What Cantrips Can an Eldritch Knight Use?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Eldritch Knight, a martial archetype for the Fighter class in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, uniquely blends combat prowess with limited spellcasting abilities. Unlike full spellcasters like Wizards or Sorcerers, Eldritch Knights have a specific list from which they draw their spells, and their access to cantrips is quite restricted but powerful. Simply put, an Eldritch Knight can choose their cantrips from the Wizard spell list.
At 3rd level, the Eldritch Knight gains the Spellcasting feature, which grants them two cantrips of their choice from the Wizard spell list. They gain an additional cantrip at 10th level for a total of three cantrips. These cantrips are selected when the Eldritch Knight gains the relevant levels and, cannot be changed after that point (excluding through specific DM-allowed scenarios or multiclassing).
This limited selection means each cantrip needs to be carefully considered to maximize the Eldritch Knight’s effectiveness. Unlike their spell choices, which can be swapped on a level-up, the cantrips you choose will stick with you for the long haul, making early choices especially crucial. This makes the selection of these very important and strategic.
Choosing the Right Cantrips
When selecting cantrips for your Eldritch Knight, it’s critical to understand their role within the party and how cantrips can supplement their abilities. The key is not to emulate a full spellcaster but rather to pick utility and offense options that enhance a front-line fighting style. The goal is to support their primary fighter function and provide diverse battlefield options.
Top Cantrips for an Eldritch Knight
While the “best” cantrip ultimately depends on your preferred playstyle, here are some of the most effective and versatile cantrips that work well for an Eldritch Knight:
- Booming Blade: This is a melee cantrip found in the Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide and Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. It allows you to make a melee weapon attack, and if the target moves willingly before the end of its next turn, it takes thunder damage. This cantrip blends well with the fighter’s combat style and helps control movement on the battlefield.
- Green-Flame Blade: Also found in the same publications as Booming Blade, this cantrip is similar, but after the initial attack, a second target nearby also takes fire damage. This is good for dealing with multiple enemies.
- Minor Illusion: A versatile option that can create sounds or visual illusions. Useful for distractions, creating cover, or even luring enemies into traps. Although not combat-centric, this spell provides tactical advantages.
- Mage Hand: Simple yet remarkably useful. The Mage Hand can manipulate small objects from a distance, disarm traps, retrieve items, or assist with various tasks. It’s a consistent utility that fills many roleplaying or adventuring needs.
- Fire Bolt: A simple ranged attack spell that deals fire damage. Useful as a default ranged attack option when melee is not an option and a decent source of damage.
Cantrips to Avoid
Some cantrips might appear attractive but are generally less effective for the Eldritch Knight:
- Cantrips that rely on attack rolls but key off of Intelligence. Eldritch Knights typically have lower intelligence, making them less effective when using attack rolls for spells.
- Cantrips that are more utility-focused for full spellcasters that do not enhance their combat, as the limited slots can be utilized much more effectively.
Understanding the Restrictions
It’s crucial to remember the restrictions on spellcasting for the Eldritch Knight. They do not use a spellbook like a Wizard, instead committing their spells to memory. They are also primarily limited to Abjuration and Evocation spells until later levels, although they do get to pick a spell from any school at specific levels as well as cantrips. This means their selection and style differ significantly from other spellcasting classes.
The Eldritch Knight also needs a component pouch, as they cannot use an arcane focus. The combination of material and somatic components on some spells can also cause issues when dual-wielding or using shields, as this will take some time to execute in combat, making their timing and positioning important.
FAQs About Eldritch Knight Cantrips
1. Can an Eldritch Knight change their cantrips once chosen?
No, Eldritch Knights cannot change their cantrips after selecting them. The only way to change them would be through explicit DM intervention or through multiclassing into a class that does get to replace cantrips, like the Sorcerer. Choose wisely!
2. How many cantrips does an Eldritch Knight get?
An Eldritch Knight learns two cantrips at 3rd level, and an additional cantrip at 10th level, for a total of three cantrips.
3. Are Booming Blade and Green Flame Blade good cantrips for an Eldritch Knight?
Yes, Booming Blade and Green-Flame Blade are excellent choices for an Eldritch Knight. They enhance the melee combat style by adding extra damage and tactical benefits, such as controlling enemy movement. However, because the eldritch knight has a limited number of cantrips, taking both may not be the most strategic option.
4. Can an Eldritch Knight use an arcane focus?
No, Eldritch Knights cannot use an arcane focus. They must use a component pouch for spells with material components.
5. Does an Eldritch Knight need a spellbook?
No, Eldritch Knights do not use a spellbook. They memorize their spells instead.
6. Can Eldritch Knights cast any cantrip from the Wizard list?
Yes, Eldritch Knights can choose any cantrip from the Wizard spell list. However, they are limited to Abjuration and Evocation spells for leveled spells.
7. Can an Eldritch Knight cast with a shield?
Yes, Eldritch Knights can cast spells with a shield if they only require verbal components. However, spells with somatic or material components may require you to sheath your weapon briefly and then draw it again on the next turn or find an alternative solution.
8. Are cantrips infinite in D&D 5e?
Yes, cantrips can be cast an unlimited number of times per day. They do not require spell slots, making them a reliable option for Eldritch Knights.
9. Can an Eldritch Knight multiclass effectively?
Multiclassing can be tricky for Eldritch Knights because they use Intelligence for spellcasting, unlike many classes. The “round down” rule on spellcasting level also means that multiclassing into other casting classes, like sorcerer or wizard, can be tricky when it comes to gaining higher-level spell slots. Multiclassing with other martial classes can be useful if they want to improve their martial strength further.
10. Can Eldritch Knights learn the Eldritch Blast cantrip?
No, Eldritch Blast is exclusively a Warlock cantrip, not available to the Eldritch Knight class.
11. What is the best race for an Eldritch Knight?
The Mountain Dwarf is considered by many to be a strong choice for an Eldritch Knight because they get a bonus to both strength and constitution. However, many races offer some sort of useful perk to this build.
12. Can an Eldritch Knight use ritual spells?
No, Eldritch Knights cannot cast their spells as rituals, even if the spell has the ritual tag. They can only cast them as normal spells using spell slots.
13. Can an Eldritch Knight cast two spells with Action Surge?
Yes, an Eldritch Knight can cast two spells in one turn using Action Surge, provided the spells follow the other spell casting limitations, such as the bonus action spell restriction.
14. Can an Eldritch Knight learn Misty Step?
Yes, an Eldritch Knight can learn Misty Step starting at 8th level since their spell school restrictions loosen then.
15. Can an Eldritch Knight use Shadow Blade?
Yes, an Eldritch Knight can learn Shadow Blade starting at 8th level, as it is a Wizard spell and no longer is restricted by spell school.
Conclusion
The Eldritch Knight’s selection of cantrips is small but powerful. Choosing the right mix of offensive and utility spells is essential to optimizing this unique Fighter subclass. While a limited resource, carefully chosen cantrips enhance an Eldritch Knight’s battlefield control, support capabilities, and overall effectiveness. Make sure you fully understand the restrictions and how the spells will impact your playstyle and you will be well on your way to mastering the Eldritch Knight.