Eldritch Blast 5e is the most famous and powerful cantrip available to Warlocks in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. It stands out due to its long range, force damage, and scaling mechanics, making it the go-to choice for most Warlocks. Whether you’re new to D&D or a veteran player, understanding Eldritch Blast 5e can significantly enhance your Warlock’s effectiveness in combat.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything about Eldritch Blast 5e, from its mechanics to the best Eldritch Invocations that improve it.
What is Eldritch Blast in 5e?
Eldritch Blast is a Warlock-exclusive evocation cantrip that fires beams of magical energy at enemies. It is considered one of the best damaging cantrips in D&D 5e due to its unique properties.
Eldritch Blast Stats
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Spell Level | Cantrip |
| Casting Time | 1 Action |
| Range | 120 feet |
| Components | Verbal, Somatic |
| Duration | Instantaneous |
| Damage Type | Force |
| Scaling | Adds additional beams at higher levels |
How Eldritch Blast Works in D&D 5e
Eldritch Blast functions like a magical ranged attack, dealing force damage to targets. Unlike other cantrips, it scales by adding more beams instead of increasing damage:
- Level 1-4: Fires 1 beam (1d10 force damage per hit)
- Level 5-10: Fires 2 beams (each 1d10 damage)
- Level 11-16: Fires 3 beams (each 1d10 damage)
- Level 17+: Fires 4 beams (each 1d10 damage)
Each beam requires a separate attack roll, meaning you have a better chance to hit multiple targets.
Why is Eldritch Blast the Best Warlock Cantrip?
Why is Eldritch Blast the Best Warlock Cantrip?
Eldritch Blast is widely regarded as the best Warlock cantrip due to its versatility, range, and damage type:
- Force Damage: The least resisted damage type in 5e.
- 120-Foot Range: One of the longest among cantrips.
- Multiple Beams: Great for focusing fire or spreading attacks.
- Synergy with Invocations: Warlocks can enhance Eldritch Blast with powerful modifications.
Eldritch Invocations to Enhance Eldritch Blast
Warlocks can take Eldritch Invocations to customize their Eldritch Blast 5e usage. Here are the best ones:
1. Agonizing Blast (Must-have)
- Adds your Charisma modifier to Eldritch Blast damage.
- Increases damage output significantly, making it a staple for Warlocks.
2. Repelling Blast
- Pushes targets 10 feet away when hit.
- Great for battlefield control and keeping enemies at bay.
3. Lance of Lethargy
- Reduces the target’s speed by 10 feet.
- Useful for preventing melee enemies from closing in.
4. Eldritch Spear
- Increases Eldritch Blast’s range to 300 feet.
- Perfect for sniping enemies from extreme distances.
5. Grasp of Hadar
- Pulls a target 10 feet closer instead of pushing them away.
- Synergizes well with melee Warlocks.
Best Warlock Builds for Eldritch Blast
While every Warlock benefits from Eldritch Blast 5e, some builds optimize its power better than others.
1. The Blaster Warlock (Best for pure damage)
- Pact of the Tome for extra cantrips.
- Agonizing Blast + Hex for massive damage output.
- Sorcerer Multiclass for Metamagic like Twin Spell.
2. The Battlefield Controller
- Repelling Blast + Lance of Lethargy to keep enemies at a distance.
- Hexblade Warlock for improved melee and spellcasting.
3. The Sniper Warlock
- Eldritch Spear + Sharpshooter Feat for extreme long-range combat.
- Finds safety at long range while dealing consistent force damage.
Eldritch Blast vs. Other Cantrips
| Cantrip | Damage Type | Range | Unique Feature |
| Eldritch Blast | Force | 120 ft | Multiple beams, force damage |
| Fire Bolt | Fire | 120 ft | Single-target fire damage |
| Ray of Frost | Cold | 60 ft | Reduces enemy speed |
| Sacred Flame | Radiant | 60 ft | Ignores cover |
Eldritch Blast wins due to force damage, range, and beam mechanics, making it the superior choice.
Conclusion
Eldritch Blast is more than just a spell; it’s the backbone of Warlock gameplay in 5e. With proper Invocations and build strategies, it can outshine most damaging cantrips. Whether you’re a blaster Warlock, battlefield manipulator, or long-range sniper, Eldritch Blast 5e is an absolute must-have in your spell list.
FAQs
FAQs
1. Does Eldritch Blast require concentration?
No, Eldritch Blast does not require concentration, making it perfect for Warlocks who want to cast Hex alongside it.
2. Can Eldritch Blast be used with Twinned Spell?
No, because Eldritch Blast targets multiple enemies as you level up, it does not qualify for the Sorcerer’s Twinned Spell Metamagic.
3. Can Eldritch Blast be counterspelled?
Yes, Eldritch Blast is a spell and can be counterspelled by another caster.
4. What class can use Eldritch Blast?
Only Warlocks can cast Eldritch Blast unless a character takes the Magic Initiate feat.
5. How do I increase Eldritch Blast damage?
The best way is to take Agonizing Blast, which adds your Charisma modifier to the damage.
