If you’re playing a Warlock in Dungeons & Dragons 5e, chances are you’re familiar with Eldritch Blast. This cantrip is not just a staple of the class—it’s often considered the best damage-dealing cantrip in the game.
But what makes 5e Eldritch Blast so powerful? Why do Warlocks rely on it so much? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from mechanics and invocations to tactics that will make you an unstoppable force on the battlefield.
What is Eldritch Blast in 5e?
Eldritch Blast is an evocation cantrip exclusive to Warlocks. It is widely regarded as the most powerful damage-focused cantrip due to its scalability, versatility, and synergy with Warlock abilities.
Key Features of Eldritch Blast
- Spell Level: Cantrip
- Casting Time: 1 action
- Range: 120 feet
- Components: Verbal, Somatic
- Duration: Instantaneous
- Damage Type: Force
- Effect: Fires one or more beams of crackling energy
As Warlocks level up, Eldritch Blast becomes even stronger. You start with one beam, but at higher levels, you can fire multiple beams—each of which requires its own attack roll and can target different creatures.
Scaling of Eldritch Blast
- Level 1-4: 1 beam (1d10 force damage)
- Level 5-10: 2 beams (2d10 total)
- Level 11-16: 3 beams (3d10 total)
- Level 17+: 4 beams (4d10 total)
This scaling makes Eldritch Blast incredibly powerful, especially when combined with invocations and other Warlock features.
Why is Eldritch Blast So Popular?
Eldritch Blast is considered the gold standard for Warlocks, and for good reason:
- Force Damage is Hard to Resist – Very few creatures in D&D 5e have resistance or immunity to force damage.
- Amazing Range – 120 feet lets you stay out of danger while still dealing damage.
- Multiple Beams, Multiple Targets – Higher levels allow you to hit multiple enemies or focus fire on a single foe.
- Synergizes with Invocations – The right Eldritch Invocations can make this spell even deadlier.
- No Resource Cost – Since it’s a cantrip, you can use it every turn without using spell slots.
These advantages make Eldritch Blast a core ability for almost every Warlock build.
Best Eldritch Invocations for Eldritch Blast
One of the reasons Eldritch Blast is so overpowered is its interaction with Eldritch Invocations. These special abilities allow Warlocks to modify and enhance their spellcasting.
Must-Have Invocations
- Agonizing Blast – Adds your Charisma modifier to each beam’s damage. This is a must-have for Warlocks.
- Repelling Blast – Pushes enemies 10 feet away per beam. Great for battlefield control.
- Eldritch Spear – Increases range to 300 feet. Perfect for sniping enemies from a distance.
- Grasp of Hadar – Pulls a creature 10 feet toward you. Good for controlling enemy movement.
- Lance of Lethargy – Reduces a target’s speed by 10 feet. Ideal for slowing down foes.
By combining these invocations, you can customize Eldritch Blast to fit your playstyle—whether that’s dealing max damage, controlling enemies, or keeping your distance.
How to Maximize Eldritch Blast in Combat
Using Eldritch Blast effectively requires more than just spamming it every turn. Here are some key tactics to consider.
1. Positioning is Everything
Since Eldritch Blast has a 120-foot range, you can stay far away from enemies and still deal damage. Use this to your advantage—find high ground or cover and keep your enemies at bay.
2. Focus on Charisma
Your attack rolls and damage scale with Charisma, so always max out your Charisma score first. A high Charisma Warlock will hit more often and deal massive damage.
3. Use Repelling Blast for Battlefield Control
Pushing enemies away with Repelling Blast can:
- Keep melee enemies from reaching you
- Push enemies into traps, hazards, or off cliffs
- Protect allies by forcing enemies away from them
4. Pair it with Hex for Extra Damage
Hex is a bonus action spell that adds 1d6 necrotic damage to every successful attack. Since each Eldritch Blast beam counts as a separate attack, you can apply the extra damage multiple times per turn.
Example:
- Level 11 Warlock with Hex + Agonizing Blast
- Fires 3 beams, each doing 1d10 + Charisma modifier + 1d6 Hex damage
- Potential max damage per turn: 3d10 + 3d6 + (Charisma x3)
That’s huge damage output, all without spending spell slots!
Best Warlock Subclasses for Eldritch Blast
Not all Warlock subclasses use Eldritch Blast the same way. Here are the best Patrons for maximizing its potential:
1. The Hexblade
- Hex Warrior lets you use Charisma for weapon attacks.
- Hexblade’s Curse adds bonus damage to Eldritch Blast.
- Extra survivability with medium armor and shields.
2. The Great Old One
- Telepathic abilities allow you to mess with enemies.
- Frighten enemies to reduce their attack effectiveness.
- Good mix of damage and battlefield control.
3. The Fiend
- Dark One’s Blessing grants temporary HP when you kill with Eldritch Blast.
- Extra fire spells to mix with force damage.
- More durability for frontline play.
Conclusion:
Eldritch Blast is the most powerful cantrip in D&D 5e because of its range, force damage, and scalability. When combined with the right invocations, it becomes an unstoppable force.
If you’re playing a Warlock, mastering Eldritch Blast is essential for maximum damage output and battlefield control. Use the right invocations, strategy, and subclass to become a true powerhouse.
FAQs
1. Is Eldritch Blast the Best Cantrip in 5e?
Yes! Its damage, range, scalability, and synergy with Warlock features make it arguably the best damage-dealing cantrip in the game.
2. Can a Sorcerer or Wizard Use Eldritch Blast?
No, only Warlocks get Eldritch Blast. However, other classes can use it by taking the Magic Initiate (Warlock) feat.
3. Does Eldritch Blast Work with Sneak Attack?
No. Sneak Attack applies only to weapon attacks, not spell attacks.
4. How Can I Boost Eldritch Blast Damage?
Take Agonizing Blast, cast Hex, and increase your Charisma score for maximum damage.
5. Does Eldritch Blast Require Line of Sight?
Yes! You must see your target to fire Eldritch Blast.
