Every great monster hoards a pile of treasure.

Here’s how to use treasure based on the 2025 Monster Manual.

So, here’s a full breakdown of everything you oughta know about actions.

A dragon guards a Treasure Hoard in Dungeons & Dragons

What Is An Action?

Typically, an action takes six seconds of in-game time.

Actions can be either combative, utilitarian, or supportive, depending on what you’re trying to achieve.

Faldorn, Dread Wolf Herald, by Jason A Engle in DND

What Actions Can You Take?

Here is a quick overview of all actions, and a brief description of how they work.

Action

Details

Attack

Attack an enemy or object of your choosing with either a weapon or Unarmed Strike.

A split image of a player casting an elemental spell against a ship in a storm in DND.

Dash

Double your movement speed.

Dodge

When you take this action, attack rolls against you have disadvantage.

Plus, you’re able to make Dexterity saving throws with advantage.

An example of players and their characters exploring an environment in Dungeons & Dragons.

Exploration Example by John Grello

However, if you are Incapacitated, you no longer have this benefit.

Help

Assist another player with the attack or ability check, granting them advantage.

Hide

Make a Stealth check to hide yourself from view.

An illustration of players playing Dungeons & Dragons with their characters in the background.

Sample Play by John Grello

Influence

Make either a Charisma or Wisdom check (at the DM’s discretion) to persuade another creature.

Magic

Use magic either via a spell, magic item, or magical effect.

Ready

Prepare an action that you could trigger under a specified set of circumstances.

A four person adventuring party with a dragonborn, elf, gnome, and human attempt to cross a river.

An Adventuring Party by Viko Menezes

Search

Investigate an area of interest with a Wisdom check (at the DM’s discretion).

Study

venture to ascertain meaning or learn something with an Intelligence check (at the DM’s discretion).

Utilize

Make use of any nonmagical item or object.

Two player-characters bargain with a hag in her hovel in Dungeons & Dragons.

A Hag’s Bargain by Linda Lithen

All-in-all,there are three ‘categories’ of actionsin Dungeons & Dragons.

Some actions belong to multiple categories,and can be used differently in different situations.

These actions can involveattacking another creature, defending yourself, or assistingin another player’s combat endeavor.

Tabletop

These actions can pertain toinvestigating areas of interest, casting spells, or altering a situationvia roleplay.

Healing or assisting your alliesin some way typically defines the support action.

Whatever situation you find yourself in,remember it’s not all about attacking or defending.

d&d

Remember,you could only take one action at a time.