What Can I Do with a Bonus Action?
In Dungeons & Dragons, a bonus action is a special ability that allows players to take an additional action during their turn. But what exactly can you do with a bonus action? In this article, we’ll explore the various possibilities and provide you with some valuable insights.
Make an Offhand Attack
One of the most common uses of a bonus action is to make an offhand attack. This is especially useful for fighters and rangers who are proficient in two-weapon fighting. With a bonus action, you can make an attack with your offhand weapon, giving you an opportunity to deal more damage or take down an enemy more quickly.
Shove
Another option is to use your bonus action to shove an enemy. This can be especially useful for characters who want to take advantage of the enemy’s momentum and create an opening for a melee attack.
Great Weapon Attack
If you’re wielding a great weapon, such as a longsword or greataxe, you can use your bonus action to make an additional attack with that weapon. This can be especially devastating if you’re a fighter or barbarian with a high Strength score.
Use Your Crossbow
If you’re using a crossbow, you can use your bonus action to fire it again after your main attack. This can be especially useful for ranged characters who want to keep enemies at a distance and take them out quickly.
Grapple
Finally, you can use your bonus action to grapple an enemy. This can be especially useful for characters who want to take the enemy out of commission quickly and give their allies an opportunity to attack.
Other Options
While the above options are some of the most common uses of a bonus action, there are other possibilities as well. For example, you can use your bonus action to:
- Take a quick trip: You can use your bonus action to take a quick trip, allowing you to move up to 10 feet without using your main action.
- Cast a spell: You can use your bonus action to cast a spell, such as a cantrip or a spell with a casting time of 1 action.
- Make a disengage: You can use your bonus action to disengage from an enemy, allowing you to move up to 10 feet away without provoking an opportunity attack.
When Can I Use a Bonus Action?
But when can you use a bonus action? The answer is simple: you can use 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. For example, a fighter might have a bonus action ability that allows them to make an offhand attack, while a bard might have a bonus action ability that allows them to cast a cantrip.
Can Anyone Attack with a Bonus Action?
So, can anyone attack with a bonus action? The answer is yes, but only if you have the ability to do so. For example, a fighter or ranger might have the ability to make an offhand attack as a bonus action, while a paladin or barbarian might have the ability to take a quick trip as a bonus action.
Bonus Action Examples
Here are some examples of bonus actions:
| Character | Bonus Action Ability |
|---|---|
| Fighter | Make an offhand attack |
| Ranger | Make an offhand attack |
| Paladin | Take a quick trip |
| Barbarian | Take a quick trip |
| Bard | Cast a cantrip |
| Sorcerer | Cast a spell |
Conclusion
In conclusion, a bonus action is a special ability that allows players to take an additional action during their turn. With a bonus action, you can make an offhand attack, shove an enemy, use your crossbow, grapple an enemy, take a quick trip, or cast a spell. Whether you’re a fighter, ranger, paladin, barbarian, bard, or sorcerer, a bonus action can be a powerful tool in your arsenal. So next time you’re playing D&D, don’t forget to take advantage of your bonus action!