Can You Use Eldritch Blast More Than Once? A Deep Dive into D&D’s Iconic Cantrip

The short answer is yes, you absolutely can cast Eldritch Blast more than once in a single turn in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), although it requires some specific character builds and strategic planning. Eldritch Blast, the iconic cantrip of the Warlock class, is renowned for its consistent damage output and customization potential, making it a favorite among many players. However, understanding the mechanics behind casting it multiple times can be complex. Let’s delve into the details.

Understanding the Action Economy

The core of 5e’s combat system revolves around a turn-based action economy. Typically, on your turn, you can move, take one action, and use a bonus action, if you have an ability that allows it. The most common action is the “Cast a Spell” action, which is how you use Eldritch Blast.

Casting Eldritch Blast Multiple Times

So, how do you manage to use Eldritch Blast more than once in a single turn? The key is manipulating this action economy with specific class features and abilities.

The Sorcerer’s Quickened Spell

The Sorcerer class has a Metamagic option called Quickened Spell. This ability allows a Sorcerer to cast a spell with a casting time of one action as a bonus action by expending Sorcery Points. Since Eldritch Blast is a spell with a casting time of one action, a Sorcerer (or a multi-classed Warlock/Sorcerer) can cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action using Quickened Spell, and then again as their regular action, effectively casting it twice in one turn.

The Fighter’s Action Surge

The Fighter class, specifically, at level 2, gains the Action Surge ability. This allows you to take one additional action on your turn, once per short or long rest. Combining this with Quickened Spell, a multi-classed Sorcerer/Warlock/Fighter character can potentially cast Eldritch Blast three times in one turn: once as a bonus action using Quickened Spell, once as their regular action, and once using the Action Surge.

Multiple Beams Per Cast

It’s important to note that with every cast of Eldritch Blast, the number of beams increases as your character levels up. You don’t get additional uses; each cast produces more beams as you gain character levels, not class levels. At level 1-4, you have one beam, at level 5-10, you have two beams, at level 11-16 you have three beams, and at level 17-20, you have four beams. Each beam requires its own attack roll and deals separate damage. For example, if you are a level 5 character who has managed to cast Eldritch Blast twice in one round, you have launched a total of 4 beams.

Limitations

Keep in mind that there are still limitations:

• Action Surge is only usable once per short or long rest.
• Quickened Spell requires spending Sorcery Points, which are a limited resource.
• Multi-classing into multiple classes can delay access to higher level class features and spells, and may not be optimal.
• You cannot use Hex, or Hexblade’s Curse on the same turn that you quicken spell.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further clarify the intricacies of using Eldritch Blast multiple times, here are some frequently asked questions:

1. Does Eldritch Blast count as a cantrip?

Yes, Eldritch Blast is a cantrip. This means it can be cast at will, without expending spell slots. It also means that you are subject to the normal rules for cantrips if using bonus actions.

2. Can you cast two cantrips in one turn?

**Yes**. If you cast a spell, of any level, including a cantrip, using a bonus action, the only other spell that can be cast on that turn is another cantrip.

3. Does Eldritch Blast scale well?

Yes, Eldritch Blast is considered to scale exceptionally well, as it increases in beam count, each with separate attack rolls, rather than just damage dice. This leads to higher average damage output as you level up.

4. Can a non-Warlock use Eldritch Blast?

Eldritch Blast is typically **exclusive to the Warlock class**. However, other classes can gain access to the spell via feats such as **Magic Initiate** or through features of the Bard class with **Magical Secrets** at level 10, although those classes do not get the benefit of the **Eldritch Invocations**.

5. Do you roll multiple times for Eldritch Blast?

**Yes**. You roll a separate attack roll for each beam of Eldritch Blast. Each successful hit inflicts 1d10 force damage.

6. Can I cast Hex and Eldritch Blast?

**Yes**, you can cast Hex and Eldritch Blast. However, **not on the same turn if using quicken spell metamagic**. Hex is typically cast first because it takes a bonus action to cast, and the bonus action spell slot is used before the regular action.

7. Can Eldritch Blast be twinned?

**Yes**, Eldritch Blast can be twinned if cast by a character level 1-4, since it only targets one creature. With the increase in the number of beams that you get at level 5, it no longer counts as a spell that is capable of being twinned.

8. What is the longest possible range for Eldritch Blast?

The **Eldritch Spear** invocation increases the range of Eldritch Blast to **300 feet**.

9. How many Eldritch Blast beams can a Warlock have?

A level 17+ Warlock (or any other class character who has learned the spell) who casts Eldritch Blast has **four beams**.

10. Why is Eldritch Blast so good?

 Eldritch Blast is powerful due to several factors:
    * **Force Damage:** Force damage is one of the least resisted damage types in the game.
    * **Customization:** The **Eldritch Invocations** system makes Eldritch Blast highly customizable, allowing for multiple different effects and damage increases.
    * **Scaling:** As explained above, the multiple beams scale well, increasing damage over character levels.
    * **Consistency:** It is a cantrip meaning you can cast it without using spell slots.

11. Can Eldritch Blast hit allies?

Typically, no. In most cases, Eldritch Blast will hit your intended target if it succeeds in the attack roll. However, the Dungeon Master (DM) can use optional rules for cover, where allies might provide cover and, therefore, a chance that they will be hit instead.

12. Can a Warlock move between Eldritch Blast beams?

 **Yes**, you can break up your movement on your turn, using some of your speed before and after your action.

13. Can you curve Eldritch Blast?

There is no explicit rule that states you can curve Eldritch Blast. The spell states “Make a ranged spell attack against the target.” which is typically interpreted as a line of sight spell. Most DMs will not allow the spell to bend around corners.

14. Does Eldritch Blast count as a ranged spell attack?

**Yes**, Eldritch Blast requires a ranged spell attack roll against the target's AC.

15. Is Eldritch Blast the best spell?

While the power level of any spell is going to be subjective, Eldritch Blast is widely considered one of the best cantrips in D&D 5e, due to its consistent damage output, force damage type, and high level of customization through invocations. It is arguably the best single target damage cantrip. It becomes an even more powerful option when you are capable of casting it multiple times in one turn.

Conclusion

Eldritch Blast’s potential for multiple casts in a single turn, when combined with its scaling mechanics and invocations, solidifies its place as a top-tier cantrip in D&D 5e. While it requires a specific character build involving multi-classing, the ability to fire off multiple beams, especially when bolstered by other features like Hex, makes Eldritch Blast a fearsome and versatile spell to have in your arsenal. Understanding the nuances of the action economy and spell mechanics is key to maximizing the power of Eldritch Blast in your games.