Unleashing the Beams: Understanding Eldritch Blast Attack Rolls in D&D 5e
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.
The quintessential Warlock cantrip, Eldritch Blast, is a force to be reckoned with in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition (5e). Its versatility, scaling damage, and potent invocations make it a favorite among players. But one of the common questions surrounding this spell is: Do you roll for each beam of Eldritch Blast? The direct and simple answer is yes, you absolutely roll a separate attack roll for each beam. This crucial rule significantly impacts how the spell is used, and how effective it is, in combat.
How Eldritch Blast Attack Rolls Work
When you cast Eldritch Blast, the number of beams you create increases as you level up. At 1st-4th level, you produce one beam. At 5th level, this increases to two beams, then three at 11th level, and finally four at 17th level.
Each beam is considered a separate attack. This means that for every beam you create, you must make an attack roll by rolling a d20 and adding your Charisma modifier and proficiency bonus (if applicable) to the result. This total is then compared to the target’s Armor Class (AC). If your attack roll equals or exceeds the target’s AC, the beam hits, and you deal damage. If it falls short, the beam misses.
This process is repeated for each individual beam. You are not rolling once for the whole spell. Instead, you are making an independent attack roll for every single beam.
Targeting Flexibility
Another key aspect of the attack roll process is that you can direct the beams at the same target or at different targets. So, at 5th level with two beams, you could target two different enemies, or focus both on a single foe. This flexibility adds tactical depth to the spell. You might, for example, target the biggest threat with multiple beams and spread the rest out between weaker foes, or go for a concentrated burst on one high AC enemy.
Damage Application
If a beam hits, you roll damage. The base damage of an Eldritch Blast beam is 1d10 force damage. If you have the Agonizing Blast invocation (and you almost always should), you add your Charisma modifier to the damage of each beam that hits. Critically, this damage is applied individually to each successful hit. So, if you hit with two beams, you would roll 1d10 + your Charisma modifier for each beam. This means if both beams hit, you are adding your Charisma modifier twice to the total damage dealt in a single casting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To provide more comprehensive information, let’s explore some frequently asked questions about Eldritch Blast and its attack rolls:
1. Can I move between beams of Eldritch Blast?
Yes, the rules for movement between attacks apply to Eldritch Blast. If you have multiple attacks as part of the Attack action (as you do with multiple beams of Eldritch Blast), you can break up your movement between each attack. You can move, then fire a beam, then move again, then fire the second beam, and so on. This provides increased tactical movement during your turn.
2. Does Agonizing Blast apply to each beam?
Absolutely. Agonizing Blast adds your Charisma modifier to the damage of each beam individually. So, if you hit with multiple beams, you will add your Charisma modifier multiple times to the overall damage of the spell.
3. How do you get Eldritch Blast to hit 3 times in a round?
The core rules of Eldritch Blast limit you to one cast per action. However, there are ways to cast it multiple times in a single turn. The most common method is using an Action Surge (available to Fighters) to cast Eldritch Blast again. A second action can cast Eldritch blast, which is another set of attack rolls. The use of Metamagic, specifically Quicken Spell, allows you to cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action as well, giving you a third round of beams and attack rolls.
4. Can I cast Eldritch Blast twice in a single turn normally?
No. Because Eldritch Blast has a casting time of one action, you are normally limited to casting it only once per turn, unless you use specific features to gain additional actions or casts, like action surge or quickened spell metamagic.
5. How many beams can I get per round?
With standard rules you can get a maximum of 4 beams from a single casting of Eldritch Blast, if you are level 17 or higher. But using Action Surge and Quickened Spell, you can cast it up to three times per round, making the maximum beams of the spell 12 beams if you are a 17th level warlock, who has action surge and quicken spell. All 12 beams require separate attack rolls.
6. Why is Eldritch Blast so powerful?
Eldritch Blast’s power lies in its versatility and scalability. The ability to add Charisma modifiers to damage via Agonizing Blast, combined with the capacity to push enemies with Repelling Blast, makes it adaptable and potent. The fact that it deals Force damage, a damage type that is rarely resisted, enhances its reliability. The customizable invocations make it an extremely strong force in battle.
7. Can you Quicken Eldritch Blast?
Yes, the Metamagic option Quicken Spell can be used to cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action instead of an action. This enables you to cast it twice in one round: once with your action and once with your bonus action (or potentially three times if you also use Action Surge).
8. Does the Powerful Cantrip feat work well with Eldritch Blast?
Yes, the Powerful Cantrip feat can be beneficial. It adds an average of 2.5 damage per missed beam when using a cantrip that has an attack roll, such as Eldritch Blast. With multiple beams, this can add up and enhance the spell’s overall damage.
9. Can you Hex and Eldritch Blast in the same turn?
Yes, you can. Hex is a bonus action spell that requires a target. You can cast it on a target and then use your action to cast Eldritch Blast. Be careful that the curse from Hex only applies if you make a successful hit with Eldritch Blast. Hex is cast only once and applies only once to your attacks, not once per beam of Eldritch Blast.
10. Can you curve Eldritch Blast around objects?
No. Eldritch Blast requires a clear line of sight to the target. You cannot curve beams around corners or through obstacles.
11. Can Eldritch Blast be Twinned?
Yes, early on in the game you can. At levels 1-4, Eldritch Blast only targets one creature, allowing you to use the Twinned Spell Metamagic option. However, from level 5 onward it is able to target multiple creatures so it can no longer be twinned.
12. What is the best way to maximize Eldritch Blast damage?
To maximize damage, you should always take the Agonizing Blast invocation. This alone is a huge damage boost. Also ensuring you have a high charisma bonus will be vital to maximizing this spells potential.
13. Why is Eldritch Blast considered better than Firebolt?
The main reason is that Eldritch Blast is highly customizable through invocations such as Agonizing Blast and Repelling Blast, that enhance the spells raw power and capabilities. Fire Bolt does not have a similar level of customization.
14. What is the longest possible range of Eldritch Blast?
The Eldritch Spear invocation extends the range of Eldritch Blast to 300 feet.
15. Does Repelling Blast apply to each beam?
Repelling Blast does apply to each beam that hits. However, it can only push a creature once per casting of Eldritch Blast regardless of the number of beams that hit. If a creature is hit by more than one beam, the creature moves a total of 10 feet. It does not get pushed back 10 feet per beam that hits, only by one of the beams.
Conclusion
Understanding that you must roll an attack roll for each beam of Eldritch Blast is critical for mastering the spell and using it effectively in your D&D games. The ability to target multiple foes, combine with movement, and stack damage bonuses like Agonizing Blast, makes it a powerful weapon. This fundamental understanding will greatly improve your spellcasting skills, and is part of why the spell is considered a powerful force.