Unleashing Eldritch Power: Mastering Eldritch Blast in D&D 5e
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Yes, you absolutely can use Eldritch Blast twice in a single turn in D&D 5e, but it requires specific character builds and resource management. The base limitation is that you can only cast it once per turn because it uses an Action, and a character only has one action per turn. However, through creative use of class features, Metamagic, and careful planning, you can significantly increase the frequency with which you unleash this iconic Warlock cantrip.
Understanding the Basics of Eldritch Blast
Before diving into the strategies for multiple castings, let’s solidify our understanding of Eldritch Blast itself. It’s a cantrip, meaning it can be cast an unlimited number of times without expending spell slots. Its range is 120 feet, and at higher levels, it fires multiple beams (2 at 5th level, 3 at 11th level, and 4 at 17th level). Each beam requires a separate attack roll, allowing you to target the same creature or multiple creatures. Eldritch Blast deals force damage, which is rarely resisted, making it a reliable damage source. Finally, many Eldritch Invocations enhance it.
Achieving Multiple Eldritch Blasts per Turn
Here are the primary methods for casting Eldritch Blast more than once per turn:
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Sorcerer’s Quickened Spell Metamagic: A Sorcerer can use Metamagic to alter the properties of their spells. The Quickened Spell metamagic option allows you to cast a spell with a casting time of one action as a bonus action by spending 2 sorcery points. By multiclassing as a Sorcerer (at least 3 levels), you gain access to this ability. You could cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action (via Quickened Spell) and then again as your action.
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Fighter’s Action Surge: The Fighter class, specifically at 2nd level, grants the Action Surge feature. This allows you to take one additional action on your turn. Therefore, you could cast Eldritch Blast with your main action and then use Action Surge to cast it again. Combining this with Quicken Spell from sorcerer levels allows for three casts!
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Items and Class Features: Certain items and class features can grant additional actions or bonus actions that can be used to cast spells. These are rarer and campaign-dependent, so it’s crucial to investigate what options are available in your specific game.
Optimizing Eldritch Blast Damage
Simply casting Eldritch Blast multiple times isn’t always enough; you want to maximize its damage output. Here are some key factors:
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Agonizing Blast Invocation: This is practically mandatory for Warlocks. It adds your Charisma modifier to each beam of Eldritch Blast, significantly increasing its damage.
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Hex/Hexblade’s Curse: These abilities add extra damage to each hit you make against a specific target. Since Eldritch Blast fires multiple beams, each beam can trigger this extra damage.
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Spell Sniper Feat: This feat doubles the range of your spells, making Eldritch Blast even more potent at long distances, and eliminates half cover.
Multiclassing Considerations
Multiclassing can unlock potent combinations for Eldritch Blast, but it comes with trade-offs. Multiclassing can delay access to higher-level spells and class features. Carefully weigh the benefits against the costs before deciding to multiclass. Typically, a 2-level dip into fighter is low cost and high reward, while at least 3 levels in Sorcerer are needed to Quickened Spell metamagic.
FAQ: Eldritch Blast
Can you use Eldritch Blast twice with Extra Attack?
No. Extra Attack, a feature common among martial classes like Fighter, applies to the Attack action, not the Cast a Spell action. Eldritch Blast is cast using the Cast a Spell action, so Extra Attack doesn’t affect it.
Can a Warlock/Fighter fire multiple Eldritch Blasts in one turn because of Extra Attack?
No. Same logic as above. Extra Attack modifies the Attack action, while Eldritch Blast uses the Cast a Spell action.
Can you cast Hex and then Eldritch Blast on the same turn?
Yes, but with caveats. Casting Hex requires a bonus action. If you haven’t used your bonus action yet this turn, you can cast Hex and then cast Eldritch Blast as your action. However, you cannot cast Hex and then use Quickened Spell to cast Eldritch Blast on the same turn, as that would involve casting two spells using a bonus action.
Can you cast two cantrips in one turn?
Generally, yes. The primary restriction comes into play if you cast a spell using a bonus action (like through Quickened Spell). In that case, the only other spell you can cast that turn must be a cantrip with a casting time of one action. Without the bonus action spell caveat, you could cast a slotted spell and a cantrip.
Does Hex trigger twice with Eldritch Blast?
Hex triggers for each successful hit. Since Eldritch Blast can fire multiple beams, each hit against the hexed target triggers the additional damage from Hex.
Can you split up Eldritch Blast?
Yes! A crucial benefit of multiple beams is the ability to target different creatures. You can direct each beam at a separate target within range.
What is the longest possible Eldritch Blast?
The maximum range achievable with official rules is 1,200 feet. This requires the Eldritch Spear invocation (range 300 feet) combined with the Spell Sniper feat (doubles range).
Can Eldritch Blast be twinned?
At lower levels (1-4), Yes, Eldritch Blast can be twinned with Twinned Spell Metamagic, because it only targets a single creature. However, you cannot use it after level 5 because then Eldritch Blast shoots out multiple beams, and the Twinned Spell rule states, “To be eligible, a spell must be incapable of targeting more than one creature at the spell’s current level.”.
Can I Quicken Eldritch Blast?
Yes! As a Sorcerer (or via multiclassing into Sorcerer and taking Eldritch Blast through Magic Initiate or as your Warlock Cantrip), you can use Quickened Spell Metamagic to cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action. This costs 2 sorcery points.
Can you curve Eldritch Blast?
The rules don’t explicitly state that you can curve Eldritch Blast. However, since it targets a creature within range and doesn’t specify “a creature you can see” after the first target is acquired, a generous DM might allow you to target creatures you are aware of but cannot directly see, implying a slight “curve.”
Can Eldritch Blast hit more than one target?
Yes! As discussed earlier, each beam of Eldritch Blast after 5th level can target a different creature.
How do you make Eldritch Blast as strong as possible?
The key is to combine the Agonizing Blast invocation (Charisma modifier to damage), Hex/Hexblade’s Curse (extra damage per hit), and potentially items or feats that increase your Charisma or spell damage.
Can Eldritch Blast hit allies?
Generally, no. The rules do not require you to hit a friendly character, unless they are directly behind the target creature.
What do you roll to hit with Eldritch Blast?
You make a ranged spell attack. You roll a d20, add your proficiency bonus (based on your character level), and add your Charisma modifier (your spellcasting ability modifier as a Warlock). The result must meet or exceed the target’s Armor Class (AC) to hit.
Is Fire Bolt or Eldritch Blast better?
Eldritch Blast is generally considered superior, particularly for Warlocks. While Fire Bolt deals fire damage (which some creatures resist), Eldritch Blast deals force damage (rarely resisted). More importantly, Eldritch Blast benefits significantly from Eldritch Invocations, making it highly customizable and dramatically more powerful.
Conclusion
Eldritch Blast is more than just a cantrip; it’s the cornerstone of many Warlock builds. Understanding how to maximize its potential, including casting it multiple times per turn, is crucial for any aspiring Warlock. By mastering these techniques and carefully planning your character’s progression, you can unleash devastating volleys of eldritch energy upon your foes. Remember, the Games Learning Society offers resources for deeper understanding of game mechanics and strategies. For more information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.