Index -> Playing the Game -> Combat -> Combat Actions -> Using Activated Actions

Some of the item, abilities, and units you play have activated actions that can be used during combat. Like the activated actions you can use in your Main Phase, they have a symbol in their game text, separating cost and effect. In this case, however, eligible actions begin with the icon (if you're attacking) or the icon (if you're defending).

You can't use Main Phase (marked with the icon) actions during combat, even if the combat is taking place during your Main Phase.

You can't use an activated action on a unit or avatar that is not a combatant. You can only use activated actions on item and ability cards if your avatar is a combatant.