Does Twinned Spell Work with Eldritch Blast? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is yes, at lower levels, Twinned Spell can work with Eldritch Blast. However, like many things in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), the full picture is more nuanced and depends on specific circumstances. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics, rules, and frequently asked questions to fully understand how these powerful tools interact.
Twinned Spell and its Requirements
The Sorcerer’s Metamagic option, Twinned Spell, is a potent ability allowing a spellcaster to double the impact of their spells. However, it comes with specific requirements:
- Single Target Focus: The spell must be capable of targeting only one creature at its current level.
- No Range of Self: The spell cannot have a range of self.
If a spell meets these criteria, the sorcerer can spend sorcery points equal to the spell’s level (or 1 point for a cantrip) to target a second creature in range with the same spell.
Eldritch Blast: The Base Case
Eldritch Blast, the iconic cantrip of the Warlock class, typically only targets a single creature when cast by a 1st to 4th level character. At these levels, it perfectly fits the criteria for Twinned Spell. As such, a sorcerer with the Twinned Spell metamagic option could use Eldritch Blast to target two separate creatures. This can be a particularly powerful tactic, effectively doubling the damage output.
Level Scaling of Eldritch Blast
The situation changes as the warlock gains levels. Eldritch Blast gains additional beams, creating multiple attack rolls as follows:
- 1-4 Level: One beam
- 5-10 Level: Two beams
- 11-16 Level: Three beams
- 17-20 Level: Four beams
When Eldritch Blast produces multiple beams, it can no longer be twinned. The spell is now capable of targeting more than one creature at that level, thus invalidating it for use with the Twinned Spell metamagic. Even if you only aim all beams at a single creature, the capability of the spell to affect multiple creatures makes it ineligible to be twinned.
The Key Takeaway
Twinned Spell does work with Eldritch Blast, but only for a 1st-4th level character. Once a character reaches 5th level, and the spell produces multiple beams, it no longer can be twinned, regardless of how many beams you are actually targeting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some FAQs to help you further understand the interaction between Twinned Spell and other aspects of 5e combat and spellcasting:
Can you use Quickened Spell with Eldritch Blast to cast it twice in one turn?
Yes, you absolutely can! Quickened Spell allows you to cast a spell as a bonus action. This means a Warlock can use their action to cast Eldritch Blast, and then, using a bonus action from Quickened Spell, cast it again on the same turn.
Does Twinned Spell work with any other cantrips?
Yes, as long as the cantrip only targets one creature, and doesn’t have a range of self, it is a valid target for the Twinned Spell metamagic option. For example, Ray of Frost or Firebolt can be twinned if a character is at a low level where they only target one creature.
Can I use Twinned Spell on a spell like Fireball?
No. Fireball is an area-of-effect spell (AoE), meaning it can affect multiple creatures. Twinned Spell only applies to spells that can target only one creature. Thus, AoE spells such as Fireball can’t generally be twinned.
Do you roll attack rolls separately when using Twinned Spell?
Yes. You make a separate attack roll for each target when using Twinned Spell. It’s important to roll separately, as one attack might hit, while the other misses. It’s also relevant for spells that have different effects on a hit or miss.
Can you Twin spells like True Polymorph?
Yes. Spells such as True Polymorph, Haste, Greater Invisibility, and Disintegrate can be twinned. The concentration requirement or the nature of the spell has no bearing on Twinned Spell eligibility. The only requirement is that the spell targets one creature at its current level.
What is the best use of Twinned Spell in 5e?
Twinned Spell has multiple excellent uses:
- Direct Damage: Hitting two enemies with a single spell that would normally only hit one, which is good for low-level Eldritch Blast.
- Control: Applying a crowd control spell, such as Hold Person, to two targets can potentially remove two threats from combat.
- Buffing: Enhancing two allies with a beneficial spell like Haste, significantly improving the party’s fighting capabilities.
Can a character cast cantrips infinitely?
Yes. Any character can cast any cantrips they know at will, an unlimited number of times, unless the feature that grants them the ability says otherwise. This is why cantrips are typically lower power than other spells.
Can Green Flame Blade be twinned?
No. Green-Flame Blade cannot be twinned. While it might seem like it only hits one creature, the secondary damage to another creature invalidates it from being twinnable. As per the PHB errata, for a spell to be twinnable it must be incapable of targeting more than one creature at the spell’s current level.
Can Dragons Breath be twinned?
No. Spells that cause areas of effect like Dragons Breath cannot be twinned. This is because they can affect more than a single target even if you only choose to apply it to a single target. This is why auras and smites cannot be shared with paladin steeds.
Can you Hex and Eldritch Blast in the same turn?
Yes, you can cast Hex and then attack with Eldritch Blast, as Hex uses a bonus action. However, you cannot Quicken another spell and cast Eldritch Blast in the same turn because you cannot use two bonus actions in the same turn. Also note that Hex only applies damage when a player hits with an attack and Eldritch Blast is a spell attack, not a weapon attack, so it cannot trigger Sneak Attack damage.
Can you Counterspell Eldritch Blast?
Yes. Counterspell works against any spell, including Eldritch Blast. As long as you meet the requirements for using Counterspell, it is a valid way to neutralize the power of an enemy warlock’s cantrip.
Does Powerful Cantrip work with Eldritch Blast?
Yes. The Powerful Cantrip feat can synergize well with Eldritch Blast. Each time a beam misses, the Powerful Cantrip adds a bonus to the damage. This bonus will average to about 2.5 damage per missed blast.
Can True Polymorph last forever?
No. True Polymorph has a duration of 1 hour, and it is a concentration spell. If concentration is maintained for the full hour, the effect becomes “until dispelled.” It is not permanent.
Can you twin a healing spell?
Yes. Twinned Spell can be used with healing spells such as Healing Word or Cure Wounds.
Does Twinned Spell work with Chaos Bolt?
No. Chaos Bolt can’t be twinned. Because Chaos Bolt is able to affect more than one creature at its base level due to its mechanics of arcing to another target, it cannot be twinned.
Can Acid Splash be twinned?
No, even if you only target one creature, Acid Splash cannot be twinned due to the ability of the spell to target two creatures within range. This applies to other similar spells, such as Chain Lightning.
Conclusion
Understanding how Twinned Spell interacts with Eldritch Blast and other spells is crucial for maximizing your spellcasting effectiveness. Remember, while at 1st-4th level, Eldritch Blast is a good target for Twinned Spell, this is not the case once the number of blasts increases. Armed with this knowledge and the answers to our frequently asked questions, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the complexities of 5e spellcasting and make strategic decisions in your campaigns.