[RPG] Can you drop a weapon/item when it is not your turn

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Thought of while contemplating this question on whether you can drop prone off your turn, I am wondering if you can drop a weapon/item.

This Q/A claims that dropping a weapon is a free action, but I am not sure if this means it is something that can be done when it is not your own turn.

This Q/A says that you cannot speak off your turn because it is explicitly limited so, and this Q/A makes a similar argument for why you do not get an object interaction during Readied movement.

Whatever the ruling is, it would also affect the heat metal spell which states:

the creature must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or drop the object if it can. If it doesn't drop the object, it has disadvantage on Attack rolls and Ability Checks until the start of your next turn.

So succeeding on the Constitution save which is not optional could potentially prevent you from dropping the item.

Can you drop a weapon/item when it is not your turn?

Best Answer

The question "Can you drop a weapon/item when it is not your turn?" is confusing primarily caused by the word "can" (including in the heat metal spell) so we have to address the portions separately.

1. You can be forced to drop an object not on your turn, such as by the Battle Master's disarming attack ability.

Disarming Attack When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to disarm the target, forcing it to drop one item of your choice that it’s holding... On a failed save, it drops the object you choose. The object lands at its feet.

Effects that take place on the target's turn, rather than immediately (such as from the Command spell), explicitly say so.

2. You cannot, of your own volition, interact with objects or take free actions not on your turn, including dropping an item.

You can also interact with one object or feature of the environment for free, during either your move or your action. For example, you could open a door during your move as you stride toward a foe, or you could draw your weapon as part of the same action you use to attack. (PHB)

Allowing free interactions not on your turn is not described in the Combat section of the PHB, which is assumed to be an exhaustive list of options. Additionally, it would cause severe conflicts with both action economy and initiative, among other problems.

3. The "can" in the heat metal is referring to physical ability.

Your original question is defining "can" as "ability within D&D mechanics." The heat metal spell is defining it as "physical ability to do so." A sword, should you fail the constitution save, can be dropped. Items that have a doff time such as a shield (1 Action) or armor (1-5 minutes) physically cannot be dropped, regardless of the save outcome. (PHB Ch. 5, Getting Into and Out of Armor)

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