How Much Damage Does Eldritch Blast Do By Level?

Eldritch Blast, the quintessential warlock cantrip, is renowned for its consistent damage output and scaling potential. But exactly how much damage can you expect at each level? In its base form, Eldritch Blast deals 1d10 force damage per beam. The number of beams, and thus potential damage, increases as your character level progresses, making it a reliable damage option throughout your campaign. Here’s the breakdown:

• Levels 1-4: One beam, dealing 1d10 force damage.
• Levels 5-10: Two beams, each dealing 1d10 force damage.
• Levels 11-16: Three beams, each dealing 1d10 force damage.
• Levels 17-20: Four beams, each dealing 1d10 force damage.

It’s crucial to remember that Eldritch Blast damage scales with your overall character level, not just your warlock class level. This means that even if you multi-class, your Eldritch Blast will become more potent as you gain levels. Each beam requires a separate attack roll, allowing for multiple chances to hit and potentially deal damage. This multi-attack nature of the spell sets it apart from many other cantrips.

Maximizing Eldritch Blast Damage

While the base damage of Eldritch Blast is consistent, its true potential is unlocked through Eldritch Invocations, specifically the infamous Agonizing Blast. This invocation adds your Charisma modifier to each beam’s damage, significantly enhancing its overall output. For a warlock with a high Charisma score, this represents a substantial increase in damage, effectively “double-dipping” into their primary casting stat.

For instance, a 5th level character with a +3 Charisma modifier, using Agonizing Blast, would deal 1d10 + 3 force damage per beam for a total potential of 2d10 + 6, with two beams. This makes Eldritch Blast one of the most consistent sources of damage for a warlock. While other cantrips like Fire Bolt might deal more damage upfront, the reliability and synergy provided by Eldritch Blast, particularly with Agonizing Blast, make it a top-tier cantrip.

Expected Damage Calculation

To further understand Eldritch Blast’s potency, it’s helpful to calculate expected damage. The average result of a d10 is 5.5. Therefore:

• Levels 1-4: 5.5 + Charisma modifier (if using Agonizing Blast)
• Levels 5-10: 2 * (5.5 + Charisma modifier) or 11 + 2 * Charisma modifier
• Levels 11-16: 3 * (5.5 + Charisma modifier) or 16.5 + 3 * Charisma modifier
• Levels 17-20: 4 * (5.5 + Charisma modifier) or 22 + 4 * Charisma modifier

So, at level 11, a Warlock with +5 charisma modifier using Agonizing Blast would be dealing an average of 16.5 + 3 * 5= 31.5 damage if all attacks hit.

While the above damage assumes all beams hit, it’s crucial to remember you’ll be rolling an attack roll for each beam, and each can miss. Still, with multiple attacks, the chances of landing at least one hit are higher, making Eldritch Blast a relatively reliable damage dealer.

Eldritch Blast vs. Other Damage Cantrips

While the base damage dice of Eldritch Blast (1d10) are not unique, it’s the scaling number of beams and the synergistic nature with Agonizing Blast that make it a dominant choice. Other cantrips might have higher single die damage, but Eldritch Blast’s potential damage output is more reliable over many attacks. Firebolt, for instance, deals 1d10 fire damage, but it is a single beam even at higher level. While toll the dead starts out with 1d8 damage it eventually gets to 1d12 damage, but still only on one attack. Eldritch blast scales not only in damage, but also in the number of attacks you are making.

While some cantrips have other effects or damage types, Force damage, dealt by Eldritch Blast, is rarely resisted. This fact further contributes to Eldritch Blast’s position as one of the most effective damage options available to spellcasters, especially warlocks.

FAQs on Eldritch Blast Damage

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Eldritch Blast, offering more comprehensive insights into its mechanics:

1. Does Eldritch Blast scale with character level or warlock level?

Eldritch Blast scales with overall character level, not just your warlock class level. This is a crucial point for multiclass characters.

2. Is Eldritch Blast the best damage cantrip?

While not the highest single-die damage cantrip, Eldritch Blast is arguably the best due to its consistent damage output, reliable multi-attack nature, and the ability to add your Charisma modifier to each beam’s damage with Agonizing Blast.

3. At what levels does Eldritch Blast get extra beams?

Eldritch Blast gains an additional beam at character levels 5, 11, and 17.

4. How do Eldritch Invocations enhance Eldritch Blast?

Eldritch Invocations like Agonizing Blast drastically increase Eldritch Blast’s damage output by adding your Charisma modifier to each beam.

5. Can I target multiple creatures with Eldritch Blast?

Yes, you can target multiple creatures with Eldritch Blast. You can distribute the beams as you see fit.

6. How does Agonizing Blast affect Eldritch Blast damage?

Agonizing Blast adds your Charisma modifier to each beam’s damage, significantly boosting its damage potential.

7. Is Force damage a good damage type?

Force damage is an excellent damage type as very few creatures in D&D 5e have resistance or immunity to it.

8. Can I use Quickened Spell to cast Eldritch Blast twice in a turn?

Yes, the Sorcerer’s Quickened Spell Metamagic can be used to cast Eldritch Blast twice in a single turn.

9. Can I twin Eldritch Blast?

Yes, if you are level 1-4 when you are only able to target a single creature, then you can twin it.

10. Can I use other invocations with Eldritch Blast?

 Yes, other invocations can enhance Eldritch Blast with **pushing effects, increased range, or other benefits.**

11. Can I combine Hex with Eldritch Blast?

Yes, you can combine Hex with Eldritch Blast, but not in conjunction with Quickened Spell in the same turn.

12. Does Eldritch Blast work against a Tarrasque?

Unfortunately, Eldritch Blast is not effective against a Tarrasque in most instances, as it’s reflected back at the caster unless a roll of 1-5 is rolled on a d6

13. Can Eldritch Blast push Huge creatures?

 Yes, each successful hit of Eldritch Blast with the correct invocation can push a creature 10ft **regardless of its size.**

14. Does Eldritch adept work with agonizing blast?

Yes, **Eldritch adept** can be used to gain the agonizing blast invocation, as long as you have access to eldritch blast.

15. What are the hidden advantages of Eldritch blast?

  Eldritch Blast's damage is applied immediately, and **all beams are applied at the same time.**

By understanding its scaling mechanics and synergistic features, you can fully harness the power of Eldritch Blast and become a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. The consistent damage and reliability of the spell, particularly with invocations like Agonizing Blast, secure its place as a mainstay of many spellcasters’ arsenals.