Can You Cantrip Twice?
In Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), cantrips are a type of spell that can be cast at will, without using up spell slots. But can you cast a cantrip multiple times in a single turn? The answer is not a simple yes or no. In this article, we’ll dive into the rules surrounding cantrips and explore the possibilities and limitations of casting them.
Direct Answer: No, You Can’t Cantrip Twice…
Technically, no, you can’t cast a cantrip twice in a single turn. According to the official D&D 5th edition rules, casting a cantrip is equivalent to casting a 1st-level spell, which means you can only cast one cantrip per round. This is stated clearly in the Player’s Handbook (PHB) in the section on cantrips:
"…you can cast a cantrip in a round, using the appropriate action (your action or a bonus action, as specified in the cantrip’s description)."
This means that even if you have multiple cantrips available to you, you can only cast one in a single round.
But What About Bonus Actions?
Now, it’s important to note that some cantrips specify that they can be cast as a bonus action, which means you can use your bonus action to cast them. In this case, you can indeed cast two cantrips in a single turn: one as your main action and one as your bonus action. However, this is explicitly stated in the cantrip’s description, so be sure to check the details of each cantrip before casting.
When Does This Rule Apply?
The rule that you can only cast one cantrip per round applies to situations where you’re casting cantrips using your standard action. This means that if you have a bonus action available, you can use it to cast an additional cantrip. The rule also applies to casting cantrips using reaction actions, which are also limited to one per turn.
Exception: Conjuror’s Cantrip
One exception to the rule is the Conjuror’s cantrip from the Xanathar’s Guide to Everything supplement. This cantrip specifies that it can be cast as a bonus action three times per day, which means you can effectively cast it twice in a single turn.
Exceptions: Cantrips as a Reaction
Some cantrips, such as the Vicious Mockery cantrip from the Player’s Handbook, specify that they can be cast as a reaction, which means you can use them to respond to specific situations. In these cases, you can cast additional cantrips as a reaction, as long as the situation allows for it.
Table: Cantrips and Actions
| Cantrip Type | Castable Actions | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cantrip | Standard Action or Bonus Action | 1 per round |
| Conjurer’s Cantrip (Xanathar’s Guide) | Bonus Action | 3 times per day |
| Reaction Cantrip (e.g. Vicious Mockery) | Reaction | Unlimited (subject to situation) |
In Conclusion
In summary, while you can’t typically cast a cantrip twice in a single turn using your standard action, there are exceptions and limitations depending on the specific cantrip and the situation. Bonus actions and reaction cantrips offer more flexibility in casting cantrips, but be sure to check the details of each cantrip before casting.