D&D 5E Wizards and bonus actions - not just for bonus action casting cost spells?

[CapnZapp]

Just to be clear, by RAW, you don't actually *have* a bonus action unless you have an ability that grants one. Bonus action =/= minor action from previous editions. It's not a slot just waiting to be filled. So saying that you know bonus actions aren't expected to be used all the time is inaccurate, because it's entirely possible that some characters simply don't have one to use much of the time.

That is completely true.

But it doesn't change the fact that you *can* try to be in the situation where you just happen to have an ability that grants you a bonus action more often than not, and it doesn't change the fact that this tends to make you more effective since you get to do stuff you wouldn't otherwise.

 

[jgsugden]

Just to be clear, by RAW, you don't actually *have* a bonus action unless you have an ability that grants one. Bonus action =/= minor action from previous editions. It's not a slot just waiting to be filled. So saying that you know bonus actions aren't expected to be used all the time is inaccurate, because it's entirely possible that some characters simply don't have one to use much of the time.

I know we're talking spellcasters here, but we don't need to delve into semantics in the context of somatics. The distinction they draw in the books is meaningless. You can use up to one bonus action on your turn, regardless of whether you consider yourself entitled to use one if one is available, or if you consider it to not be there unless you have an ability that grants one.

That PHB language was intended to move people away from the expectation that they should use a swift/bonus action each round. It is an attempt to influence perspective - nothing more.

In truth: the basic rules allow you to take 1 action, 1 bonus action, 1 reaction, 1 movement (which is not defined as an action type) and 1 'interaction with an object' (again, not truly an action) each round. You may, or may not, use all of them. That is how experienced gamers tend to be seeing their options in the game.

 

[Radaceus]

Having played, as well as DM NPC'd, several wizards now, I feel this is not a problem. A wizard worth their salt will pat out her spellbook with sufficient spells to take advantage of Bonus Actions, and Reactions, to get them to the next short rest.
It is very hard not to take Misty Step, no matter what type of wizard you are, this should be in your spellbook as necessity. Though if you are like me, you might try to play something different that focusses purely on one school, or on an element.

I like Flaming Sphere, but one of my favourite bonus actions for my wizard is Unseen Servant
Especially, and more importantly, is getting to cast it as a ritual that lasts an hour

Aside from casting time of Bonus Action, the wizard has a good repertoire of concentration spells (as well as a few spells like Unseen Servant which requires no concentration) which utilize a Bonus Action.


other good uses of bonus action via concentration:
Dancing Lights
Dust Devil
Melf's Minute Meteors{another of my favorites}
Storm Sphere
Animate Objects{and another}
Bigby's Hand
Mordenkainen's Sword {Likewise}

So in summary, yes not to many Bonus action casting times, but there are still several options along the way as you level

 

[Shiroiken]

Nah. If you want to step up your game, try to use your bonus action every round.

And try to use your reaction every round.

For a weapon user character, that can almost double your damage output. (Instead of doing two attacks per round, you just made four)

For spellcasters, the gains are much less pronounced and difficult to quantify.

Still, more is more.

Each action (action, bonus action, reaction) you don't use is, well, an unused action.

Sure; have fun with that. I was just pointing out that the average character isn't going to use a Bonus Action every round. If this is for CharOp, it should be placed on that forum.

 

[Relic Dice]

[MENTION=2629]jgsugden[/MENTION]
First, thank you. I'm a clutz with rules.
Second, I apologize. I was simply restating what you had already said.
Lastly, here's 3 from the top of my head:

Bigby's Hand - The entire spell revolves around using your bonus actions to manipulate the hand to maximum effect. Since you get a bonus action each turn...

Expeditious Retreat - Bonus action to run! (Always useful)

Arcane Gate - "Use a bonus action to turn the portals to face another direction." Really, no end of wonderful uses here. Block a doorway, change direction when you need. Plop in front of you so arrows and other projectiles pass through instead of hitting you, then change direction when your attacker moves to block further attacks. Use the portal as an escape, then change one portal from a "safe" position (edge of cliff) to an unsafe position (off the edge of the cliff) if they decide to pursue (since you can't see through the portal). All bonus action, except the cast.

Hope some of that was useful. Arcane Gate is a spell from one of my *personal* bag of tricks.

 

[CapnZapp]

Sure; have fun with that. I was just pointing out that the average character isn't going to use a Bonus Action every round.

And I agree.

Just mentioning that even your character can find more use out of the bonus actions (you don't otherwise would have ) and as a result, get to do more stuff: moving about the battlefield, making it harder for enemies to hit you, or simply doing more damage.

Dismissing that as "charop" is misleading. The fact is, even a wizard's potential isn't "one action a round".

It's one action, one bonus action, and one reaction a round.

If you don't want to think about that, fine. But mentioning it in a thread like this one is a perfectly acceptable suggestion. Lots of players might not realize it, and implying its only for charop does them a disservice. Getting into situations where you can use bonus actions and reactions isn't exactly rocket science, or something only minmaxers would understand. Simply be on the look-out for spells, feats and class features talking about bonus actions and you're well on your way!

 

[gergtreblig]

In the Player's Handbook on page 202:
CASTING TIME

BONUS ACTION
A spell cast with a bonus action is especially swift. You
must use a bonus action on your turn to cast the spell,
provided that you haven't already taken a bonus action
this turn. You can't cast another spell during the same
turn, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.

 

[Shadowdweller00]

Usually directing spells - particularly minion-based spells. Maybe dragon's breath on the flying familiar, bonus action to direct Tiny Servants or Animated Dead, action on other spells.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

You could build a gishy wizard and use an off-hand weapon.

 

[CapnZapp]

Bonus actions are just a bonus. Most characters I've seen don't use one every round. Many characters use them occasionally, but only a few focus on them.

Learning how to minmax your bonus actions will increase your combat prowess significantly, so I encourage you to give it a look.


Edit: I now realize this is a necroed thread and that I have given Shiroiken this advice already. Oh well, I'll leave this here for the benefit of anyone else that fell for WotC's "You otherwise don’t have a bonus action to take" language. I removed the quote link to Shiroiken's post; he should not feel compelled to reply once more.