Introduction
Eldritch Blast is one of the most iconic spells in Dungeons & Dragons 5e. If you’re playing a Warlock, there’s a 99% chance you’ll be using this spell frequently. Unlike other cantrips, Eldritch Blast scales well, can be modified with invocations, and offers unmatched versatility. In this guide, we’ll break down how Eldritch Blast 5e works, its advantages, key interactions, and how to optimize it for the best combat performance.
Eldritch Blast 5e: Spell Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Spell Level | Cantrip |
| Casting Time | 1 Action |
| Range | 120 feet |
| Components | Verbal, Somatic |
| Duration | Instantaneous |
| Damage Type | Force |
| Scaling | Additional beams at levels 5, 11, and 17 |
| Class | Warlock |
Eldritch Blast is a force damage cantrip, making it resistant to most enemy resistances. It scales with your level, meaning it stays relevant throughout your entire campaign.
How Eldritch Blast Works
Eldritch Blast is unique because it fires multiple beams as you level up. Each beam requires a separate attack roll and can target different enemies:
- 1 beam at Level 1
- 2 beams at Level 5
- 3 beams at Level 11
- 4 beams at Level 17
Each beam deals 1d10 force damage and benefits from spellcasting ability modifiers like Charisma. Because each beam is a separate attack, you can split them among different enemies or focus them on a single target.
Why Eldritch Blast Is the Best Warlock Cantrip
1. Best Damage Scaling
Many cantrips like Fire Bolt or Ray of Frost increase damage dice as you level up. However, Eldritch Blast instead adds more beams, making it incredibly effective with attack bonuses, buffs, and additional effects.
2. Force Damage is King
Force damage is one of the least resisted types in D&D. Unlike fire or necrotic damage, very few monsters have resistance or immunity to force damage, making Eldritch Blast reliable.
3. Customization with Eldritch Invocations
What truly sets Eldritch Blast apart is how it can be customized with Warlock invocations. Some of the best invocations include:
- Agonizing Blast – Adds Charisma modifier to each beam’s damage.
- Repelling Blast – Pushes enemies 10 feet away per beam.
- Eldritch Spear – Extends range to 300 feet.
- Lance of Lethargy – Reduces enemy speed by 10 feet.
4. No Spell Slot Consumption
Since Eldritch Blast is a cantrip, you can cast it infinitely without worrying about using spell slots. This is crucial for Warlocks, who have limited spell slots compared to other spellcasters.
How to Optimize Eldritch Blast in 5e
1. Prioritize Charisma (CHA)
Since Eldritch Blast uses your Charisma for attack rolls and invocations, make sure to max it out as soon as possible. A Warlock with 20 CHA at high levels will consistently land powerful hits.
2. Choose the Right Invocations
- Agonizing Blast is an absolute must. The damage boost makes a huge difference.
- Repelling Blast is great for battlefield control, allowing you to push enemies into hazards or keep them away from your allies.
3. Use Hex for Extra Damage
Combining Eldritch Blast with Hex is a powerful strategy. Hex allows you to deal an extra 1d6 necrotic damage on each hit. Since Eldritch Blast has multiple beams, that’s 1d6 per beam!
4. Multiclassing for Maximum Power
If you want to go beyond pure Warlock, consider these multiclass options:
- Sorcerer (Metamagic: Quickened Spell) – Allows you to cast Eldritch Blast twice per turn (once as an action, once as a bonus action).
- Paladin (Hexblade Combo) – Combine melee attacks with Eldritch Blast for insane burst damage.
Common Eldritch Blast Combos & Tricks
- Pushing enemies off cliffs (Repelling Blast)
- Slowing down enemies (Lance of Lethargy)
- Sniping from extreme range (Eldritch Spear + Sharpshooter feat)
- Quickened Eldritch Blast with Metamagic (Sorcerer)
FAQs
1. Can Eldritch Blast be counterspelled?
No, since it is a cantrip, Counterspell does not work on Eldritch Blast.
2. Can I use Sneak Attack with Eldritch Blast?
No, Sneak Attack requires a finesse or ranged weapon, and Eldritch Blast is a spell attack.
3. Does Eldritch Blast work with Hex?
Yes! Since Hex adds extra necrotic damage to any hit, each beam benefits from it.
4. Can I twin Eldritch Blast with Sorcerer’s Twinned Spell?
No, because Eldritch Blast targets multiple creatures separately, it doesn’t qualify for Twinned Spell.
5. Does Repelling Blast stack?
Yes! If you hit an enemy with multiple beams, you can push them multiple times.
6. Can Eldritch Blast crit?
Yes! Since each beam is a separate attack roll, any of them can crit individually.
7. Can I use War Caster to cast Eldritch Blast as an opportunity attack?
Yes! War Caster allows you to cast a spell instead of a melee attack for opportunity attacks.
8. What is the best race for an Eldritch Blast Warlock?
- Tiefling (Charisma boost + racial spells)
- Half-Elf (Extra skills + Charisma boost)
- Variant Human (Bonus feat like War Caster or Magic Initiate)
Final Thoughts
Eldritch Blast is the most powerful and flexible cantrip in Dungeons & Dragons 5e. Whether you’re a new Warlock or a seasoned spellcaster, mastering Eldritch Blast can turn your character into a ranged combat powerhouse. By choosing the right invocations, multiclassing effectively, and maximizing Charisma, you can ensure your Warlock dominates every battle.
Ready to unleash the full power of Eldritch Blast? Build your Warlock, pick the right feats, and let the force damage rain down!
