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Sometimes, you need to wipe the sweat out of your eyes before re-engaging in combat.Dungeons & Dragonsis known for its turn-based yet dramatic combat between the party and whatever monstrosity the Dungeon Master throws at them. Each turn in combat comes with its own set of actions that a player can take, all lasting six seconds in “real combat.” One of these actions is called a “Free Action.”
A Free Action differs slightly from the other actions and moves you can take in combat. You don’t necessarily have to be in combat to be able to use it. In general, free actions allow you to do small actions not designated in other areas.
“Free Action” Explained
In a round of combat in Dungeons & Dragons,a player can do a variety of things in their turn, including an Action, a Bonus Action, a Movement,and other random class features and abilities detailed on their character sheet. Another thing they may consider is taking a “Free Action.”
A Free Action is almost what the name suggests:it is an action that doesn’t take up any other moves in a combat rotation and is often used to perform more uncommon/ less time-consuming actions.The most common form of Free Action is small communication;whether saying a funny one-liner while throwing a goblin across a bar or making a dramatic statement to a villain, this would take the form of a Free Action.
For example, a player might say something like this on their turn in combat:
Player Commentary
Combat Action Associated
I run up to the bandit that’s holding the hostage, stopping about 10 feet away from them.
Movement
I say to them, “Don’t do anything stupid! Let them go, and we can work this out peacefully!”
Free Action
I discreetly draw my dagger behind me, holding my Action to attack when needed.
Other Free Actions that players can take include:
Why Use Free Actions?
With Free Actions only being responsible for small acts that don’t necessarily change combat,it can be easy for a player to forget about their Free Action.In truth,players always use Free Actions and don’t even notice it;anytime a small conversation or subtle interaction that isn’t dictated as an Action/ Bonus Action/ Movement can be described as a Free Action.
Free Actions help add extra detail and characterization to what is currently occurring.While it is perfectly normal to list everything you want to do in combat, like a laundry list,being able to use a Free Action to act out/role-play what is occurring can help immerse you in the world.
Dungeon Masters specifically always use Free Actions to give a more “dramatic flair” to their story.Even outside of combat, while players normally take turns doing something like relaxing in a tavern, a Dungeon Master might quickly describe what other patrons in the tavern are doing before asking what each player wants to do.
Free Actions serve as the tiny lines and details that can make every interaction a bit more excitingwithout focusing strictly on character abilities or features.
