[RPG] Casting multiple spells in a single round

actionsbonus-actiondnd-5ereactionsspellcasting

In the PHB page 202 under the bonus action heading it states:

You can't cast another spell during the same turn, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.

This seems to state that if you cast a bonus action spell, you could not cast a reaction spell in the same round.

That is to say, there is no limit to how many spells you could cast in a round (action economy willing) as long as you don't cast a bonus action spell.

Is this correct? What is the maximum number of spells that a character could cast in a round? Does anyone know the reasoning to exclude casting both a bonus action spell and a reaction spell in the same round?

Best Answer

The maximum number of spells a character can cast in a round is 3. You can only take 1 reaction per round, although some monsters have an ability that allows them to ignore this restriction.

You can't cast another spell during the same turn, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.

This means that you can cast a bonus action spell and a regular action cantrip on your turn, and a reaction spell at some point in the round that is not your turn.

A round consists of every creature in the combat taking a turn. This means that you are free to use your reaction in the same round, as long as it's not on your turn.

It's very difficult to trigger a reaction on your own turn anyway, since most of the triggers for reactions are your character's reaction to something else. The only exception I can think of is moving such that you trigger an attack of opportunity, since being attacked is a trigger for a number of reactions.

So if you cast a bonus action spell and a regular action cantrip, then trigger an AoO in the same turn, you would not be able to use your reaction to cast Shield. But if you were attacked after your turn had ended, you would then be able to cast Shield.

Largely unnecessary caveat

There is one point which confuses the issue a bit - the Fighter's Action Surge ability.

You can't cast another spell during the same turn, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.

This can be interpreted as meaning either you can cast a single cantrip with a casting time of 1 action in the same turn, or, you can only cast cantrips with a casting time of 1 action in the same turn. If the former, the maximum is 3 as written above. If the latter, you can cast 4 as written in this answer.

Personally, while I'm not sure of the RAW answer here, if a player wanted to waste use their Action Surge on casting a cantrip I would definitely allow it.

Reference: PHB, p. 202.

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