Hex and Eldritch Blast: A Warlock’s Guide to Synergistic Destruction

Yes, a Warlock can absolutely cast Hex and Eldritch Blast! This iconic combination is a cornerstone of many Warlock builds, offering a powerful blend of damage and utility. However, there are nuances to how these spells interact, particularly concerning casting restrictions and action economy, which we’ll delve into.

Understanding the Core Mechanics

To fully grasp how Hex and Eldritch Blast function together, let’s break down each spell individually:

• Hex: A 1st-level enchantment spell, Hex allows you to curse a creature, imposing disadvantage on ability checks of your choice and, most importantly, dealing an extra 1d6 necrotic damage whenever you hit the cursed target with an attack. This damage applies to each successful attack roll. Hex requires concentration, meaning you must maintain focus, and can be disrupted by taking damage or other distractions.

• Eldritch Blast: This powerful cantrip is a Warlock’s bread and butter. It conjures beams of crackling energy that each require a separate attack roll. The number of beams increases as you level up: one at 1st level, two at 5th level, three at 11th level, and four at 17th level. The beauty of Eldritch Blast lies in its scalability and synergy with Eldritch Invocations, such as Agonizing Blast, which adds your Charisma modifier to each beam’s damage.

Unleashing the Synergy

The brilliance of combining Hex and Eldritch Blast stems from the fact that Hex’s extra damage applies to each beam of Eldritch Blast that hits the cursed target. At higher levels, with multiple beams and the Agonizing Blast invocation, this combination can result in significant damage output.

For example, a level 5 Warlock with 18 Charisma (+4 modifier) casting Eldritch Blast (two beams) on a target cursed with Hex would deal:

• 2d10 force damage (from Eldritch Blast)
• +8 force damage (Agonizing Blast, +4 per beam)
• +2d6 necrotic damage (Hex, 1d6 per beam)

This results in a potential burst damage that can devastate enemies, especially when optimized with feats and other class features.

Action Economy Considerations

The primary limitation lies in the action economy. Hex requires an action to cast, as does Eldritch Blast. You can only cast one spell of 1st level or higher on your turn. The common action sequencing for this combo would involve casting Hex on one turn (using your action and concentration) and then, on subsequent turns, casting Eldritch Blast while maintaining concentration on Hex. You cannot cast Hex and then another spell in the same turn (with a casting time of 1 action or bonus action), unless the other spell is a cantrip cast using your Action after casting a Bonus Action spell.

FAQs: Mastering the Hex and Eldritch Blast Combo

Here are some frequently asked questions to address common concerns and clarify the intricacies of this powerful combination:

Can I cast Hex and Quicken Spell Eldritch Blast on the same turn?

No, you cannot. The Quicken Spell Metamagic (available to Sorcerers, or Sorcerer multiclass) allows you to cast a spell with a casting time of 1 action as a bonus action. However, the rules on casting spells using bonus actions state that if you cast a bonus action spell, the only other spell you can cast on that turn is a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action. Since Hex is a 1st level spell, you can’t cast it and then use Quicken Spell to cast Eldritch Blast.

Can I use Hexblade’s Curse and Quicken Spell Eldritch Blast on the same turn?

Yes, you can. Hexblade’s Curse uses a bonus action and is not a spell, so using this with Quicken Spell doesn’t violate any rules.

Does Hex apply to each Eldritch Blast beam?

Yes! This is the core of the synergy. Each beam that hits the target cursed by Hex triggers the additional 1d6 necrotic damage.

Can any Warlock use Eldritch Blast?

Yes, Eldritch Blast is a cantrip available to all Warlocks. It’s a fundamental part of the class.

Can you cast Hex and a spell in the same turn?

Not typically. As stated previously, if you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you may cast that turn is a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action. So if you were to use Quickened Spell on Eldritch Blast, you could not cast Hex. If you cast Hex, you could not use Quicken Spell to cast Eldritch Blast.

Can I cast Eldritch Blast twice in one turn?

Yes, with the help of Quicken Spell Metamagic (if you’re a Sorcerer or have levels in Sorcerer). By spending Sorcery Points, you can cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action and again as your regular action.

Can a Warlock move between Eldritch Blast beams?

Yes, absolutely! You can break up your movement before, between, or after your attacks, as long as you don’t exceed your total movement speed.

Can I quicken Eldritch Blast?

Yes, if you have the Quicken Spell Metamagic. This allows you to cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action.

Can a Warlock cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action?

Only if they have a feature that allows it, such as the Quicken Spell Metamagic available to Sorcerers, or if a specific item or class feature grants that ability.

Can you cast Hex and Hexblade’s Curse together?

Yes. Hexblade’s Curse does not require concentration, so it can be used in conjunction with Hex and other concentration spells.

Do Hexblades get Eldritch Blast?

Yes, Hexblades, like all Warlocks, have access to Eldritch Blast. Their unique features enhance their weapon attacks, but they don’t restrict their access to the Warlock’s core cantrip.

Why is Eldritch Blast so good?

Eldritch Blast’s strength lies in its range, scalability, force damage type (which is rarely resisted), and its synergy with Eldritch Invocations like Agonizing Blast and Repelling Blast. These invocations can dramatically increase its damage and utility.

Does Hex work with cantrips?

Yes, Hex works with any attack roll, including those made with cantrips like Eldritch Blast.

Does Hex work with Eldritch Cannon?

Yes, if you have the artificer infusion, and your eldritch cannon’s force ballista hits the cursed creature, the extra damage from Hex will apply.

How many Eldritch Blast beams can a Warlock have?

The number of beams increases with level: one at 1st level, two at 5th level, three at 11th level, and four at 17th level.

Final Thoughts

The combination of Hex and Eldritch Blast remains a powerful and versatile option for Warlocks. Understanding the mechanics, action economy, and available invocations allows you to maximize your damage output and control the battlefield effectively. Remember to manage your concentration wisely and adapt your strategy to the specific challenges you face.

As you continue your D&D journey, consider exploring other resources to enhance your understanding of the game and its mechanics. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org offers a wealth of information and insights into the world of games and learning. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the realm of D&D, continuous learning is key to mastering the game and enjoying its endless possibilities.