Do You Roll to Hit Multiple Times for Eldritch Blast? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely roll to hit multiple times when using Eldritch Blast, specifically when the spell produces more than one beam. While it’s a single spell, each beam is treated as a separate ranged spell attack. This means that for each beam created, you must make an individual attack roll against your target’s Armor Class (AC). This aspect of Eldritch Blast is crucial for understanding its mechanics and optimizing its use in your D&D 5e sessions.
Understanding Eldritch Blast’s Multiple Attack Rolls
At its base, Eldritch Blast is a cantrip that allows you to fire a beam of force damage. However, its unique scaling makes it different from most cantrips. At higher levels, Eldritch Blast creates multiple beams:
- Level 1-4: 1 beam
- Level 5-10: 2 beams
- Level 11-16: 3 beams
- Level 17-20: 4 beams
Each of these beams acts as a distinct attack roll. This means that if you are level 5 and above, your Warlock is not just firing one blast, but multiple projectiles each requiring their own roll to determine if it hits. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Attack Roll: For each beam, you roll a d20, add your spellcasting modifier (usually Charisma for Warlocks), and any other relevant bonuses. If the result equals or exceeds the target’s AC, the beam hits.
- Individual Rolls: The core concept to grasp is that each beam requires its own attack roll. If you have two beams, you roll twice; if you have three, you roll three times, and so on.
Why is this important?
This mechanic has significant implications for how Eldritch Blast functions in combat:
- Chance to Hit: Each beam has its own chance to hit, meaning some might connect while others miss. This introduces a degree of variability into the spell.
- Potential for Multiple Hits: The multiple beams can each hit, leading to substantial damage potential, especially when combined with other beneficial Warlock features.
- Strategic Targeting: You can choose to target all the beams at a single enemy or distribute them across multiple foes, adding tactical depth to your spellcasting.
- Benefits From Modifiers: Each beam that hits can benefit from additional modifiers such as Agonizing Blast, where you add your Charisma modifier as a bonus to each successful hit.
Quick Clarification
It is important to differentiate between the number of beams generated by Eldritch Blast and the number of times you cast the spell. Even if you have four beams, you only cast Eldritch Blast once per action. The multiple beams are part of a single casting of the spell, and are not separate spells.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eldritch Blast and Attack Rolls
Here are 15 FAQs to further clarify how attack rolls work with Eldritch Blast:
1. Does Each Eldritch Blast Beam Need a Separate Attack Roll?
Yes, absolutely. Every beam created by Eldritch Blast requires a separate attack roll. You’re rolling multiple times when you fire the spell at higher levels.
2. Do All Beams Have to Target the Same Creature?
No, you can direct the beams at the same target or at different targets. This gives you strategic flexibility in combat.
3. Does Extra Attack Apply to Eldritch Blast?
No, the Extra Attack feature does not apply to spellcasting. Even if you have the feature from other classes or multiclassing, you can not use Extra Attack to cast Eldritch Blast more than once per action. Eldritch Blast is a spell, not a weapon attack.
4. Can I Cast Eldritch Blast Multiple Times in a Single Turn?
Normally, you can cast Eldritch Blast only once per turn using your action. However, features like Action Surge (from the Fighter class) or Quicken Spell (from Sorcerer metamagic) can allow you to cast it more than once in a turn (two times with Action Surge, and up to three times with Action Surge and Quicken).
5. How Does Agonizing Blast Interact With Multiple Beams?
The Agonizing Blast invocation adds your Charisma modifier to the damage of each successful hit. This means each beam that hits will benefit from the bonus.
6. What Is the Damage of Eldritch Blast?
Each beam of Eldritch Blast deals 1d10 force damage. This is before adding any modifiers such as Agonizing Blast.
7. Can You Hit a Creature Multiple Times With Repelling Blast?
Yes, each beam that hits can trigger the Repelling Blast invocation, pushing a creature 10 feet per successful hit. If all beams hit, you can potentially push them significant distances.
8. How Do I Roll Damage For Eldritch Blast?
Once you confirm a successful hit, you roll 1d10 for damage. If you have Agonizing Blast, you add your Charisma modifier to each hit’s damage.
9. Is Eldritch Blast Considered a Single Attack?
While Eldritch Blast is a single spell, its multiple beams act as individual attacks. However, the spell itself is still considered a single instance of casting, not multiple ones.
10. Does Advantage on an Attack Roll Apply to All Beams?
Yes, if you have advantage on the attack roll for your beams, this advantage applies to all rolls you make for the beams during that single casting of the spell.
11. Can I Make Opportunity Attacks While Casting Eldritch Blast?
You cannot make opportunity attacks when casting Eldritch Blast because casting a spell does not provoke an opportunity attack.
12. Does Hex Apply To Each Beam of Eldritch Blast?
Yes, each beam of Eldritch Blast can deal an additional 1d6 damage if the target is cursed with the Hex spell.
13. How Do I Calculate My Attack Bonus for Eldritch Blast?
Your attack bonus for Eldritch Blast is your spellcasting modifier (typically Charisma) + your proficiency bonus.
14. Does Eldritch Blast Scale?
Eldritch Blast scales in two ways: it generates more beams at higher levels and can be boosted by Invocations such as Agonizing Blast and Repelling Blast.
15. Is Eldritch Blast the Best Cantrip?
Eldritch Blast is widely considered one of the best damage cantrips, mainly due to its unique scaling, range, force damage, and its flexibility in combat thanks to Eldritch Invocations. While some cantrips might have a higher base damage, Eldritch Blast’s ability to make multiple attacks and be modified with invocations makes it incredibly powerful and versatile.
Conclusion
Understanding that you roll to hit multiple times for each beam of Eldritch Blast is fundamental to effectively using this powerful cantrip. Each beam requires its own attack roll, giving you the potential for high damage output and strategic flexibility in combat. By grasping these rules, you can make the most of your Warlock character in your Dungeons and Dragons adventures. With practice and strategic thinking, Eldritch Blast can become a cornerstone of your combat strategy and lead to great victories.