A bonus action is not an extra action every character automatically gets. You can take one only when a feature, spell, or other rule gives you something to do as a bonus action, and you can take no more than one on your turn. The details of bonus-action spells depend on whether you are using the 2014 or 2024 rules.
When can you take a bonus action?
Only when a rule explicitly lets you do something as a bonus action. The 2024 Basic Rules put it plainly: “You otherwise don’t have a Bonus Action to take.” The 2014 Basic Rules use the same practical rule: a feature, spell, or other special ability must grant the option.
That means you cannot spend a bonus action on an improvised extra attack, movement, or other task just because you have not used one. Find the ability or spell that grants it, then follow its requirements.
How many bonus actions can you take on a turn?
You can take at most one bonus action on your turn, even if several features or spells could use it. Choose which one to use; you cannot combine multiple bonus-action options in the same turn.
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When does a bonus action happen?
Unless the feature or spell gives a specific timing, you choose when to take the bonus action during your turn. If its description says when it happens or sets a condition, follow that wording instead.
What can prevent you from taking one?
If you are unable to take actions, the general rule also prevents you from taking a bonus action. A bonus action is distinct from a reaction: a reaction responds to a defined trigger and may happen on another creature’s turn. Reactions have their own limit and recovery timing, so using one does not count as using your bonus action.
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How do bonus-action spells work?
2014 rules
Under the 2014 Basic Rules, casting a spell with a bonus-action casting time uses your bonus action for that turn. You cannot cast another spell during the same turn, except a cantrip with a casting time of one action. This is the 2014 rule; do not assume it applies to the revised rules.
2024 rules
The 2024 Basic Rules are a separate rules version, and the 2024 rules announcement confirms that they coexist with the 2014 Basic Rules. D&D Beyond labels 2024 content “5.5e” and 2014 content “5e” following its March 2, 2026 clarity update. The 2014 bonus-action spell restriction should not be presented as a verified ruling for 2024; consult the spellcasting rule in the 2024 rules you are using.
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Example: an extra attack with a Light weapon
In the 2024 equipment rules, if you take the Attack action and attack with a Light weapon, you can make one extra attack as a bonus action later on the same turn. The extra attack must use a different Light weapon. You do not add your ability modifier to that attack’s damage unless the modifier is negative. This is an example of a rule that explicitly grants a bonus action and states its conditions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.2014 and 2024 bonus-action rules at a glance
| Rule | 2014 Basic Rules | 2024 Basic Rules |
|---|---|---|
| What grants a bonus action? | A feature, spell, or other special ability must say it can be used as a bonus action. | A feature, spell, or other rule must say it can be used as a Bonus Action. |
| Maximum per turn | One. | One. |
| Timing | You choose when during your turn unless the rule specifies timing. | You choose when during your turn unless the rule specifies timing. |
| Bonus-action spell restriction | After casting one, the only other spell you can cast that turn is a cantrip with a one-action casting time. | Not established here; check the 2024 spellcasting rules rather than applying the 2014 restriction. |
The 2014 entries follow the official 2014 Combat rules and 2014 Casting Time rules. The 2024 general rule and Light-weapon example are in the official 2024 Playing the Game rules and 2024 Equipment rules. For edition labels and the relationship between the free and expanded revised rules, see the 2024 Free Rules announcement.
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