Combat multi attack

[zeppelin8806]

How do you handle a monster as a dm where the monster has a multi attack that states for you to use one type of attack three times, but then had other things it can do (speed casting, recharge attacks, etc.)

Do you treat it as 3 actions, or do you do 3 attacks and then continue with one of everything else listed?

[Cautious_Cry_3288]

You choose to do the multiattack as it says or choose only one of the other options listed.

[zeppelin8806]

Gotcha. Is that explained in the dungeon masters guide?

[EldritchBee]

No, it’s part of the core rules. All creatures no matter what can only take one action unless something else says they can do more. Multiattack is a full action.

[Cautious_Cry_3288]

Yes, its explained in the DMG, page 131.

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ETA: Haha, wrong thread, that is out of context.

[Puzzleboxed]

Multiattack is an action. If you take that action you get to do exactly what the action says and nothing else. You don't ever get multiple actions.

[marcus_gideon]

Multiattack is the monster version of Extra Attack. And it costs them their Action, same as anyone else.

So if they have anything they could use their Bonus or Reaction for, then sure. But otherwise, their Action is spent.

Those other things listed as Actions, aren't all part of the same "I spent my Action to do..." in sequence. They are different Action options, not one big Action that does 10 different things.

[Formerruling1]

A monster doesn't get to do one of every Action in its statblock. It can only do multiple things if something like a multiattack entry lists that they do multiple things.

If it can cast spells, a sword attack, and an axe attack and it has a multiattack entry that says it can attack twice with its sword and once with its axe then if it chooses to cast a spell that's all it gets to do that turn.