Can Warlocks Use Heavy Armor? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is: no, not by default. Warlocks in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) are not inherently proficient with heavy armor. Their standard proficiencies include only light armor. However, the world of D&D is full of possibilities, and with specific choices, a Warlock can indeed don heavier protection. This article will delve into the nuances of how a Warlock can gain heavy armor proficiency, the implications, and frequently asked questions related to the topic.

Understanding Warlock Armor Proficiencies

Warlocks, by their class design, are primarily spellcasters who rely on their charisma and pacts with otherworldly entities for power. This is reflected in their initial armor proficiency, which is limited to light armor. This means they can comfortably wear armor like padded, leather, or studded leather armor without any penalties. Light armor provides a lower Armor Class (AC) compared to medium or heavy armor, making them somewhat vulnerable in direct melee combat.

The Impact of Wearing Armor Without Proficiency

It’s crucial to understand that wearing armor without proficiency comes with significant drawbacks. If a Warlock (or any character) wears heavy armor without being proficient, they suffer several penalties:

• Disadvantage on Strength and Dexterity Checks: Any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll that relies on Strength or Dexterity will be made at a disadvantage. This heavily impacts their effectiveness in combat and skill-based encounters.
• Inability to Cast Spells: One of the most critical drawbacks is the inability to cast spells. As a primarily spellcasting class, this renders a Warlock almost useless in combat, effectively neutering their core abilities.

Therefore, simply finding a suit of heavy armor and wearing it is never a viable option for a Warlock who wants to remain effective.

Gaining Heavy Armor Proficiency as a Warlock

Since standard Warlock progression does not grant heavy armor proficiency, there are a few specific methods to acquire it:

Multiclassing into a Class with Heavy Armor Proficiency

The most common and effective way for a Warlock to gain heavy armor is to multiclass. Specifically, taking one or more levels in a class that grants heavy armor proficiency allows a Warlock to wear it effectively.

• Cleric: Taking one level in Cleric, especially a domain such as Nature, Life, or Forge, provides access to heavy armor. This is a popular choice because it also offers additional spellcasting options and a useful domain ability.
• Fighter: Starting with one level in Fighter provides not only heavy armor proficiency, but also proficiency with shields and martial weapons. Taking two levels in Fighter allows you to get Action Surge. This approach is a favored method because it yields strong benefits beyond just armor.
• Paladin: Similar to the Fighter, a one-level dip in Paladin gets you heavy armor, plus martial weapon proficiency and some basic divine spellcasting. However, Paladins require a minimum Charisma score of 13 to multiclass.
• Race: Some races offer heavy armor proficiency. If you choose one of them, your warlock will be able to wear heavy armor even at level 1.

The Moderately Armored and Heavily Armored Feats

Another option is to use feats. While it requires sacrificing an Ability Score Improvement (ASI), the feats can grant desired proficiencies.

• Moderately Armored: This feat grants medium armor and shield proficiency, which is a stepping stone if you eventually plan to pursue heavy armor.
• Heavily Armored: This feat directly grants heavy armor proficiency, but it requires already having proficiency in medium armor. Thus, it would require a previous feat or class feature to obtain medium armor.

The Downsides and Tradeoffs

While wearing heavy armor as a Warlock might seem advantageous for increased survivability, it comes with certain trade-offs. These include:

• Delayed Spell Progression: Multiclassing slows down the progression of spells and high-level Warlock features.
• Feat Investment: Using feats means losing an opportunity to increase core stats, or get other useful feats.
• Playstyle Change: Gaining heavy armor proficiency often leads to a change in play style, potentially shifting the Warlock from a ranged blaster to a more melee-focused role.

It’s crucial to weigh these downsides against the benefits before committing to wearing heavy armor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a Warlock cast spells while wearing heavy armor?

Yes, if the Warlock has proficiency in heavy armor, they can cast spells without any penalty. The proficiency removes the limitations imposed when wearing armor without the required skill.

2. Can a Warlock wear heavy armor without proficiency?

Yes, they can physically wear it, but without proficiency, they’ll have disadvantage on Strength and Dexterity checks, and won’t be able to cast spells.

3. What are the best classes to multiclass with a Warlock for heavy armor proficiency?

Cleric (Nature, Life, or Forge Domain) and Fighter are popular choices for a one-level dip. Paladin is also an option, if their Charisma allows it.

4. Does wearing heavy armor impact a Warlock’s spellcasting in any way?

No, it does not if they have the required heavy armor proficiency. Without proficiency, they can’t cast spells.

5. What is the best type of heavy armor for a Warlock?

Plate armor offers the highest base AC, but the type used will depend on the character’s specific situation, including wealth and any specific magical properties.

6. Can a Warlock use a shield?

Warlocks are not proficient in shields by default. They would need to either multiclass or take the Moderately Armored feat to wield a shield effectively.

7. Does heavy armor cause disadvantage on Stealth checks?

Yes, typically heavy armor gives disadvantage on stealth checks, so it’s not ideal for characters who want to remain stealthy.

8. If a warlock wears chainmail (heavy armor), do they get disadvantage on stealth checks?

Yes, chainmail is heavy armor and it imposes disadvantage on stealth checks if not negated by some other feature.

9. Can a Warlock use a greatsword?

A Warlock can use a greatsword but may not get the proficiency to use it effectively unless they select the Hexblade subclass, multiclass into a martial class or use a feat.

10. Does starting as a Fighter for heavy armor proficiency hinder the Warlock’s spellcasting progression?

Yes, multiclassing will always slow down spell progression. Starting as a fighter delays the acquisition of higher level Warlock spells.

11. How does a Warlock wearing heavy armor affect their playstyle?

Wearing heavy armor often shifts a Warlock’s playstyle towards a more frontline, durable combatant rather than a ranged blaster.

12. What are the downsides of a Warlock wearing heavy armor?

The downsides primarily include delayed spell progression, the need for multiclassing or feat investments and potentially a shift in desired playstyle.

13. Is it worth it for a Warlock to pursue heavy armor proficiency?

It depends on the player’s preferences and playstyle. It is not necessary, but it can be an effective way to enhance survivability and create a more unique character build.

14. Can a Warlock who is already wearing light armor also wear heavy armor without taking off the light armor?

No, you can only wear one type of armor at a time. There is no stacking of Armor Class from wearing multiple layers of armor.

15. Are there any spells or abilities that can mitigate the disadvantage on Stealth when wearing heavy armor?

Yes, there are spells and abilities that can grant advantage on Dexterity checks or hide in plain sight, which can offset the disadvantage of wearing heavy armor in stealth situations.

Conclusion

While Warlocks do not inherently possess heavy armor proficiency, the game provides multiple avenues to gain it. Whether through careful multiclassing, feat selection, or racial choices, the option is there for players who want to take their Warlock into a tankier direction. However, it is essential to consider the trade-offs, carefully planning out your character build to ensure the advantages outweigh the costs. The core of a Warlock lies in its magic, so any foray into heavy armor should be done with a plan to complement and not hamper their primary abilities.