What Can I Do on My Bonus Action?
As a Dungeons & Dragons player, you may have noticed that your character has a limited number of actions they can take in a single turn. One of those actions is the bonus action, which can be a game-changer in the right situations. But what exactly can you do with your bonus action? In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common and useful things you can do with your bonus action.
Bonus Action Basics
Before we dive into the possibilities, let’s quickly cover the basics of bonus actions. A bonus action is an additional action you can take during your turn, in addition to your main action. This can be a spell, a weapon attack, a skill check, or almost anything else. The key thing to remember is that you can only take one bonus action per turn, so choose wisely.
Attack with Your Bonus Action
One of the most common uses for a bonus action is to attack with a weapon. Any character can take a bonus action to attack with a weapon, as long as they have the weapon in hand and can use it. This can be especially useful in combat, where every little bit of damage counts.
Cast a Cantrip
If you’re a spellcaster, you can use your bonus action to cast a cantrip. Cantrips are low-level spells that don’t require a spell slot, so you can cast them at any time, including on your bonus action. This can be a great way to add some extra damage to your attack or to create an opening for your main action.
Take a Skill Check
Your bonus action can also be used to take a skill check. Any character can take a skill check as a bonus action, as long as they have the relevant skill and are familiar with the situation. This can be a great way to add some extra utility to your character, especially if you’re a skill expert.
Use a Special Ability
Many characters have special abilities that can be used as a bonus action. Check your character’s abilities and feats to see if they have any special abilities that can be used on a bonus action. These can include things like a ranger’s expertise in nature, a rogue’s sneak attack, or a paladin’s divine intervention.
Heal as a Bonus Action
Some characters have abilities that allow them to heal as a bonus action. For example, a paladin’s Lay on Hands ability or a druid’s Healing Spirit can be used as a bonus action. This can be a great way to keep your party’s healing going, especially in long campaigns.
Drink a Potion
A popular house rule is to allow characters to drink a potion as a bonus action, which can be a game-changer in combat. This can be especially useful if you have a potion that grants a buff or a debuff, or if you need to heal quickly.
In-Combat Maneuvers
Your bonus action can also be used for in-combat maneuvers. For example, you can use your bonus action to grapple an enemy, disarm a trap, or perform a disarming check. These can be great ways to add some extra utility to your combat role.
Out-of-Combat Activities
Your bonus action can also be used for out-of-combat activities. For example, you can use your bonus action to tie your shoes, adjust your equipment, or perform a quick repair. These can be great ways to add some extra realism to your character’s actions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your bonus action can be used for a wide range of activities, from combat maneuvers to skill checks to drinking potions. Remember to choose wisely, as you can only take one bonus action per turn. By using your bonus action effectively, you can add some extra utility and excitement to your D&D game.