Is Eldritch Blast Based on Warlock Level?
The short and definitive answer is: No, Eldritch Blast is NOT based on your Warlock level. It is one of the most iconic and beloved cantrips in Dungeons and Dragons, but its progression is tied to your overall character level, not just your levels in the Warlock class. This distinction is crucial for anyone planning a multi-class character or seeking to understand how Eldritch Blast scales in power.
How Eldritch Blast Scales
Eldritch Blast’s power doesn’t increase incrementally with each level. Instead, it gains additional beams at specific character level milestones:
- Level 1-4: The spell fires one beam.
- Level 5-10: The spell fires two beams.
- Level 11-16: The spell fires three beams.
- Level 17-20: The spell fires four beams.
Each beam requires a separate attack roll, meaning that as you gain levels, you not only get more attacks but also more opportunities to deal damage. This is in contrast to some spells that only increase damage dice or scale with a modifier.
The Significance of Character Level
Understanding that Eldritch Blast scales with character level is key, especially for multi-class characters. For example, a Warlock 2/Fighter 3 will have a character level of 5 and will be able to fire two beams with Eldritch Blast, despite only having two levels in the Warlock class. This is because the game considers the combined total of all your class levels to determine your cantrip’s progression.
Why This Matters
This mechanic encourages experimentation with multi-classing without overly punishing the use of cantrips. It ensures that regardless of your class combination, your cantrips scale to remain useful throughout your adventure. This also makes Eldritch Blast an extremely reliable damage option even when deviating from a single-class Warlock progression.
Cantrip Scaling: Not Just for Warlocks
The rule about cantrips scaling with character level is a general rule that applies to ALL cantrips in D&D 5e, not just Eldritch Blast. This ensures that characters who multi-class do not fall behind in terms of baseline magical prowess. Regardless of the source of your magic, as you level up your overall character, your damaging cantrips will become more powerful.
Agonizing Blast: The Exception?
There’s a common misconception that certain Eldritch Invocations, such as Agonizing Blast, might scale differently. However, Agonizing Blast adds your Charisma modifier to the damage of your Eldritch Blast beams. This increase applies to each beam and scales automatically with your character level. The Agonizing Blast invocation’s effect itself doesn’t increase further but is enhanced by the scaling of Eldritch Blast beams and the character’s Charisma modifier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Eldritch Blast, its scaling, and its usage:
1. What level do Warlocks get Eldritch Blast?
Warlocks can pick Eldritch Blast as one of their cantrips starting at 1st level. It’s one of the core spells that define the class and is available from the beginning.
2. How is Eldritch Blast damage calculated?
Each beam of Eldritch Blast deals 1d10 force damage on a hit. The number of beams scales with your total character level, not just your Warlock levels.
3. Do cantrips scale with level or class level?
Cantrips scale with character level, not class level. This means your cantrips become more powerful as you level up overall, regardless of your class mix.
4. Is Eldritch Blast only for Warlocks?
Yes, Eldritch Blast is exclusive to the Warlock class. No other class gains access to this cantrip without using specific feats or character options that explicitly allow it.
5. Does Eldritch Blast scale with level or Warlock level?
As previously stated, it scales with your total character level, not just your warlock class level.
6. Is Eldritch Blast based on character level or Warlock level?
Eldritch Blast’s beam count is determined by your character level.
7. Does Eldritch Blast damage scale with character level?
The damage dice (1d10 per beam) do not change but the number of beams you cast increases with your character level.
8. Do cantrips get stronger when Multiclassing?
Yes, no matter how many classes you take, your damage-dealing cantrips will add more beams at character levels 5, 11, and 17.
9. Is a level 0 spell a cantrip?
Yes, in D&D 5e, level 0 spells are cantrips. They do not require spell slots to be used and can be cast at will.
10. Why is Eldritch Blast so good?
Eldritch Blast is good because it deals force damage, which is the least resisted damage type in D&D. Its versatility is further enhanced by the variety of Eldritch Invocations that can be used to customize it and add extra effects.
11. How does Eldritch Blast work at higher levels?
As you level up, Eldritch Blast gains more beams: two at 5th level, three at 11th level, and four at 17th level. You can direct these beams at one target or multiple targets, each beam needing a separate attack roll.
12. Do I roll to hit Eldritch Blast?
Yes, Eldritch Blast requires a ranged spell attack roll. You add your spellcasting modifier (usually Charisma for Warlocks) plus your proficiency bonus to the attack roll.
13. Can a Warlock move between Eldritch blasts?
Yes, you can break up your movement on your turn, allowing you to use some of your speed before and after using your action to cast Eldritch Blast.
14. What level do you get 3 Eldritch blasts?
You get three Eldritch Blast beams when you reach 11th character level.
15. Can you use Eldritch Adept to get Agonizing Blast?
The Eldritch Adept feat allows any character to pick up Eldritch Invocations, provided they meet the prerequisites. Yes, if your character has Eldritch Blast, they can take Agonizing Blast via the feat, regardless of whether they have warlock levels or not.
Conclusion
Eldritch Blast’s scalability and versatility are what makes it an invaluable cantrip for any Warlock, and even characters who take it via other means. Understanding that its power is tied to overall character level and not just Warlock levels allows you to strategically plan your character’s progression and maximize its effectiveness. Whether you’re a pure Warlock or a multi-class adventurer, Eldritch Blast remains a dependable and powerful option as you explore the world of D&D.