What’s the Best Weapon Type for a Warlock in D&D? A Comprehensive Guide
For Warlocks in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), the answer to the best weapon type isn’t as straightforward as it might be for other martial classes. The Warlock’s power primarily stems from their magical pacts and invocations, not brute strength. That said, weapons still play a role, particularly with the Pact of the Blade feature. The best weapon type for a Warlock depends largely on the specific build, desired playstyle, and, notably, the subclass chosen. However, if we had to name one, a strong contender for best general use weapon would be the Greatsword. This selection takes into account that you will be a Hexblade Warlock.
This may come as a surprise to many Warlock players. Why a Greatsword? The main reason is that Warlocks traditionally don’t have a great damage output, but with the Hexblade subclass they can turn their charisma into the attack stat for their pact weapon. And this can be an even bigger boon if you make your Pact Weapon a Two-Handed weapon like a Greatsword.
Here’s a breakdown of why this is the case and how to optimize your weapon choices.
Understanding Warlock Weapon Proficiency
Before diving into specific types, it’s crucial to understand Warlock proficiencies. By default, Warlocks are proficient with light armor and simple weapons: Daggers, One-handed Swords, Staves, Wands, and Offhands. This means a Warlock can wield these weapons without any attack roll penalties. However, they don’t typically rely on their weapon for direct damage. Their main damage comes from spells and cantrips, particularly Eldritch Blast.
The Pact of the Blade
The Pact of the Blade is a game-changer. It allows a Warlock to summon a pact weapon, choosing the form each time they create it. This weapon becomes magical, bypassing resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks. This is where the choice of weapon starts to matter much more, as you can now create a more optimized weapon to use for attacks.
This feature is particularly potent for Hexblade Warlocks who gain proficiency with martial weapons and can use their Charisma modifier for attack and damage rolls when using their pact weapon.
Why the Greatsword?
For a Hexblade Warlock, the Greatsword stands out for a few key reasons:
- Damage Potential: As a two-handed weapon, the Greatsword hits hard with 2d6 damage per strike. With the ability to add your Charisma modifier to that damage roll, this damage potential increases, especially when you get a few levels under your belt.
- Synergy with Hexblade: Hexblade’s Hex Warrior ability lets you use your Charisma modifier for attack and damage rolls, making the Greatsword a much more viable option.
- Flavor and Roleplay: A Warlock wielding a Greatsword can be intimidating and adds a distinct flair to the character. It’s a potent symbol of a character who blends magic with martial prowess.
- Optimal use of Hexblade Abilities: While it isn’t always the case, a two handed weapon gives a Hexblade a clear choice between martial combat and ranged spells. Since the hexblade has access to martial weapons and can optimize it’s pact weapon using their Charisma modifier, it is the best for a melee heavy character. If you aren’t planning on being a melee heavy Warlock, then a different subclass will most likely give you the abilities you want.
Other Viable Weapon Options
While the Greatsword is an excellent choice, here are other viable weapons, depending on playstyle and subclass:
- Longsword: A good, versatile one-handed weapon that does d8 damage that can be used with a shield, but does not do as much damage as a Greatsword.
- Maul: Another heavy, two-handed weapon that deals 2d6 damage and is similar to the Greatsword. Consider it if you prefer bludgeoning over slashing damage.
- Scimitar: A solid choice if you’re looking for a one-handed, finesse weapon that gives you better mobility.
- Rapier: Similar to a scimitar as a one handed, finesse weapon. A lot of the utility from these weapons are lost if you have the Hex Warrior ability.
Considerations for Non-Hexblade Warlocks
If you are not a Hexblade Warlock, your weapon choice is less critical. You will be using your spells and cantrips, so the weapon will only be used if you need to be in melee, at which point a simple melee weapon will do the job.
Enhancing Your Warlock’s Weapon
Magic items can also dramatically impact your weapon choice:
- +1, +2, or +3 Weapons: These magic weapons simply add to attack and damage rolls making any weapon you have better.
- Scimitar of Speed: Allows a bonus action attack, perfect for stacking damage.
- Sentient Weapons: Like the infamous Blackrazor, provide unique benefits and roleplaying opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the role of weapons for Warlocks:
1. Can a Warlock use a two-handed weapon?
Yes, with the Pact of the Blade, any Warlock can create a two-handed weapon like a Greatsword or Maul as their pact weapon. This is exceptionally effective for Hexblade Warlocks.
2. What is a Pact Weapon?
A Pact Weapon is a magical weapon created by a Warlock who has chosen the Pact of the Blade boon. It can take any form of melee weapon the player chooses. It is considered magical for overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks.
3. Can a Warlock use a shield?
Yes, Warlocks can use shields if they are also proficient in them. Most Warlocks won’t have this proficiency, unless they choose a pact weapon that is a one-handed weapon and they also use a shield. The Hexblade subclass also has access to medium armor and shields, allowing for more defensive character builds.
4. What is the best weapon for a Hexblade Warlock?
The Greatsword is a top contender due to its high damage output and compatibility with the Hex Warrior ability, which allows the Hexblade to use Charisma for attack and damage rolls with their pact weapon.
5. Do Warlocks need weapons to do damage?
Not necessarily. Warlocks primarily rely on spells and cantrips for damage, but they have the Pact of the Blade that allows them to create magical weapons. However, a Warlock that has pact of the blade, and is in the Hexblade subclass can do quite a lot of damage with their pact weapons.
6. Can a Warlock change their pact weapon?
Yes, a Warlock can change the form of their pact weapon each time they create it. This can be done as an action and it is in an empty hand.
7. What happens if a Warlock is disarmed?
If a Warlock is disarmed of their Pact Weapon, they can simply summon it back as an action. As long as the Warlock still has the Pact of the Blade feature, the weapon can easily be summoned to their hand as an action.
8. Are there any weapon enhancements for Warlocks?
Yes, Warlocks can benefit from any magical enhancements or effects that are applicable to the weapon type. Examples include the +1, +2, and +3 variants, as well as Scimitars of Speed.
9. Should a Warlock multiclass to get better weapon proficiencies?
Multiclassing can provide better weapon proficiencies but should be done strategically. Paladin and Sorcerer are often chosen classes for multiclassing but depending on the way that your character is played a Fighter or Barbarian might be a better option.
10. Does the Warlock’s weapon proficiency affect their spellcasting?
No, a Warlock’s weapon proficiency doesn’t affect their spellcasting. However, using weapons as a Hexblade can give you a new way to play as your character.
11. Can a Warlock wield two weapons?
Yes, but they need the Dual Wielder feat. This is not typical for a Warlock build and not generally recommended. If you are using the Pact of the Blade ability, then a two handed weapon is generally the better option.
12. Is a Warlock weaker if they don’t use weapons?
No, Warlocks are perfectly capable of doing significant damage without a pact weapon. Their spells and cantrips (especially Eldritch Blast) provide reliable damage output. The weapons are just another option for them.
13. What is the most powerful Warlock subclass?
The Hexblade and Genie subclasses are often considered among the most powerful due to their potent abilities and versatile playstyles, but all of the subclasses are powerful in their own right depending on how you play.
14. Is there a best race for a Warlock, in regards to weapon use?
Not directly for weapon use, but Tieflings are great due to their Charisma bonus, which is essential for Hexblades. Some other races may also give proficiency with some weapons, but these are not directly tied to how good your Warlock is, just what options are available to you.
15. Can a Warlock create a ranged pact weapon?
Yes, but only through Eldritch Invocations, specifically the Improved Pact Weapon Invocation. This can provide access to a magical ranged weapon.
Conclusion
While Warlocks are primarily spellcasters, their ability to use weapons, especially with the Pact of the Blade, adds another dimension to their character. The Greatsword is an excellent choice for damage-dealing, melee-focused Hexblades, while other options can suit different needs and styles. Ultimately, the best weapon for your Warlock is the one that best fits your character’s concept, abilities, and how you want to engage in combat.