Can You Double Hex in 5e? Unpacking the Rules of This Powerful Spell
The short answer is: no, you cannot “double hex” a single target in D&D 5e by casting the spell twice from the same caster. The Hex spell is a concentration spell, and casting it a second time automatically ends the first instance of the spell, meaning its effects do not stack on a single target. However, the rules surrounding Hex are a bit more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no.” Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of this powerful spell and how it interacts with other game mechanics.
Understanding Concentration and Hex
The Core Limitation: Concentration
The key reason why you can’t double Hex on a single target comes down to the concentration mechanic. In D&D 5e, many spells require concentration to maintain their effects. When a caster casts a concentration spell, they must focus on maintaining it. If they cast another concentration spell, the first spell immediately ends. This ensures that spellcasters can’t stack powerful spells indefinitely.
Hex Specifics
Hex is a quintessential example of a concentration spell. When you cast Hex, you choose one creature to target and impart a curse. This curse grants you extra necrotic damage whenever you hit that creature with an attack. Additionally, the target suffers disadvantage on ability checks related to a chosen ability score. But, as a concentration spell, casting it again ends the initial Hex, preventing you from applying multiple instances of this specific curse on the same target from a single caster.
How to Apply Multiple Hex Effects (with limitations)
Multiple Casters, Multiple Hexes
While one caster can’t stack Hex, different casters can simultaneously apply Hex to the same target. Each instance of the Hex spell is independent. If two different characters cast Hex on a single enemy, the target will suffer the benefits of both spells. In this case, it would mean double the bonus necrotic damage and two ability score disadvantages. However, the limitation on concentration would still apply to each caster separately.
Hex and Hexblade’s Curse
It’s crucial to differentiate Hex from Hexblade’s Curse. While Hex is a concentration spell, Hexblade’s Curse, a feature of the Hexblade Warlock subclass, is not a concentration spell. This allows you to use Hex and Hexblade’s Curse on the same target at the same time. The effects from Hex and Hexblade’s Curse do stack, creating a significant damage output.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hex
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Hex to help clear up any further confusion:
1. Does Hex Apply to Each Attack?
Yes, Hex applies every time you hit a target with an attack. The spell specifically states that the extra necrotic damage applies “when you hit it with an attack.” This means that multi-attack actions or spell attacks with multiple rays each get an application of Hex.
2. Can You Use Hex and Eldritch Blast Together?
Yes, you can absolutely use Hex with Eldritch Blast. As long as you maintain concentration on Hex, each ray of Eldritch Blast that hits a target will deal the additional necrotic damage provided by Hex.
3. Can You Cast a Prepared Spell Twice?
Yes, both Clerics and Wizards (and other spellcasting classes) can cast a prepared spell multiple times as long as they have available spell slots. Preparing a spell does not remove it from your list of prepared spells; you are only limited by your spell slots.
4. Does Hex Apply to Each Magic Missile?
Yes, Hex applies to each ray of Magic Missile. Even though Magic Missile does not require an attack roll, each ray of the spell qualifies as “an attack” for the purposes of applying Hex.
5. Can a Warlock Only Cast 2 Spells?
No, at low levels, Warlocks typically have two spell slots. However, those spell slots are recovered after every short rest. If your party takes two short rests in a day, a Warlock will be able to use up to six spell slots that day.
6. Can You Stack Hex 5e?
No, you cannot stack Hex by casting it multiple times on the same target. As a concentration spell, casting Hex again will end the first instance.
7. Does Hex Work With Cantrips?
Yes, Hex works with cantrips that make attack rolls. So, you can apply extra damage from Hex to a target whenever you hit it with a damaging cantrip like Eldritch Blast, for example.
8. Can Hexblade Use Eldritch Blast?
Yes, Hexblade Warlocks can use Eldritch Blast just like any other Warlock. The Hexblade subclass does not force you to go Pact of the Blade or be in melee combat.
9. Can You Stack Hex and Hexblade’s Curse?
Yes, you can stack Hex and Hexblade’s Curse. Hexblade’s Curse does not require concentration, so it can be active simultaneously with Hex.
10. Can You Use Twinned Spell On Hex?
No, you cannot twin Hex using the Sorcerer’s Metamagic, Twinned Spell. This is because the spell Hex has the potential to target multiple creatures, despite normally targetting a single creature. Metamagic requires a spell to only be able to target a single creature to use with Twinned Spell.
11. Can You Cast a Leveled Spell and a Cantrip in the Same Turn?
Yes, but with limitations. If you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast on the same turn is a cantrip with a casting time of one action. However, if the first spell was not cast as a bonus action, you are free to cast a second spell or cantrip on the same turn.
12. Can You Cast Two Spells if One Is a Bonus Action?
Yes, with limitations. If you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast on the same turn is a cantrip with a casting time of one action. However, a spell cast using a bonus action, prevents you from casting any other leveled spell that turn, not from casting a second spell.
13. Does Hex Affect Grapple?
No, Hex does not directly affect grappling. Hex applies disadvantage to ability checks, and grappling requires an attack roll, not an ability check, so it would not be affected by the spell.
14. Can You Quicken Eldritch Blast?
Yes, a Sorcerer using the Quickened Spell Metamagic can cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action. This enables them to potentially cast Eldritch Blast twice in one turn, or use another spell and Eldritch Blast on the same turn.
15. What is the best strategy for Hex?
The best strategy with hex is to use it alongside Eldritch Blast or other attack roll spells or actions to significantly increase your damage output. The ability to impose disadvantage on a specific ability check, too, can be used to hinder key enemy abilities. Combining this with Hexblade’s Curse can create a devastating combo against single-target foes.
Conclusion
While you cannot “double hex” a single target from the same caster, understanding the nuances of Hex and how it interacts with other spells and abilities can greatly enhance your gameplay. By carefully employing Hex in combination with other features, you can maximize your damage output and control the battlefield. Remember that teamwork can lead to multiple Hex effects from different casters and that combining Hex with Hexblade’s Curse on single enemies makes an ideal strategy. Always adhere to concentration rules to ensure you’re playing by the book while still making the most of your magic.