Activating some magic items requires a user to do something special, such as holding the item and uttering a command word. The description of each item category or individual item details how an item is activated. Certain items use the following rules for their activation.
If an item requires an action to activate, that action isn’t a function of the Use an Item action, so a feature such as the rogue’s Fast Hands can’t be used to activate the item.
More Rules
Explore other rules in the same category
Attunement
Some magic items require a creature to form a bond with them before their magical properties can be used. This …
Wearing and Wielding Items
Using a magic item’s properties might mean wearing or wielding it. A magic item meant to be worn must be …
Multiple Items of the Same Kind
Use common sense to determine whether more than one of a given kind of magic item can be worn. A …
Paired Items
Items that come in pairs—such as boots, bracers, gauntlets, and gloves—impart their benefits only if both items of the pair …
Command Word
A command word is a word or phrase that must be spoken for an item to work. A magic item …