Action Surge is a powerful feature in Dungeons & Dragons 5e that allows Fighters to push themselves beyond their normal limits for a moment.
At 2nd level, Fighters gain the ability to take one additional action on top of their regular action and a possible bonus action on their turn. This feature can be used to significant effect in battle, enabling Fighters to unleash a flurry of attacks that can overwhelm their opponents.
People may give Fighters a lot of hate, but those comments tend to stop pretty quickly once the Fighter decides to ABSOLUTELY UNLEASH on their foes!
Are you ready to prove why Fighters are so awesome?
This is the full guide to mastering the Fighter’s Action Surge in D&D 5e!
What is Action Surge?
Action Surge is a powerful feature in D&D 5e that is exclusive to Fighters.
It allows a Fighter to take an extra action on their turn, which can be incredibly useful in battle.
This feature is gained at 2nd level, and it becomes even more potent at 17th level when a Fighter can use it twice per short or long rest.
How Does Action Surge Work in D&D 5e?
To use Action Surge, a Fighter must declare that they are using the feature before taking the additional action. Once used, the Fighter must finish a short or long rest before they can use it again.
At 17th level, Fighters can use Action Surge twice before a rest, but only once on the same turn.
When a Fighter uses Action Surge, they gain an additional action on top of their regular action and a possible bonus action. This means that they can attack twice, move and attack, use a special ability, or take any other action that they would normally be able to take on their turn.
There are a ton of different ways to spend this additional action, and it can have a ton of impact in those moments when you need it most!
However, it is important to note that Action Surge does not grant an extra bonus action or reaction. So Fighters cannot use it to gain additional attacks from abilities like Two-Weapon Fighting or Polearm Master, for example.
When Can It Be Used?
Once a Fighter uses Action Surge, they must finish a short or long rest before they can use it again.
This means that it is best to save Action Surge for situations where it will have the most significant impact, such as during a boss fight or when facing a large group of enemies.
It is also worth noting that Action Surge can be used outside of combat, which can potentially be useful for completing tasks or escaping dangerous situations.
Overall, Action Surge is a potent ability that can help Fighters turn the tide of battle in their favor.
However, it is essential to use it strategically and not waste it on actions that would not be especially useful. By using Action Surge effectively, Fighters can become even more formidable opponents on the battlefield.
Related: Actions & Combat in D&D 5e Explained
Using Action Surge in D&D 5e Effectively
As a Fighter in D&D 5e, Action Surge is one of the most powerful abilities in your arsenal. It allows you to take an extra action on your turn, which can be used to devastating effect in combat.
However, using it effectively requires careful planning and strategy.
Tips for Maximizing Action Surge’s Potential
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of Action Surge:
- Save it for critical moments: Action Surge is a limited resource, so it’s important to use it when it can make the biggest impact. Save it for moments when you need to deal extra damage, take out a key opponent, or turn the tide of battle.
- Coordinate with your team: Action Surge can be used to support your team as well as deal damage. Coordinate with your allies to make the most of your extra action. For example, you could use it to attack an enemy that your ally has just knocked prone or to help a teammate who is in trouble.
- Consider your positioning: Action Surge can be used to move as well as attack. Consider using it to move into a better position, get out of danger, or flank an opponent. This combines well with the Dash action.
- Use it with Dodge or Disengage actions: There might be times where you need to quickly get away from an enemy or rush to an ally’s aid. Action Surge can let you Disengage safely (preventing opportunity attacks)
Combining with Other Abilities
Action Surge can be combined with other Fighter abilities to create even more powerful combinations. Here are a few examples:
| Ability | Description | Combination with Action Surge Example |
| Extra Attack | You can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn. | Use Action Surge to attack four times in one turn. (More at higher levels.) |
| Second Wind | You can use a bonus action to regain hit points equal to 1d10 + your fighter level. | Use Action Surge to take an extra attack or move, then use Second Wind to regain hit points. |
| Casting a Spell | Cast a spell using your Action. (Useful if you’re an Eldritch Knight or if you’re multiclassing with a spellcaster class.) | Use your Action to cast a spell then use Action Surge to follow up with your attacks. |
By combining Action Surge with other Fighter abilities, you can create devastating combinations that can quickly turn the tide of battle in your favor.
Recommended: Ranking EVERY Fighter Subclass in D&D 5e!
FAQs – Action Surge 5e
As always, let’s go over a few of the most common questions players have about the Fighter’s Action Surge feature. If you still have questions, reach out in the comments. I’m always happy to help!
Yes, Action Surge can be used for any action, including attacks, spells, and other abilities. However, it cannot be used to gain an additional bonus action.
Yes, Action Surge can stack with other features that grant extra actions, such as the Haste spell. However, it cannot be used to gain an additional bonus action.
Starting at 2nd level, Fighters can use Action Surge once per short or long rest. At 17th level, they can use it twice per short or long rest.
Yes. As confirmed via Sage Advice, you can cast a spell with each action. So you could use your first action to cast Fireball and then Action Surge to cast it a second time.
Yes. Each of your actions can be used to cast a cantrip. This is especially useful if you’ve also taken levels in Warlock and wish to launch even more Eldritch Blasts at your foes on your turn.
Conclusion – Mastering the Fighter’s Action Surge in D&D 5e
Overall, Action Surge is a powerful tool for Fighters in D&D 5e, allowing them to take an extra action on their turn. It can be used to great effect in combat, enabling Fighters to deal significant damage or take important actions.
However, it is important to note its limitations, including the number of uses per rest and the inability to gain an additional bonus action.
By using Action Surge strategically and in combination with other abilities, Fighters can become formidable opponents on the battlefield.
You’re not correct about the interaction of Action Surge and spell casting. You can cast two levelled spells with Action Surge. The only prohibition limiting to a cantrip is if you cast a spell using your bonus action. Sage Advice explicitly confirms this.
Egg on my face! Thanks for catching that mistake! Updated! 🙂