Can you pick up a weapon as a bonus action 5e?

Can you pick up a weapon as a bonus action 5e?

In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, a bonus action is a special type of action that allows a player to perform an additional task on their turn. There are many questions about bonus actions, and one of the most common is whether it’s possible to pick up a weapon as a bonus action. In this article, we’ll explore the rules surrounding bonus actions and provide a definitive answer to this question.

General Rule

The general rule in 5th Edition is that you can perform 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. This means that the ability to perform a bonus action is typically limited to specific classes, feats, or spells, rather than being a standard part of the game mechanics.

Picking Up a Weapon

Now, let’s focus on picking up a weapon as a bonus action. According to the Player’s Handbook (PHB), page 192, "you can’t take a bonus action to perform an object interaction, such as opening a door, drawing or sheathing a weapon, or picking up an item." This means that picking up a weapon is not a bonus action by default.

Free Object Interaction

However, you can still interact with an object as a free object interaction. A free object interaction is a special ability that allows you to interact with an object without using up your action. Some examples of free object interactions include opening a door, picking up a small object, or operating a lever. According to the PHB, page 195, "you can take a free object interaction in addition to your regular actions, including your attack and move actions." This means that you can still pick up a small weapon, such as a dagger or a short sword, as a free object interaction.

Large Weapons

But what about large weapons, such as swords, bows, or heavy axes? According to the PHB, page 193, " drawing or sheathing a medium or heavy weapon is an action." This means that you cannot pick up a large weapon as a free object interaction or a bonus action. Instead, you would need to use up your action to draw or sheath the weapon.

Rogue Feature: Fast Hands

Now, there is one special feature that allows you to pick up a weapon as a bonus action: Fast Hands, a rogue ability. According to the Xanathar’s Guide to Everything (Xanathar’s Guide), page 143, "as a bonus action, you can draw a one-handed weapon or fire a handheld crossbow, but not a two-handed weapon." This feature allows rogues to pick up a one-handed weapon as a bonus action, which can be a valuable advantage in combat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to the question "Can you pick up a weapon as a bonus action 5e?" is no, with a few exceptions. You can only pick up a weapon as a free object interaction if it is small enough to be wielded in one hand, and even then, you are limited to drawing or sheathing the weapon, rather than picking up a larger weapon. However, rogues with the Fast Hands feature can pick up a one-handed weapon as a bonus action.