Can Hexblades Use a Shield? A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Warlocks

Quick answer

This page answers Can Hexblades use a shield? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

Yes, Hexblade Warlocks absolutely can and often should use a shield. The Hexblade subclass, introduced in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, grants proficiency with medium armor and shields at 1st level. This makes them significantly more durable than other Warlock subclasses and using a shield is a fantastic way to take advantage of that built-in resilience. Let’s delve into why shields are great for Hexblades, how they interact with the class’s features, and answer some common questions.

Why Shields are Beneficial for Hexblades

The Hexblade’s strength lies in its ability to function as a viable melee combatant while still maintaining the Warlock’s potent spellcasting capabilities. However, being in melee inherently places them at greater risk.

Increased Armor Class (AC): A shield provides a straightforward and effective boost to AC. Combined with medium armor, a Hexblade can achieve a respectable AC early on, making them harder to hit and thus more resilient in combat. This is especially crucial given their relatively low hit dice (d8) compared to classes like Fighters or Barbarians.
Improved Survivability: A higher AC translates directly to improved survivability. This is critical for maintaining concentration on spells, especially those that require it throughout a battle. Nobody wants their Darkness or Shadow of Moil to drop at a crucial moment!
Synergy with Hex Warrior: The Hex Warrior feature allows you to use your Charisma modifier for attack and damage rolls with one weapon. While this doesn’t directly interact with shields, it frees up your stats to focus on Charisma, Constitution (for concentration and hit points), and potentially Dexterity (for initiative and AC if using medium armor that allows for a Dexterity bonus).

Shields, Spellcasting, and the Hexblade

One common concern is how shields impact spellcasting, particularly when material components are involved. Here’s a breakdown:

Holy Symbol as a Focus: The text you provided discusses using a holy symbol as a spellcasting focus. While this is possible through the Pact of the Talisman or by multiclassing into a class such as Cleric, it isn’t the default for a Hexblade Warlock. Generally, warlocks use an Arcane Focus. As a Hexblade, you also have the option of using your Pact Weapon as a spellcasting focus if you choose the Pact of the Blade at level 3.
Material and Somatic Components: If using a holy symbol (or other focus) as a focus, and if a spell requires both a material component and a somatic component, the hand holding the focus can perform the somatic component. You wouldn’t need to drop your weapon to cast the spell.
War Caster Feat: For even greater flexibility and reliability in spellcasting, consider the War Caster feat. This feat grants advantage on Constitution saving throws to maintain concentration, allows you to perform somatic components even when both hands are occupied, and lets you cast spells as an opportunity attack. It’s an excellent choice for any melee-focused spellcaster.

Pact of the Blade and Shields

If you choose the Pact of the Blade at 3rd level, you can summon a pact weapon. This opens up some additional options and considerations regarding shields:

Improved Pact Weapon: The Improved Pact Weapon invocation allows you to summon a pact weapon that is a +1 weapon. Crucially, it also allows you to use the weapon as a spellcasting focus. This means you can keep your weapon and shield in hand at all times, using the weapon to cast spells.
Pact Weapon Restrictions: A shield cannot be your pact weapon, as it is not classified as a weapon. This is a common point of confusion, but the rules are clear on this matter.

Hexblade-Specific Considerations

Charisma-Based Attacks: Remember that the Hex Warrior feature lets you use Charisma for attack and damage rolls with one weapon. This is separate from your pact weapon (if you choose Pact of the Blade). You can, therefore, have a Hex Warrior weapon and a pact weapon, potentially allowing for some interesting combat combinations.
Single Weapon Focus: The Hexblade is designed to be effective with a single weapon and a shield, not necessarily dual-wielding (though dual-wielding is still a possibility). Their abilities and invocations generally support a single-weapon fighting style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Hexblades and shield usage to further clarify common points of confusion:

1. Can a Warlock wield a shield without proficiency?

No. If you lack proficiency with shields, you suffer disadvantage on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws that involve Strength or Dexterity while wielding it. The Hexblade subclass specifically grants shield proficiency to avoid this penalty. Alternatively, you can multiclass into a class that grants shield proficiency or take the Moderately Armored feat.

2. Can my Hexblade Patron weapon be my pact weapon?

No, your Hexblade Patron weapon is not your pact weapon. The Hexblade’s patron is the source of your power, often embodied in a sentient weapon (like Blackrazor in some lore), but it’s not the actual weapon you’re wielding at level 1 or summoning with Pact of the Blade.

3. Can a Warlock learn the Shield spell?

No, the Shield spell is not on the Warlock spell list. This is why the Hexblade’s shield proficiency is so valuable; it provides a reliable source of AC without requiring a spell slot.

4. Can a Hexblade dual wield?

Yes, but it’s generally not optimal. The Hexblade’s features focus on empowering a single weapon. While you can dual wield, you’d need the Dual Wielder feat to effectively dual-wield non-light weapons, and you would need to split your stats between Charisma and Strength or Dexterity.

5. Why take a dip in Hexblade?

A Hexblade dip is popular for Charisma-based casters who want medium armor and shield proficiency. It also provides access to the Shield spell (eventually), the Hex spell, and the Eldritch Blast cantrip. It’s a powerful option for classes like Sorcerers and Bards who are traditionally squishy.

6. Can a Hexblade be disarmed?

Yes. Unless you have the Eldritch Smite invocation, you can be disarmed. However, as a Warlock with Pact of the Blade, you can simply summon your pact weapon again on your next turn (unless it’s a magic weapon you’ve made a pact with).

7. Can you Hexblade with a lance?

Yes, you can use the Hex Warrior feature with a lance, provided you are wielding it in one hand (which requires the Mounted Combatant feat). The prohibition is against weapons with the two-handed property, not against using a weapon with two hands.

8. Can you Hexblade a greatsword?

Yes, if you choose Pact of the Blade, you can make a greatsword your pact weapon. Hex Warrior lets you use CHA for attacks with your pact weapon.

9. Can a longsword be a Hexblade?

If you make it your Hex Warrior weapon or your Pact Weapon, yes. A longsword is a martial weapon, and therefore eligible.

10. Can Hexblades have two pact weapons?

You only get one active Pact Weapon at a time. You can dismiss and summon a different pact weapon, but you can only benefit from one at any given moment.

11. Is a Hexblade a sentient weapon?

No, the Hexblade is a subclass, you choose for your Warlock. You make a pact with a patron from the Shadowfell. A force that manifests in sentient magic weapons.

12. What is the strongest Warlock subclass?

This is subjective and depends on playstyle, but many consider the Genie and Hexblade to be among the strongest due to their versatility and damage output.

13. Can a Warlock fight his patron?

Yes, it’s possible to have the warlock defeat the patron, which could result in the warlock taking on the patron’s power, and possibly their responsibilities.

14. Is Warlock a weak class?

No, Warlock is not a weak class. They are more versatile than many full casters, and have excellent damage and utility through Eldritch Invocations.

15. What is the Games Learning Society?

The Games Learning Society is a community of researchers, educators, and game developers exploring the intersection of games and learning. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion

The Hexblade’s proficiency with shields is a cornerstone of its design, allowing it to function as a durable and effective melee combatant while retaining the Warlock’s spellcasting prowess. Embrace the shield, and you’ll find your Hexblade to be a formidable force on the battlefield! The Games Learning Society supports the innovative design and implementation of effective gameplay and educational techniques.