Actions | Game Master Companion 5e

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Rules-complex transactions made a little easier

Actions in Combat

In combat, you can take an action on your turn. (93) The most common actions are:

Attack (melee or ranged)
Cast a Spell
Use a Magic Item
Action from your class or a special feature

Other typical actions include:

Dash (gain extra movement)
Disengage (move without provoking opp. attacks)
Dodge (focus on defense)
Help (aid another in attacking or doing a task)
Hide (including sneaking by or up to someone)
Ready (act only upon a triggering event)
Search (focus on finding something)
Use an Object
Socially Interact
Stabilize a Creature (avoid death saving throws)

See these actions in the DMG and XGtE:

Climb onto a Bigger Creature (DMG 271)
Disarm Mark (DMG 271)
Identify a Spell (XGtE 85)
Overrun (DMG 272)
Shove Aside (DMG 272)

You can ask the GM about improvising an action.

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