.
3. Is there a way to get multiple bonus actions?: No, there are no ways to gain an additional bonus action, and the Haste spell does not give you one either.
4. Is a bonus action shorter than an action?: While bonus actions are typically considered quicker than actions, there isn’t any specific rule that calls this out 100% of the time.
5. Can I dash as both a bonus action and an action?: Yes, you can take one action, which may be the Dash action, and many abilities and spells allow you to Dash as a bonus action.
6. Can I cast two bonus action spells?: No, a spell cast with a bonus action is especially swift, and you can’t cast another spell during the same turn, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.
7. Can I only use a bonus action once?: There are no actual rules limiting this, only that you can only take one bonus action on your turn.
8. Can I swap an action for a bonus action?: No, bonus actions and actions are not interchangeable, as per a Sage Advice Compendium entry on the topic.
9. What are the rules for bonus actions in D&D?: You can take a bonus action only when a special ability, spell, or other feature of the game states that you can do something as a bonus action.
10. Can I do two bonus actions in D&D?: No, you cannot use more than one bonus action on a single turn, no matter how many feats you have that call for the use of a bonus action.
11. Is throwing a dagger a bonus action?: It is possible for any character to make two thrown attacks with daggers, if you start your turn with a dagger in each hand, and you can throw the dagger you are holding, draw another as your free object interaction, and throw it as a bonus action.
12. Are bonus actions unlimited in D&D?: No, you cannot use more than one bonus action on a single turn, no matter how many feats you have that call for the use of a bonus action.
13. Can I use a bonus action for a cantrip?: The rule in the PHB is fairly clear on casting a cantrip and a spell: if the spell is a bonus action, you may cast a cantrip as an action.
14. Can I cast a cantrip as a bonus action after a spell?: Only if the spell you used your action to cast is a cantrip, and within a given turn, a bonus action spell can only coexist with a one-action cantrip.
15. Can I take a bonus action while incapacitated?: No, the incapacitated condition prevents characters from taking actions, reactions, or bonus actions in combat.