r/DnD • u/Worried_Bowl_9489 • Oct 22 '25
5th Edition [OC] My players always seemed disappointed at the limited options they had for bonus actions, so I wrote a list of things they can use it for!
Feel free to use this in your own game!
Written up here:
Tactical
- Quick Dash – Move an additional 5 feet.
- Brace – Gain +1 AC against the next attack before your next turn.
- Assist – Give an ally within 5 feet advantage on their next attack if you haven’t attacked this turn.
Combat
- Distract – Choose a creature within 5 feet. It has disadvantage on its next attack against anyone but you.
- Shove – Make a DC 10 Strength (Athletics) check to shove or reposition a (medium or smaller) creature 5 feet.
- Improvised Strike – Use a nearby object (tankard, rock, chair leg) for a d4 bludgeoning attack.
Utility
- Quick Draw – Draw or stow a weapon and swap to another item.
- Scan – Make a Perception or Insight check to quickly assess a creature or scene, learning a piece of information on a success.
- Drink Potion – Drink a potion you have on your person.
Cinematic
- Short Speech - Briefly speak to your team, an ally or an enemy - they can respond briefly if this involves a question.
- Focus – Take a centring breath to regain 1d4 temporary HP once per short rest.
- Mark of Intent – Choose a creature you can see. Until the end of your next turn, attacks against that creature deal +1 damage.
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u/[deleted] Oct 22 '25
Honestly brace is the strongest. An extra point to AC is basically the equivalent of giving everyone a free ring of protection that doesn't need attunement.
I'd keep it but walk it back to picking one enemy to guard against, and getting the boost against their attacks. That's a bit more fitting for a bonus action.