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Can a Sorcerer Get Agonizing Blast?

The short answer is: it’s complicated, but generally no, a sorcerer cannot directly gain the Agonizing Blast Eldritch Invocation without multiclassing into a Warlock. Agonizing Blast is specifically an Eldritch Invocation, a unique class feature tied to the Warlock class. While other classes can gain access to the Eldritch Blast cantrip itself, accessing Warlock invocations is another matter entirely. Let’s break down the hows and whys of this ruling.

Understanding the Core Mechanics

To understand why a sorcerer typically can’t get Agonizing Blast, we need to understand the spell, the invocation, and how they interact with multiclassing and feats.

Eldritch Blast: The Foundation

Eldritch Blast is a cantrip, meaning it can be cast at will without expending spell slots. It’s primarily associated with Warlocks, firing beams of energy that each deal 1d10 force damage. As you level up as a Warlock, the number of beams increases, maxing out at four beams at level 17.

Agonizing Blast: The Powerhouse

Agonizing Blast is an Eldritch Invocation. Eldritch Invocations are class features available to Warlocks at specific levels. Agonizing Blast specifically allows a Warlock to add their Charisma modifier to the damage of each Eldritch Blast beam. This is where the real power of Eldritch Blast stems from; it transforms a decent cantrip into a consistent and powerful source of damage. The prerequisite for Agonizing Blast is that you must be able to cast Eldritch Blast, but that isn’t the only requirement to get the benefits.

Multiclassing: The Potential Pathway

Multiclassing allows you to take levels in multiple classes. A sorcerer can indeed take levels in Warlock, and by doing so, gain access to Eldritch Blast and eventually the Agonizing Blast invocation. This is arguably the most straightforward and reliable way for a sorcerer to get Agonizing Blast. However, it requires dedicating character levels to the Warlock class, impacting sorcerer spell progression.

Feats: The Tricky Option

The Eldritch Adept feat allows you to choose one Eldritch Invocation. However, it comes with a crucial caveat: you must meet the prerequisites for the invocation. So, if you are not a Warlock, and you only know the cantrip Eldritch Blast from another feat, you can not take Agonizing Blast.

Why the Restriction?

The limitation on Agonizing Blast is deliberate design. It’s intended to be a signature feature of the Warlock class. Allowing other classes easy access to such a powerful damage boost would diminish the Warlock’s unique identity and power curve. While some DMs might allow exceptions, the core rules heavily lean towards restricting Agonizing Blast to Warlocks (or those who multiclass into Warlock).

Navigating the Rules

Careful reading of the Player’s Handbook and other official sources is key. Pay close attention to the wording of class features, feats, and spell descriptions. Consider your character build carefully and weigh the pros and cons of multiclassing versus other optimization strategies. If you’re aiming for maximum damage output, a Warlock dip might be worthwhile, but it will come at the expense of sorcerer spellcasting progression.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about sorcerers and Agonizing Blast:

Can a sorcerer learn Eldritch Blast through the Magic Initiate feat? Yes, the Magic Initiate feat allows you to learn two cantrips from another class’s spell list, including Eldritch Blast.
If a sorcerer learns Eldritch Blast through Magic Initiate, can they then take the Eldritch Adept feat and choose Agonizing Blast? No. The Eldritch Adept feat requires you to meet all the prerequisites of the invocation. In the case of Agonizing Blast, you need to be a Warlock to gain this invocation. It isn’t enough to know Eldritch Blast itself.
Does the Spell Sniper feat let a sorcerer take Agonizing Blast? No. Spell Sniper only affects the range and cover aspects of spells, not the ability to gain class-specific invocations.
Can a sorcerer/warlock multiclass character stack sorcerer metamagic with Eldritch Blast and Agonizing Blast? Yes, a multiclass sorcerer/warlock can use metamagic options like Quickened Spell to cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action. Remember that if you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast on that turn must be a cantrip with a casting time of one action.
What’s the best sorcerer subclass for a warlock multiclass focusing on Eldritch Blast? The Wild Magic subclass is a good pick, as they can use Tides of Chaos to gain advantage on their attack rolls.
How many levels of warlock are needed to get Agonizing Blast? You need at least two levels of Warlock, as invocations are granted at level 2.
Does the Potent Robe item work with Eldritch Blast and Agonizing Blast? The Potent Robe’s bonus damage does stack with Agonizing Blast.
Can you twin Eldritch Blast? You can twin Eldritch Blast only if you are under level 5 when you only can cast a single blast.
If a sorcerer learns Eldritch Blast, can they use sorcery points to enhance it in any way other than metamagic? No, sorcery points are primarily used to fuel metamagic. They don’t inherently boost the damage or effects of spells learned from other classes.
What’s the maximum range of Eldritch Blast for a sorcerer/warlock with Eldritch Spear and Spell Sniper? 1200 ft. Eldritch Spear sets the range of Eldritch Blast at 300 feet, and Spell Sniper doubles that range to 600 feet. You then spend a sorcery point to double that to 1200 feet.
Can a sorcerer use Eldritch Blast with advantage if hidden? Yes, advantage on attack rolls applies to any spell attack, including Eldritch Blast. The hidden condition can grant advantage.
Is Eldritch Blast considered a weapon attack? No, Eldritch Blast is a ranged spell attack, not a weapon attack. Therefore, feats like Sharpshooter don’t apply.
Does the Hex spell stack with Agonizing Blast for a sorcerer/warlock? Yes, Hex adds extra necrotic damage on each hit, which stacks with the bonus damage from Agonizing Blast.
If I multiclass into Warlock, can I learn different Invocations later on, or am I stuck with my first choice? You can change your Eldritch Invocations whenever you gain a level in the Warlock class.
Is a sorcerer/warlock multiclass with Eldritch Blast more powerful than a pure sorcerer? It depends on the build and play style. A sorcerer/warlock can have excellent single-target damage, while a pure sorcerer might excel in area-of-effect spells and overall spell versatility.

Ultimately, gaining Agonizing Blast as a sorcerer requires taking the plunge into Warlock levels. The choice depends on your character concept, playstyle, and willingness to commit to a multiclass build. Remember that careful planning and understanding the rules are crucial for making the most of any character build in D&D. For more insights on game-based learning, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Can a sorcerer get agonizing blast?