2 Answers. No, drawing a weapon does not take an action. Nor does picking up a dropped weapon. Both answers are found in the “Interacting with Objects Around You” sidebar on page 190 in the Player’s Handbook (PHB):
How does Reaction work in 5e?
A Reaction is an instant response to a trigger of some kind, which can occur on Your Turn or on someone else’s. The opportunity Attack is the most Common type of Reaction. When you take a Reaction, you can’t take another one until the start of your next turn.
When do you need to use your action in 5e?
For example, you could open a door during your move as you stride toward a foe, or you could draw your weapon as part of the same action you use to attack. But a second object would require your action (see the next section of this answer): If you want to interact with a second object, you need to use your action.
Is the 5th edition of D & D free item interaction?
The 5th edition of D&D is a game of exceptions. For example, when you attack with a weapon requiring ammunition, drawing the ammunition is a part of making the attack (it doesn’t use up the free object interaction mentioned above). There may be other such exceptions.
When do you interact with an object in DND?
You normally interact with an object while doing something else, such as when you draw a sword as part of an attack. When an object requires your action for its use, you take the Use an Object action. This action is also useful when you want to interact with more than one object on your turn. There are some exceptions.
Is it possible to switch weapons in 5e?
They decided that drawing and sheating are separate object interactions, and dropping a weapon causes attacks of opportunity, because if you drop a weapon, you’re dropping your guard. As someone who used to run 4E, I allow weapon switching in 5E according to the 4E rules.
