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The Ultimate Guide to Warlock Multiclassing: Which Class Pairs Best?

Choosing the right class to pair with a Warlock can dramatically enhance your character’s capabilities and playstyle. While Warlocks are potent on their own, the right multiclass can unlock incredible synergies and open up exciting new strategic possibilities. So, what class works best with a Warlock? The Paladin emerges as the strongest contender for many reasons, but several other classes offer enticing benefits depending on your desired build and playstyle.

Why Paladin and Warlock is a Powerful Combo

The Paladin and Warlock combination stands out as particularly effective. This powerful pairing has several advantages:

Melee Prowess: Paladins are natural melee combatants, which perfectly complements a Warlock looking to engage in close-quarters combat, especially if they choose the Hexblade Patron.
Smite Synergies: The Divine Smite ability of the Paladin can be used with Warlock spell slots, making for devastating burst damage potential, particularly useful for critical hits.
Defensive Capabilities: Paladins bring heavy armor proficiency and access to healing magic, improving the Warlock’s survivability, which is especially beneficial if your warlock’s base constitution isn’t very high.
Role Versatility: A Warlock/Paladin can effectively function as a damage dealer, tank, healer, and even a buffer.

However, it’s crucial to understand that this combination typically delays access to higher-level spells, especially for the Warlock. So, consider if the potential benefits are worth the trade-off.

Other Strong Multiclass Options for Warlocks

While Paladin might be the most popular, here are several other classes that synergize well with Warlock:

Sorcerer: The Spellcasting Powerhouse

Spell Slot Flexibility: Sorcerers can convert spell slots into sorcery points, which can, in turn, fuel spells of any level. Warlocks’ limited spell slots can greatly benefit from this flexibility.
Metamagic Mastery: Sorcerers get Metamagic abilities, which can drastically enhance Warlock spells such as Eldritch Blast, improving its range or making it more difficult to avoid.
Charisma Focus: Both classes are Charisma-based, making them a seamless pairing that doesn’t split focus across multiple ability scores.
Hexblade Synergy: The Hexblade’s ability to attack with Charisma can be used with Sorcerer spells, making this pairing even more potent.

Cleric: Divine Synergies

Channel Divinity: Clerics offer Channel Divinity powers, a versatile resource that allows for turning undead, healing allies, or other unique domain-based abilities.
Domain Benefits: Cleric domains can combine synergistically with Warlock pacts, leading to unique and powerful character builds.
Spell Slot Efficiency: Cleric spell slots can be used for healing or additional spell power.
Heavy Armor: For warlocks not choosing the Hexblade patron, a dip into Cleric for heavy armor proficiency provides a much needed defensive buff.

Rogue: Sneaky Spellcasters

Sneak Attack: Adding Sneak Attack damage to a Warlock who uses a pact blade or spell can be a very effective combination, especially for a Hexblade.
Skill Expertise: Rogues get skill expertise, making them excellent skill-monkeys who can also deal solid damage.
Versatility: The rogue’s utility and Warlock’s spellcasting offer a unique blend of stealth, combat and magic.

Fighter: Combat Expertise

Action Surge: Fighters gain access to Action Surge, allowing the warlock to cast another powerful spell in combat, greatly increasing damage potential.
Fighting Style: A Fighting Style, especially the dueling one, can enhance the efficacy of a melee warlock.
Armor and Weapon Proficiencies: Fighters offer excellent weapon and armor proficiencies that can be useful for a Warlock who wants to get up close and personal in combat, which is an excellent pairing for a Hexblade.

When to Multiclass Your Warlock

Timing your multiclass is as important as the classes themselves:

Early Level Dip (Levels 1-3): If you are solely after the early features like Eldritch Blast or the Hexblade’s curse, dipping into another class after the first two levels of Warlock may be appropriate.
Mid-Level Multiclass (Around Level 9): This is generally recommended to enjoy the full benefits of your Warlock features. Reaching 5th-level spell slots as a warlock is very significant and worth attaining before multiclassing.
Delayed Multiclass (Later Game): If you want to become a high-level Warlock first, you can multiclass much later to add a secondary class’s abilities to your repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Warlock Multiclassing