Decoding the Dark Arts: Does Hex Enhance Spell Attacks in D&D 5e?

The question of whether Hex adds to spell attacks is a nuanced one in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. The short answer is no, Hex does not directly add to spell attack rolls. Hex applies a debuff to ability checks made by the target, imposing disadvantage on checks related to the ability you choose when casting the spell (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma).

However, its impact is more subtle and centers around enhancing damage dealt after a successful attack roll, particularly beneficial when combined with spells that involve multiple attack rolls, such as Eldritch Blast. Let’s delve into the intricacies of Hex, its interactions, and how it can be cleverly leveraged.

Understanding the Hex Spell

Hex is a 1st-level necromancy spell available to Warlocks (and sometimes other classes through feats or multiclassing). It’s crucial to understand its core mechanics to appreciate its potential.

• Curse Target: You place a curse on one creature you can see within range.

• Ability Check Disadvantage: The target has disadvantage on ability checks made with one ability of your choice (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma).

• Extra Damage: You deal an extra 1d6 necrotic damage to the target whenever you hit it with an attack.

• Duration: The spell lasts for 1 hour, concentrating, but it can be extended if the target dies.

The key takeaway here is that the disadvantage applies to ability checks, not attack rolls or saving throws. This distinction is paramount. The extra 1d6 necrotic damage, however, applies to any attack that hits the cursed target, making it a potent damage booster.

Hex and Attack Rolls vs. Ability Checks vs. Saving Throws

The core rules of D&D 5e distinguish between three primary types of rolls:

• Attack Rolls: Used to determine if an attack hits a target. These involve rolling a d20 and adding your attack bonus (spellcasting ability modifier + proficiency bonus for spell attacks).
• Ability Checks: Used to resolve actions that don’t directly involve combat, such as grappling, shoving, or skills like Stealth or Perception. These also involve rolling a d20 and adding an ability modifier and sometimes proficiency.
• Saving Throws: Used to resist the effects of spells or other abilities. The target rolls a d20 and adds their relevant ability modifier and possibly proficiency.

Hex directly affects ability checks by imposing disadvantage. It doesn’t inherently make it easier to hit a target with a spell attack. The benefit lies in the subsequent damage that occurs when an attack connects.

Maximizing Hex’s Potential

While Hex doesn’t improve attack rolls directly, it synergizes exceptionally well with specific strategies and spells.

Eldritch Blast Synergy

The most famous Hex pairing is with the Warlock’s Eldritch Blast cantrip. Eldritch Blast is unique because it scales by granting additional attack rolls as the caster levels up. Each beam of Eldritch Blast is a separate attack. If Hex is active, each beam that hits the target deals an additional 1d6 necrotic damage. This is why Warlocks are so frequently associated with Hex; they can reliably trigger the extra damage multiple times per turn.

Grappling and Shoving

Hex’s disadvantage on ability checks can be leveraged to improve your chances of grappling or shoving an opponent. By choosing Strength for the hexed ability, you impose disadvantage on their Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check to resist your grapple or shove attempt. This can create tactical advantages, like pushing enemies off ledges or restraining them for your allies.

Skill-Based Strategies

Outside of combat, Hex can be useful in hindering a target’s skills. For example, if you need to stealth past a guard, hexing their Wisdom to impose disadvantage on their Wisdom (Perception) checks could be beneficial. Similarly, hexing someone’s Charisma could hinder their attempts to deceive or persuade others.

Limitations and Considerations

• Concentration: Hex requires concentration, meaning you can’t cast another concentration spell while maintaining Hex. This limits your options, especially for Warlocks who have many powerful concentration spells.

• Action Economy: Casting Hex requires an action, meaning you might not be able to cast another offensive spell on the same turn you cast Hex (unless you use an ability like Quicken Spell). This can be a significant drawback in fast-paced combat.

• Targeting: Hex requires you to be able to see the target within range. If you lose sight of the target, you will not be able to maintain the spell.

Conclusion

While Hex doesn’t directly increase spell attack rolls, its ability to add extra damage to each successful attack makes it an extremely powerful spell, especially for Warlocks using Eldritch Blast. The disadvantage on ability checks also opens tactical possibilities for grappling, shoving, and skill-based maneuvers. Understanding the spell’s limitations and synergies is key to maximizing its effectiveness. To delve deeper into the mechanics of gaming and learning, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Hex work on saving throws?

No, Hex only affects ability checks. Saving throws are unaffected by the spell’s disadvantage effect.

2. Can I use Hex and Hunter’s Mark at the same time?

No, both Hex and Hunter’s Mark require concentration. You can only maintain one concentration spell at a time.

3. If I Hex a target and then grapple them, do they have disadvantage on their checks to escape?

Yes, if you choose Strength as the hexed ability, the target has disadvantage on their Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks to escape your grapple.

4. Does Hex damage double on a critical hit?

Yes, the extra 1d6 necrotic damage from Hex is considered bonus damage and is doubled on a critical hit.

5. Can I move Hex to a new target if the original target dies?

Yes, if the original target dies while Hex is active, you can use a bonus action to curse a new target, provided you maintain concentration and the new target is within range.

6. Does Hex apply to each magic missile?

No, Magic Missile automatically hits and does not involve an attack roll. Therefore, Hex damage will not be applied with each Magic Missile dart.

7. Does Hex affect the damage of spells that require saving throws?

No, Hex only adds extra damage on attacks. Spells that require saving throws do not involve attack rolls, so Hex’s damage bonus does not apply.

8. Is Hex a good spell for all classes?

Hex is primarily beneficial for classes that make frequent attacks, like Warlocks with Eldritch Blast. Other classes might find it less useful due to its concentration requirement and action economy cost.

9. Can I combine Hex with other damage-boosting effects?

Yes, you can combine Hex with other damage-boosting effects, such as Hunter’s Mark or certain class features, as long as they don’t conflict with Hex’s concentration requirement.

10. Does Hex work with Sneak Attack?

Sneak Attack requires a weapon attack, not a spell attack. So, while Hex will apply to a weapon attack, the source attack will be the weapon, not the spell. They can both apply to a successful weapon attack.

11. How does Hex interact with the Great Weapon Master feat?

Great Weapon Master only works with weapon attacks. Hex works on any attack that is made against the target.

12. Can I cast Hex as a bonus action?

Normally, no. Hex requires an action to cast. However, some class features or feats might allow you to cast spells as a bonus action.

13. What happens if my concentration on Hex is broken?

If your concentration on Hex is broken, the spell ends immediately, and the curse is lifted from the target.

14. Does Hex work against creatures immune to necrotic damage?

No, if a creature is immune to necrotic damage, it will not take the extra 1d6 necrotic damage from Hex.

15. How can I learn more about D&D rules and strategies?

There are many resources available online, including the official Dungeons & Dragons website, various forums, and educational websites like GamesLearningSociety.org (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/), which explores the intersection of gaming and learning.