Search and Use an Object Actions
Search: [[compendium:skill:Perception]] or [[compendium:skill:Investigation]] check to find hidden things. Use an Object: interact with items beyond the one free interaction per turn.
Search and Use an Object Actions (Combat Action Detail)
These two actions cover non-combat activities you might need during a fight.
Search Action
When you take the Search action, you devote your attention to finding something. The DM might have you make a Wisdom (Perception) check to spot a hidden creature or object, or an Intelligence (Investigation) check to find a concealed mechanism or determine a pattern.
In combat: The Search action is useful for locating invisible or hidden enemies, finding a trap mechanism to disable, or spotting a key object in a chaotic battle scene.
Use an Object Action
You normally interact with one object for free during your turn (draw a weapon, open a door, pull a lever). The Use an Object action covers more involved object interactions or using a second object.
Examples requiring Use an Object:
- Drinking a potion (uses your action, not a bonus action by default — though many DMs house-rule potions as a bonus action)
- Administering a potion to another creature
- Using a non-magical device (pulling a complex lever mechanism, winding a rope)
- Activating certain magic items that specify "use an action"
- Lighting a torch
- Using a healer's kit to stabilize a creature
Free object interactions (no action required):
- Drawing or sheathing one weapon
- Opening or closing a door
- Picking up a dropped item
- Handing an item to another creature
- Pulling a simple lever or flipping a switch
Thief Rogue — Fast Hands: At level 3, Thieves can take the Use an Object action as a bonus action via Cunning Action, enabling them to use items like healer's kits, caltrops, or ball bearings as a bonus action.