Action Economy Spells
Action economy spells in D&D 5e maximize the the choices you get out of each turn. These spells either activate without consuming your action, provide ongoing abilities that make use of bonus actions, or enable you to make new, impactful choices with the actions of future turns.
Mastering the action economy is one of the keys to effective spellcasting. Whether you're casting a bonus action spell to leave your action free for attacks, using your reaction to counter an enemy's move, or setting up a spell that can deal damage turn after turn, these spells reward tactical planning and help you be efficient with your resources.
When should you choose an action economy spell?
Action Economy spells shine when:
- There's a large and ongoing battle you want to get the upper hand in
- You want the ability to select from many different spell choices within future turns
- You have bonus actions or reactions that would otherwise go unused
- You want to set up long-term advantages that pay dividends over multiple rounds
They are less effective when:
- You need an immediate, high-impact single-turn effect
- The encounter will likely be over in one or two rounds
- You can't maintain concentration on ongoing effects
Control Spells
Action economy control spells allow you to lock down enemies or manipulate the battlefield while still taking other actions. These spells excel at maintaining control effects turn after turn with minimal investment.
- Counterspell — The ultimate reaction spell. Shut down enemy spellcasters by interrupting their spells, all without using your turn or even waiting for your initiative.
- Major Image — Create an illusion on the battlefield that can be changed each turn to take new positions, make new sounds, and be appropriately altered to depict a real creature or object. Perfect for setting up distractions or feints.
- Compulsion — Control the movements of any number of creatures around you, using your bonus actions to change their directions. A great option to clear a lane and direct your enemies into trouble.
- Eyebite — A concentration spell that lets you inflict different debilitating effects as an action each turn. Versatile control that adapts to the situation round by round.
Damage Spells
Action economy damage spells let you deal damage while preserving your action for other activities, or provide sustained damage over multiple turns. Perfect for maintaining offensive pressure without monopolizing your turn.
- Spiritual Weapon — The quintessential bonus action damage spell. Summon a floating weapon that attacks as a bonus action each turn, leaving your action free for cantrips or other spells.
- Flaming Sphere — A mobile sphere of fire that you can ram into enemies as a bonus action. Excellent for sustained damage and battlefield control without using your main action.
- Call Lightning — Summon a storm cloud that lets you call down lightning bolts as an action each turn. Great sustained damage that doesn't require repeated spell castings.
- Blade of Disaster — Create a blade of pure force that you control as a bonus action, making devastating attacks while your action remains free for other spells or abilities.
Support Spells
Action economy support spells enable you to buff allies or provide healing without sacrificing your main action. Ideal for characters who want to support their team while remaining active combatants.
- Summon Elemental — Create an Elemental Spirit ally that obeys your commands, which don't require actions on your turn. Use it to deal damage and give your enemies more allies to deal with.'
- Haste — Double an ally's movement and give them an extra action each turn. One of the most powerful action economy buffs in the game, as long as you can hold your concentration on it.
- Shield — The iconic reaction spell. Boost your AC by +5 when you're hit, potentially turning a hit into a miss without using your turn.
- Alustriel's Mooncloak — Gain cover and add resistance to Cold, Lightning and Radiant damage, and when you're ready to ditch the defense, heal up you or an ally, or turn a failed save into a success on being Frightened, Grappled or Restrained. Gives you lots of options in key situations.
Utility Spells
Action economy utility spells provide versatile benefits that work in the background or activate when needed. These spells offer creative solutions without consuming your precious actions.
- Misty Step — Teleport up to 30 feet as a bonus action. Perfect for repositioning while still using your action to cast spells or make attacks.
- Find Familiar — Summon a familiar that acts independently on its own turn. Gain scouting, delivery, and Help action benefits without using your actions in combat.
- Expeditious Retreat — Dash as a bonus action every turn for up to 10 minutes. Maintain high mobility while keeping your action available for other activities.
- Unseen Servant — Create a servant that can interact with objects, mend clothes, serve food, light fires and more, using only your bonus actions. Perfect for setting up camp or springing traps.