When can a warlock use 2nd level spells?
A warlock can use 2nd level spells when they reach the 3rd level, as primary spellcasters get access to their second level spells at this stage, and warlocks learn new spells at each level from 2 through 9, as well as at level 19, with the option to choose spells of a level no higher than what’s shown in the table’s Slot Level column for their level. The warlock spell list provides a range of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd level spells that can be learned and cast, with 2nd level spells offering a substantial jump in power compared to 1st level spells.
Understanding Warlock Spells and Slots
To grasp when a warlock can use 2nd level spells, it’s essential to understand how spell slots work. Spell slots are a form of currency that determines which spells can be cast. A 1st level spell costs at least a 1st level slot to cast, but a warlock can overspend with a 2nd level (or better) slot, sometimes gaining an extra effect. Warlocks have limited spell slots, but these slots renew after every short rest, unlike most other magic-using classes that require a long rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a warlock cast 2nd level spells at 1st level?
No, warlocks cannot cast 2nd level spells at 1st level. Spell slots are necessary for casting spells, and at 1st level, warlocks only have access to 1st level slots.
2. How do warlocks learn new spells?
Warlocks learn a new warlock spell every time they gain a level from 2 through 9, as well as at level 19, choosing from the warlock spell list with the option to select spells of a level no higher than what’s shown in the table’s Slot Level column for their level.
3. Can warlocks only cast 2 spells?
Warlocks have limited spell slots, but these slots renew after every short rest, allowing them to cast more spells throughout the day, especially if the party takes multiple short rests.
4. Can warlocks cast spells at lower levels?
Warlocks cannot cast spells at a lower spell slot. However, having a couple of level 1 slots can be beneficial, especially since some spells don’t scale with level, like Comprehend Languages.
5. Can a warlock cast 2 cantrips in one turn?
Warlocks can cast as many cantrips as they have actions for. If a warlock casts a 1st-level or higher spell – or a cantrip – as a bonus action, they can still cast a cantrip as their action.
6. Why do warlocks only have 2 spell slots initially?
Warlocks have fewer spell slots because they can deal significant damage with cantrip spells, especially Eldritch Blast, and have access to Eldritch Invocations, making them versatile even without many spell slots.
7. Is Warlock a weak class?
Generally, a Warlock is less outright powerful but more versatile than a full caster like a Wizard. They have the best damage cantrip in the game and Eldritch Invocations for utility but lack 6-9th level slots and have limited spell slots.
8. Can you cast 2 leveled spells in 5E?
There’s nothing stopping a caster from casting a 3rd-level spell with their action and another 3rd-level spell with their reaction in the same turn, provided they haven’t cast a leveled spell with a bonus action.
9. Can you cast a 2nd level spell with a 3rd level slot?
When a spellcaster uses a slot that is of a higher level than the spell, the spell assumes the higher level for that casting. For instance, casting Magic Missile using a 2nd-level slot makes it a 2nd-level spell.
10. Can you cast a 1st level spell with a 2nd level spell slot?
In D&D 5E, you can use a spell slot of any level equal or greater to the spell’s level to cast a spell. So, Burning Hands can be cast with any spell slot since it’s a 1st level spell.
11. How do spells work for Warlocks?
Warlock spells are structured so that their spell slots and spells known are limited, but slots renew after every short rest, and all spells are always cast at the highest slot level to which the warlock has access.
12. What is the best 2nd level Wizard spell?
Some of the most useful 2nd level spells include Invisibility, Phantasmal Force, Healing Spirit, Silence, and Dragon Breath, offering a range of effects from invisibility to dealing damage.
13. Do 2nd level spells take 2 spell slots?
A first level spell can be cast with any spell slot, but a second level spell requires spell slots of second level or higher. Some spells have additional benefits when cast with a higher level slot.
14. What do warlocks get at level 2?
At level 2, warlocks can select from the general warlock spell list and get particular spells based on their patron choice. They also receive invocations, special magic buffs that grant abilities like permanent armor.
15. Can a warlock use the same spell twice?
Yes, if a warlock has spell slots available, they can cast any spell they have prepared or learned, as long as they meet the requirements for casting, including components, spell level, and arcane focus.