Can You Cast Hex and Hexblade’s Curse? A Deep Dive
Yes, absolutely! You can cast Hex and activate Hexblade’s Curse on the same target, and they will both apply their effects simultaneously. This powerful combination is a cornerstone of many effective Warlock builds, particularly those that lean into dealing substantial damage with each attack. These two abilities are synergistic, meaning they work together to create a more potent effect than either could achieve alone.
Hex and Hexblade’s Curse: A Powerful Combination
Let’s break down why these two abilities work so well together:
- Hex: This is a 1st-level spell that you can cast as a bonus action. When you hit a cursed target with an attack, the target takes an additional 1d6 necrotic damage. It also imposes disadvantage on a chosen ability check. Hex is a concentration spell, meaning you must concentrate on maintaining its effect; if you lose concentration, the spell ends.
- Hexblade’s Curse: This is a feature of the Hexblade Warlock subclass. As an action, you curse one creature. While cursed, your attacks against it gain a proficiency bonus to damage rolls. Additionally, you critically hit on a 19 or 20 against the cursed target. Hexblade’s Curse does NOT require concentration, making it a perfect partner for Hex.
Because Hex and Hexblade’s Curse do not share the same restriction (concentration vs action), you can absolutely use both on the same target. The most common use is casting Hex first as a bonus action, then in the following turn, activating Hexblade’s Curse as an action. You can then unleash attacks that benefit from both effects.
Maximizing Damage Output
The magic truly happens when both are in play. Let’s consider using Eldritch Blast.
- You cast Hex using your bonus action and curse a target.
- The next turn you activate Hexblade’s Curse as an action.
- You then launch multiple beams of Eldritch Blast at the target.
Each hit of Eldritch Blast now benefits from the following:
- The normal Eldritch Blast damage.
- 1d6 necrotic damage from the Hex spell.
- Your proficiency bonus to the damage roll (from Hexblade’s Curse).
This powerful stacking effect makes the Hexblade subclass exceptionally potent. It is worth noting that the proficiency bonus from Hexblade’s Curse is a bonus to the damage roll itself, and is applied once per damage roll. So for Eldritch Blast, it applies once per beam, and is added to the total of the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive guide to using Hex and Hexblade’s Curse, as well as related mechanics and interactions:
1. Does Hexblade’s Curse add to the damage of Hex?
Yes, Hexblade’s Curse adds its proficiency bonus to any damage roll made against the cursed target, including the necrotic damage from Hex. It does not add to the additional damage, just to the damage roll.
2. Can I cast Hex and Quicken Spell Eldritch Blast on the same turn?
No, you cannot. Quicken Spell allows you to cast a spell as a bonus action, however, you cannot cast two levelled spells on the same turn. Hex and Eldritch Blast are both spells and therefore do not work together with Quicken Spell on the same turn. You can cast Hex as a bonus action on one turn, and Eldritch Blast as an action on that same turn. You cannot Quicken Spell Eldritch Blast if you have cast Hex as a bonus action on that same turn.
3. How many times can I use Hexblade’s Curse?
The number of times you can use Hexblade’s Curse per long rest depends on your Warlock level and Charisma Modifier:
- 1 time at level 1.
- 2 times at level 5.
- 3 times at level 9.
- 4 times at level 13.
- 5 times at level 17.
You also get additional uses equal to your Charisma modifier, and the curse can be spread starting at 14th level.
4. Does Hexblade’s Curse work with Eldritch Blast?
Yes! As explained earlier, Hexblade’s Curse adds its bonus to any damage roll, including the damage from each beam of Eldritch Blast.
5. Does Hex work with Eldritch Blast?
Yes, the 1d6 necrotic damage from Hex applies to each successful hit of Eldritch Blast.
6. Does Hexblade’s Curse apply to all damage rolls?
Yes, Hexblade’s Curse applies to all damage rolls made against the cursed target, not just attacks. This includes spells, abilities, and even environmental effects.
7. Is Hexblade available in Baldur’s Gate 3?
No, the Hexblade subclass is not available in Baldur’s Gate 3. However, the Pact of the Blade option has been buffed to provide similar benefits, such as using Charisma to hit with Pact weapons.
8. How long does Hexblade’s Curse last?
Hexblade’s Curse lasts for 1 minute, regardless of where the target goes, or what they do.
9. Can I cast Hex and another spell?
Yes, you can cast Hex as a bonus action and cast another spell, like Eldritch Blast, as an action on the same turn. However, you can only cast one leveled spell per turn.
10. Does Hex work with Eldritch Cannon?
Yes, the damage from Hex can apply to hits made by the Artificer’s Eldritch Cannon, such as the Force Ballista option.
11. Does Hex work with cantrips?
Standard uses of Hex do not apply to the Hex cantrips, but you can cast Hex and cantrips.
12. Can Shadow Blade be a hex weapon?
No, Shadow Blade does not count as a pact weapon or as a Hex Warrior weapon, meaning you can’t use Charisma to attack with it using the Hexblade abilities.
13. Can Remove Curse remove Hexblade’s Curse?
Yes, a Remove Curse spell can end Hexblade’s Curse. However, if you curse the same target again, you can reapply the Hexblade’s Curse.
14. Can Hexblade’s Curse be moved?
Starting at 14th level, you can transfer Hexblade’s Curse to another creature within 30 feet when the cursed creature dies.
15. Does Elven Accuracy apply to Hexblade?
Yes, the advantage you gain from Elven Accuracy applies to Hexblade.
Conclusion
Combining Hex and Hexblade’s Curse is a potent strategy for any Warlock, particularly those using the Hexblade subclass. Their synergy allows for significant damage increases, making each attack or spell cast against a cursed target far more impactful. Understanding how these abilities interact is key to optimizing a Warlock’s damage potential. Remember to always check your specific game’s rules, but this guide should give you a solid foundation for using these powerful options effectively.