Can a Hexblade Warlock Dual Wield in D&D 5e?

Yes, a Hexblade Warlock can dual wield in D&D 5e. However, it’s not quite as straightforward as simply picking up two weapons. The Hexblade’s ability to effectively dual wield hinges on understanding the class features, pact boons, and feats that synergize (or don’t) with this combat style. The true question isn’t can they, but how effectively can they, and at what cost?

Understanding the Hexblade’s Core Abilities

The Hexblade subclass, found in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, gains its power from a sentient weapon from the Shadowfell. This patron grants several key benefits, the most relevant being the Hex Warrior feature at 1st level.

• Hex Warrior: This feature allows you to choose one weapon that you are proficient with and use your Charisma modifier for attack and damage rolls instead of Strength or Dexterity. This is crucial. It also extends to any pact weapon you create using the Pact of the Blade feature later on.

Without the Pact of the Blade boon (gained at 3rd level), a Hexblade is limited to using Charisma with only one weapon. Dual wielding becomes possible, and more powerful, when you combine this with Pact of the Blade.

The Importance of Pact of the Blade

The Pact of the Blade is a warlock pact boon that allows you to create a pact weapon. You can conjure a weapon out of thin air, or you can touch a magic weapon and transform it into your pact weapon. This weapon then disappears into a pocket dimension when you dismiss it and can be summoned again as a bonus action on your turn.

The real game-changer here is that any weapon you conjure with Pact of the Blade qualifies for the Hex Warrior feature. This includes turning a magic weapon into your pact weapon.

Dual Wielding Mechanics in 5e

Before diving deeper, let’s recap the basic rules for dual wielding in 5e, officially called Two-Weapon Fighting:

• You must use the Attack action.
• You must wield two light melee weapons.
• You use a bonus action to make an attack with the second weapon.
• You do not add your ability modifier (Charisma for a Hexblade in this case) to the damage roll of the bonus action attack, unless you have the Two-Weapon Fighting fighting style.

The Feat Factor: Dual Wielder

The Dual Wielder feat removes some of the limitations:

• You can use non-light one-handed weapons.
• You gain a +1 bonus to AC while wielding a weapon in each hand.
• You can draw or stow two one-handed weapons when you would normally be able to draw or stow only one.

This feat significantly improves a Hexblade’s dual wielding capability, allowing them to use weapons like longswords or rapiers and increasing their survivability.

Putting It All Together: Dual Wielding Hexblade

So, how does it all come together? A Hexblade can dual wield by:

1. Taking the Pact of the Blade boon at 3rd level.
2. Using Hex Warrior to apply their Charisma modifier to attacks and damage with a chosen weapon.
3. Creating a pact weapon or bonding with a magic weapon, ensuring it qualifies for Hex Warrior.
4. Using the Two-Weapon Fighting rules or taking the Dual Wielder feat for enhanced options.

Example Scenarios

• Scenario 1 (No Feat): A Hexblade conjures two light weapons, such as scimitars, using Pact of the Blade. They can use their action to attack with one scimitar, adding their Charisma modifier to the attack and damage rolls. Then, they use their bonus action to attack with the other scimitar, adding their Charisma modifier to the attack roll, but not to the damage roll (unless they acquire a fighting style that allows it, typically through multiclassing).
• Scenario 2 (With Dual Wielder Feat): A Hexblade has the Dual Wielder feat. They conjure two non-light weapons, such as longswords, using Pact of the Blade. They can attack with one longsword, adding their Charisma modifier to the attack and damage rolls. Then, they use their bonus action to attack with the other longsword, adding their Charisma modifier to both the attack and damage rolls. They also gain +1 AC.

Drawbacks and Considerations

• Bonus Action Dependency: Dual wielding relies heavily on bonus actions, which can compete with other important Hexblade abilities, such as casting spells like Hex or using invocations.
• Feat Investment: The Dual Wielder feat is almost mandatory for making dual wielding effective, taking away from other potential feat choices.
• Damage Output: While dual wielding offers more attacks, the damage output might not always be superior to other Hexblade builds, especially those focusing on Great Weapon Master or spellcasting.
• Multiclassing: Dipping into classes like Fighter for the Two-Weapon Fighting style can increase damage output, however, it dilutes the Warlock progression.

Conclusion

While a Hexblade Warlock can dual wield, it requires careful planning, feat investment, and an understanding of the action economy. It’s a viable option, especially with the Dual Wielder feat, but it’s not necessarily the optimal build. The key is to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks and choose the playstyle that best fits your character concept. In regards to character development, you may wish to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a Hexblade dual wield without Pact of the Blade?

No. Pact of the Blade is required to create or transform a second weapon that qualifies for the Hex Warrior feature, allowing you to use Charisma for attack and damage rolls. Without it, you are limited to a single weapon using Charisma.

2. Does the Dual Wielder feat allow me to use two-handed weapons?

No. The Dual Wielder feat allows you to use one-handed weapons that are not light, but it does not allow you to use two-handed weapons in each hand. Two-handed weapons require both hands to wield.

3. Can I use a shield and a pact weapon as a Hexblade?

Yes! This is a very common and effective strategy. You can use your Hex Warrior ability on a one-handed weapon and wield a shield in your other hand for increased AC. You are still viable as a damage dealer and are very hard to hit.

4. Can I throw my pact weapon and then summon another one?

Yes, though it is not advised. You can throw your pact weapon and then summon it back to your hand as a bonus action. You could technically summon another pact weapon, but you wouldn’t have proficiency with it unless it was identical to the first or you used Improved Pact Weapon to summon a thrown weapon. It’s generally more efficient to just retrieve the original.

5. Does the Improved Pact Weapon invocation affect dual wielding?

Yes, indirectly. Improved Pact Weapon allows you to conjure a pact weapon that is a longbow, shortbow, light crossbow, or heavy crossbow, and it grants a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls with your pact weapon. It improves damage dealing potential.

6. Can I use the Thirsting Blade invocation with dual wielding?

Yes! Thirsting Blade grants you an extra attack when you take the Attack action. This is especially useful for dual wielding, as it increases your damage output.

7. Does the Lifedrinker invocation benefit both weapons when dual wielding?

Yes. If you hit a creature with your pact weapon, the creature takes extra necrotic damage equal to your Charisma modifier. Since both weapons will benefit from pact of the blade, you will benefit from extra necrotic damage.

8. Can I multiclass to get a fighting style for Two-Weapon Fighting?

Yes. Multiclassing into Fighter, Ranger, or Paladin can grant you the Two-Weapon Fighting fighting style, allowing you to add your ability modifier to the damage roll of your bonus action attack. This requires careful planning to avoid diluting your warlock abilities. You can get the fighting style at level 1 in fighter which may be a good start if you are planning on dual wielding.

9. Is dual wielding the best damage output for a Hexblade?

Not necessarily. Other builds, such as those focusing on Great Weapon Master or maximizing spell damage, can often achieve higher damage output. Dual wielding is more about versatility and multiple chances to hit.

10. Can I change my pact weapon type after I summon it?

Yes, you can dismiss your pact weapon and summon a different one. However, this requires a bonus action each time, which can be action economy intensive.

11. What are some good magic weapons to turn into pact weapons for dual wielding?

Any magic weapon you find that synergizes with your build is a good choice. Weapons that grant extra damage, bonuses to hit, or other special effects are all valuable. Talk to your DM about what types of weapons you may find.

12. Can I use the Shadow Blade spell as a Hexblade pact weapon?

While you can cast Shadow Blade, it’s not ideal for a Hexblade dual wielding build. The spell requires concentration, and the blade’s attack rolls use Strength or Dexterity, not Charisma. Also, the spell only states it does 2d8 psychic damage.

13. How does Armor of Hexes interact with dual wielding?

Armor of Hexes allows you to impose disadvantage on an attack roll against you. This can be useful for survivability when dual wielding, as you are more likely to be in melee combat.

14. What stats should I prioritize for a dual wielding Hexblade?

Charisma is your primary stat, as it affects your attack rolls, damage rolls, and spellcasting. Constitution is also important for maintaining concentration on spells and survivability. Dexterity can improve your AC and initiative if you’re not wearing heavy armor.

15. Are there any invocations that specifically support dual wielding?

Not directly, but invocations like Thirsting Blade (extra attack) and Improved Pact Weapon (better weapons) indirectly enhance a dual wielding build.

By considering these factors, you can create a formidable and unique dual wielding Hexblade Warlock that stands out from the crowd. Good luck, and happy adventuring!