Can You Cast Two Spells in One Turn 5E with Action Surge?
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, the Action Surge feature allows players to take an additional action on their turn. This feature can be incredibly powerful, especially for spellcasters who want to cast multiple spells in a single turn. But can you really cast two spells in one turn with Action Surge?
The Main Confusion
The main confusion surrounding Action Surge and spellcasting comes from the fact that there are two types of actions in 5E: Bonus Actions and Action Actions. Bonus Actions are additional actions that can be taken on a turn, while Action Actions are the primary actions that a character can take on their turn.
Casting Spells with Action Surge
To cast a spell, a character must use an Action Action. This means that if a character wants to cast a spell using Action Surge, they must use one of their two Action Actions to cast the spell. The question then becomes, can a character cast a second spell using their Bonus Action?
The Answer
According to the official 5E rules, a character can cast a cantrip using their Bonus Action. Cantrips are spells that can be cast at will, without using up a spell slot. However, if a character wants to cast a spell that is not a cantrip, they must use an Action Action to cast it.
Twinned Spell Metamagic
There is one exception to this rule: Twinned Spell Metamagic. This metamagic allows a character to cast a spell twice, once for each target. However, this requires the character to spend sorcery points, which are a limited resource.
Casting Two Spells in One Turn
So, can a character cast two spells in one turn using Action Surge? The answer is yes, but only if one of the spells is a cantrip. Here’s how it works:
- Use one Action Action to cast a spell that is not a cantrip.
- Use the other Action Action to cast a cantrip.
- Use the Bonus Action to cast a second cantrip.
Table: Casting Two Spells in One Turn
| Action 1 | Action 2 | Bonus Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cast non-cantrip spell | Cast cantrip | Cast second cantrip |
Important Points to Remember
- A character can only cast a cantrip using their Bonus Action.
- A character can only cast one non-cantrip spell using their Action Actions.
- Twinned Spell Metamagic allows a character to cast a spell twice, but requires sorcery points.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to cast two spells in one turn using Action Surge, but only if one of the spells is a cantrip. By using one Action Action to cast a non-cantrip spell, one Action Action to cast a cantrip, and the Bonus Action to cast a second cantrip, a character can maximize their spellcasting potential in a single turn.