Does Hex Apply to Eldritch Blast in Baldur’s Gate 3? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, absolutely! Hex applies to each beam of Eldritch Blast in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3), making it an incredibly potent combination for Warlocks and other spellcasters who can utilize these spells. This synergy is a cornerstone of powerful builds and a frequent topic of discussion within the BG3 community. Understanding how these two spells interact is crucial for maximizing your damage output and making the most of your spellcasting abilities.
Understanding the Mechanics
To fully grasp why this combination is so effective, it’s important to look at the mechanics of both spells individually and then how they interact.
Hex: The Cursed Enabler
Hex is a level 1 enchantment spell that allows you to curse a creature, adding extra necrotic damage to each attack that hits them. This isn’t a one-time damage boost; it applies every single time you hit the cursed target. Additionally, Hex imposes disadvantage on one chosen ability check, adding a tactical layer to its utility. Hex is a bonus action to cast, meaning it doesn’t interfere with your primary action, making it ideal for setting up devastating combos.
Eldritch Blast: The Multi-Hitting Cantrip
Eldritch Blast is a Warlock cantrip that fires beams of force damage at a target. The number of beams increases as your character level increases. At level 5, for example, you fire two beams, significantly increasing its damage potential. Each beam requires its own attack roll. This is critical as it directly impacts how Hex interacts with it.
The Synergy: Why They Work So Well Together
The key to the effectiveness of Hex and Eldritch Blast lies in the “attack roll” trigger of Hex. Each beam of Eldritch Blast triggers an individual attack roll. Therefore, each beam that hits a creature cursed by Hex will apply the additional necrotic damage. This allows you to add damage multiple times within a single cast of Eldritch Blast. This is not an area of effect bonus damage, each individual beam applies the necrotic damage, meaning if one beam misses, you only miss out on that one instance of necrotic damage. This makes the two spells a match made in damage heaven, particularly at higher character levels where more beams of Eldritch Blast are in play.
Maximizing Your Damage Output
Combining these spells is not only efficient but also incredibly powerful. At higher levels, with multiple beams from Eldritch Blast and the consistent damage from Hex, you can quickly dispatch even the toughest enemies. This strategy is not limited to just Warlocks; any class that gains access to both spells can benefit greatly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions related to Hex and Eldritch Blast in BG3, to give you a wider understanding:
Can I Use Hex and Eldritch Blast in the Same Turn?
Yes, you can absolutely use Hex and Eldritch Blast in the same turn. Hex is a bonus action, so you can cast it before or after casting Eldritch Blast, which uses an action.
Does Hex apply to each magic missile?
No, Hex does not apply to each magic missile. Hex applies when you hit with an attack roll. Magic Missile does not require an attack roll, it is a direct spell that always hits. Thus Hex will not apply it’s bonus damage with Magic Missile.
Does Hex work with Eldritch Cannon?
Yes, the force ballista option of the Eldritch Cannon would trigger the damage from Hex. The wording for Hex specifies that the damage is applied when you hit the cursed creature with an attack.
Does Hex double on a critical hit?
Yes, like other bonus damage dice, the damage from Hex doubles on a critical hit. This means your critical hits can do even more damage.
Why is Eldritch Blast so good?
Eldritch Blast is considered one of the best cantrips because of its consistent damage and its compatibility with numerous Invocations that further enhance it. It gains additional beams with character level, improving its efficiency.
Can you quicken Eldritch Blast?
Yes, by using the Metamagic “Quicken Spell” from Sorcerer, you can cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action.
Can you use Quickened Spell and Hex on the same turn?
No, since Hex uses your bonus action to be cast, you cannot quicken another spell and also cast Hex on the same turn. You can cast Hex on a subsequent turn though.
Does Hexblade’s Curse work with Eldritch Blast?
Hexblade’s Curse does work on Eldritch Blast, however it is a modifier to the damage roll, not each individual ray. It does not add a flat bonus damage to each ray of the attack. So you get the added bonus, but not as many times as the Hex spell.
What do you add to Eldritch Blast to hit?
Eldritch Blast requires a ranged spell attack against a target. You add your spellcasting ability modifier (usually Charisma for Warlocks) and your proficiency bonus to your roll.
Is Hex worth using at high levels?
Yes, Hex remains potent at high levels, particularly with the added beams of Eldritch Blast. The more beams you have, the more often you apply the extra damage. It remains efficient, with only a few exceptions depending on spell options.
Does Hex apply to Tentacle of the Deep?
Yes, Hex synergizes well with Tentacle of the Deep, because it also triggers on each hit.
Does Hex have to destroy six creatures?
No, Hex does not require you to destroy six creatures to use it. You select one target at the beginning and the curse will last until the duration is over.
Can you infinitely use cantrips?
Yes, you can use cantrips as many times as you want unless a specific feature says otherwise. This means Eldritch Blast is always ready to go.
Does Hex end after combat?
Hex lasts for a long duration, and in general, its damage will not “drop off.” Unless you lose concentration, which could be broken by taking damage or casting another concentration spell.
Does Hex apply to familiars?
If the effect on the creature only applies to the caster, then it does not apply to the familiar, so the spell cast through the familiar does not gain the benefit. So the spell cast through the familiar will not benefit from Hex.
Conclusion
The interaction between Hex and Eldritch Blast is a powerful example of how different spell mechanics can synergize to create potent combos in Baldur’s Gate 3. Understanding these interactions can significantly enhance your spellcasting effectiveness and make for a far more rewarding gameplay experience. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to BG3, incorporating this combination into your repertoire is sure to lead to devastating results. Always consider how different spells can interact and how they can amplify your powers. Keep experimenting and exploring the various builds possible!