Warlock Cantrips at Level 1: A Comprehensive Guide
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A first-level Warlock in D&D 5e starts with a base of two cantrips chosen from the Warlock spell list. However, the fascinating aspect of Warlocks is their flexibility in acquiring additional cantrips, significantly impacting their early-game versatility. This article will explore the initial cantrip allotment for a Warlock and delve into ways to increase the number of cantrips at level 1, while also answering frequent questions related to Warlock cantrip usage.
Initial Cantrips: The Warlock Foundation
At character creation, a Warlock gains access to two cantrips from the Warlock spell list. These cantrips are a crucial part of a Warlock’s core abilities. They are cast at will and do not consume precious spell slots. This makes cantrips a Warlock’s reliable source of damage, utility, and battlefield control.
Understanding Cantrip Mechanics
Cantrips are considered level 0 spells. This is in stark contrast to spells that require spell slots. They are not tied to spell levels, and their power grows with the character’s overall level. For instance, a cantrip like Eldritch Blast will automatically increase the number of beams it fires as the Warlock levels up, irrespective of spell slot availability.
Expanding Cantrip Arsenal at Level 1
While two cantrips are the standard starting point, there are compelling methods for a Warlock to start with more cantrips at level 1.
The Power of the Book of Shadows
One of the Warlock’s pivotal features, the Book of Shadows, grants three additional cantrips. When a Warlock gains this feature, they can choose three cantrips from any class’s spell list, not just the Warlock list. Crucially, these three cantrips do not count against the number of cantrips known and are cast at will while the book is on the Warlock’s person. This addition makes the Warlock capable of great variety by granting access to spells outside of their class.
The Variant Human Advantage
A Variant Human character can select a feat at level 1. The Magic Initiate feat allows a character to learn two additional cantrips from another class’s spell list (or even their own) and also a 1st-level spell. By taking Magic Initiate, a variant human Warlock can acquire two more cantrips in addition to their regular cantrips at the start of their career. This choice also further increases the spell flexibility of the Warlock by gaining access to spells outside of their typical repertoire.
Max Cantrips at Level 1
By using the Book of Shadows and taking the Magic Initiate feat as a variant human, a Warlock could potentially start with a total of seven cantrips at level 1. That is the maximum amount possible at level 1. This impressive array of at-will spells would make a Warlock exceptionally versatile and potent right from the start. This combination allows a Warlock to be both a spellcasting powerhouse and a utility provider.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Warlock cantrips:
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Can a Warlock prepare cantrips?
No. Warlocks do not prepare spells, and cantrips are always available for use, at will, without preparation. They are always known and ready to use. Warlock’s spells, on the other hand, do not need preparation but are limited by their number of spell slots.
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How many spell slots do Warlocks have at level 1?
At 1st level, a Warlock has only one spell slot. However, these slots increase at higher levels. Cantrips do not use these spell slots.
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Are cantrips leveled spells?
No. Cantrips are level 0 spells and do not use the Warlock’s single-level spell slots. They scale in power as the player levels up, not by using spell slots.
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Can I change cantrips on level up?
Generally, Warlocks cannot replace cantrips normally. However, with the optional rules found in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, Warlocks can change a known cantrip when they gain a level in that class.
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Can I cast two cantrips in one turn?
Yes, but with limitations. If you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spells you may cast that turn must be a cantrip cast using your action. You cannot cast two spells of 1st-level or higher in the same turn. You can however, cast as many cantrips as you have actions for.
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Can I “spam” cantrips?
Yes. Cantrips can be used an unlimited number of times per day without any resource depletion such as spell slots or other restrictions unless the feature says otherwise. This makes them your go-to spells for consistent damage and utility.
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Does a cantrip break invisibility?
Invisibility breaks when you attack or cast a spell. Therefore, casting a cantrip would break invisibility.
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Is Eldritch Blast the best cantrip for a Warlock?
Eldritch Blast is arguably the best damage cantrip due to its customizability through Eldritch Invocations. It’s highly favored for its damage potential and ability to target multiple creatures at higher levels.
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Is Eldritch Blast considered a spell?
Yes, Eldritch Blast is a spell, as such it can be countered with counterspell. But it is a cantrip in that it does not use spell slots and can be used at will.
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Do you roll to hit with cantrips?
Some cantrips require an attack roll (such as Eldritch Blast) while others require a saving throw by the target (such as Acid Splash). The type of cantrip determines whether a roll is needed.
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Are cantrips worth it?
Yes. Cantrips are incredibly valuable because they are a reliable source of damage and utility that do not cost spell slots. They are crucial for a caster’s effectiveness.
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Can I use Hex and Eldritch Blast on the same turn?
Yes, you can cast Hex as a bonus action and use Eldritch Blast as an action on the same turn. However, some abilities, such as Quicken Spell, may have limitations.
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Can I twin Eldritch Blast?
Yes, you can twin Eldritch Blast until the 4th level. When Eldritch Blast targets more than one creature, you can no longer twin it.
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Do cantrips count as 1st level spells?
No, cantrips are level 0 spells and are distinct from 1st-level and higher spells. They are a completely separate category of spells.
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What is the best 1st level spell for a Warlock?
Armor of Agathys is generally considered one of the best first-level spells for Warlocks because it provides both protection and a means of dealing damage back to enemies. It remains powerful at every spell level.
Conclusion
The number of cantrips a Warlock has at level 1 can range from a base of two to a maximum of seven through strategic choices. The flexibility provided by the Book of Shadows and the Variant Human race option gives players significant customization options. By mastering cantrip usage and understanding their mechanics, players can unlock the full potential of their Warlock characters. Warlocks are not limited by a lack of at will spells, but by their limited number of spell slots.