Is Step of the Wind a Bonus Action in 5e?

The short, definitive answer is yes, Step of the Wind is a bonus action in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. This ability, central to the Monk class, allows you to spend 1 ki point to take either the Disengage or Dash action as a bonus action on your turn, and your jump distance is doubled for that turn. This makes it an incredibly versatile tool for monks, enhancing their mobility and tactical options in combat and exploration.

Understanding Bonus Actions in 5e

To truly appreciate the value of Step of the Wind, it’s essential to understand the mechanics of bonus actions in 5e. Unlike regular actions which every character can take (like attacking, casting a spell, using an object), bonus actions are more character-specific. They rely on class features, racial abilities, specific spells, or magic items. You only get one bonus action per turn. This limit makes choosing the right bonus action critical in combat and other scenarios.

Step of the Wind: A Monk’s Essential Tool

For Monks, Step of the Wind is a crucial element of their combat repertoire. It provides a much-needed boost to mobility and tactical flexibility. Here’s a breakdown of its primary components:

• Bonus Action Usage: It consumes your bonus action, meaning you can’t use another bonus action on the same turn. This creates interesting trade-offs, especially considering the variety of abilities that compete for the bonus action slot, such as Flurry of Blows or Patient Defense.
• Disengage or Dash: The ability to take either the Disengage or Dash action as a bonus action provides considerable versatility. Disengage lets you escape melee combat without triggering opportunity attacks, which is crucial for monks who often fight in close quarters. Dash increases your movement speed, allowing you to quickly close the distance to an enemy or to escape from a dangerous position.
• Doubled Jump Distance: The additional effect of doubling your jump distance is often overlooked, but it significantly enhances your movement across difficult terrain, over obstacles, and for dramatic escapes. This combines well with the Monk’s already impressive movement speed.

How Step of the Wind Affects Gameplay

The impact of Step of the Wind extends to various aspects of gameplay:

• Combat Mobility: Monks, often lighter-armored characters, rely on mobility to survive and be effective. Step of the Wind can quickly reposition you on the battlefield, enabling you to flank enemies, reach ranged combatants, or escape dangerous situations.
• Tactical Flexibility: The ability to either Disengage or Dash as a bonus action makes Monks incredibly adaptable. You can adjust your strategy on the fly, reacting to the evolving battlefield.
• Exploration: The increased jump distance from Step of the Wind gives you an edge in exploring and navigating treacherous environments. You can leap across gaps, climb over obstacles, and reach heights that would be difficult for other characters.

Step of the Wind: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To provide an even deeper understanding of Step of the Wind, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

1. Can Monks Double Dash Using Step of the Wind?

Yes, a Monk can double dash by using their regular action to Dash and using Step of the Wind to Dash again as a bonus action. This makes them very mobile on the battlefield.

2. Does Step of the Wind Stack with the Jump Spell?

Yes, the effects of Step of the Wind and the Jump spell do stack. They are different effects, so you can benefit from both increased jump distance abilities.

3. Can I use Step of the Wind after being Grappled?

**Yes**, you can use Step of the Wind while grappled. You can use the Disengage portion to break the grapple, or move half of your doubled speed to move yourself with the grappler.

4. Can I use Flurry of Blows and Step of the Wind on the same turn?

No, you cannot use both Flurry of Blows and Step of the Wind on the same turn, because they both use your bonus action. You have to choose one.

5. Does Step of the Wind affect jump height as well as distance?

Yes, Step of the Wind affects both your jump distance and jump height. It doubles both the distance you can long jump and the distance you can high jump.

6. Can I use a bonus action cantrip and Step of the Wind in the same turn?

No, you cannot use a bonus action cantrip and Step of the Wind in the same turn. You cannot cast a bonus action spell and take another bonus action like Step of the Wind.

7. Can I use a bonus action attack and Step of the Wind in the same turn?

No, you cannot use both a bonus action attack and Step of the Wind in the same turn as they both consume your bonus action for the turn.

8. What is the difference between Step of the Wind and Cunning Action?

Both the Monk’s Step of the Wind and the Rogue’s Cunning Action allow you to use Disengage or Dash as a bonus action. The Monk’s feature uses Ki while the Rogue’s is unlimited. The Step of the Wind also doubles your jump distance, which Cunning Action doesn’t.

9. Can I use Step of the Wind to escape an Opportunity Attack?

Yes, you can use the Disengage action from Step of the Wind as a bonus action, to avoid an opportunity attack if you move out of a creature’s reach.

10. Does Step of the Wind work if I am encumbered?

Yes, being encumbered doesn’t impact your ability to use Step of the Wind.

11. Can I use a Potion of Fire Breath and Step of the Wind on the same turn?

Yes, you can. Potion of Fire Breath uses a bonus action, and because it is not a spell it can be used along with Step of the Wind.

12. Can a Ranger use Hide as a bonus action and Step of the Wind?

No. Neither the Ranger’s Hide as a bonus action at 14th level, nor the Monk’s Step of the Wind can be used on the same turn.

13. Can a Barbarian use Reckless Attack as a bonus action and Step of the Wind?

No. The Barbarian’s Reckless Attack feature is part of their attack, not a bonus action, so they cannot be used together.

14. Can a Bard use Bardic Inspiration and Step of the Wind on the same turn?

No. Both Bardic Inspiration and Step of the Wind use a bonus action, so they can not be used on the same turn.

15. Can I hold my bonus action to use later?

No. You cannot “hold” a bonus action to use later. Bonus actions must be used on your turn or they are lost.

Conclusion

Step of the Wind is a powerful bonus action ability that is fundamental to the Monk class in D&D 5th Edition. Its flexibility and strategic uses greatly enhance a Monk’s mobility, tactical options, and effectiveness in both combat and exploration. Knowing how to effectively use this ability can elevate a Monk from a simple melee fighter to a truly dynamic and formidable presence on the battlefield. Understanding the mechanics of bonus actions, and how Step of the Wind fits into them, is a key part of playing a Monk effectively.