5-Foot Step
5-Foot Step
Type of Action: Free action (special; see below)
Taking a 5-foot step is a free action that allows you to move from your current space without provoking attacks of opportunity from nearby enemy creatures which threaten your square. However, there are some conditions which must be met in order to take a 5-foot step on your turn.
A creature can take a 5-foot step in any round in which it doesn't perform any other kind of movement. Creatures cannot take more than one 5-foot step in a round, and cannot take a 5-foot step in the same round in which it moved any distance through its own actions (e.g. Walk, Run, Charge, Spring Attack (Feat), casting a spell that moves the creature from its starting location, etc.).
Standing up from Prone is also considered movement, thus disallowing 5-foot steps.
A creature can take a 5-foot step before, during, or after its other actions in the round. A 5-foot step can even be used between attacks during a full attack action.
A creature can only take a 5-foot-step if its movement isn't hampered by difficult terrain or darkness. Any creature with a speed of 5 feet or less can't take a 5-foot step, since moving even 5 feet requires a move action for such a slow creature.
No creature may take a 5-foot step using a form of movement for which it does not have a listed speed.
If a creature has an action point which can be used to grant a move action, it may spend the action point to take a 5-foot step (using up the move action), even if it has previously moved this round, or has already taken a 5-foot step. Using action points in this manner deliberately breaks the normal rules for 5-foot steps, since action points are meant to simulate truly heroic deeds.
Some classes (e.g. Prowler) and races (e.g. Half-Orc) have special abilities which allow them to make more than one 5-foot step in a single round, or in rounds in which they have already moved. The listed rules may also specify different limitations for using the ability (e.g. the additional 5-foot step may cost a swift or move action to perform). In these cases, the specific ability's rules take precedence over the rules listed here.