Why Do I Have Two Eldritch Blasts? Understanding the Power of the Warlock’s Signature Cantrip
The simple answer to “Why do I have two Eldritch Blasts?” is that your Warlock character has reached 5th level. This pivotal level unlocks a significant upgrade to the Eldritch Blast cantrip, allowing you to unleash not one, but two beams of crackling energy. However, the story of Eldritch Blast is far richer and more nuanced than that, involving its unique scaling mechanics, its place among other cantrips, and the strategic versatility it offers.
The Scaling Power of Eldritch Blast
Unlike most damaging cantrips that simply increase their damage dice as you level up, Eldritch Blast provides additional attacks, known as “beams.” This method of scaling makes it exceptionally powerful, offering increased opportunities to hit, trigger on-hit effects, and even apply specific invocation upgrades. The scaling milestones are as follows:
- Levels 1-4: One beam of Eldritch Blast.
- Levels 5-10: Two beams of Eldritch Blast.
- Levels 11-16: Three beams of Eldritch Blast.
- Levels 17-20: Four beams of Eldritch Blast.
These beams can be directed at the same target or different targets, providing great flexibility in combat. Imagine facing down multiple smaller enemies; you can blast each with a separate beam, maximizing your damage output. On the other hand, if you need to focus fire on a single, more formidable foe, you can unload all beams upon them. This adaptability is one of the reasons why Eldritch Blast is considered so effective.
More Than Just Damage: The Versatility of Eldritch Blast
Eldritch Blast is not just about dealing damage. With the proper invocations, which are special enhancements unique to Warlocks, the cantrip can be dramatically amplified. Two particularly popular invocations are Agonizing Blast and Repelling Blast. Agonizing Blast adds your Charisma modifier to each beam’s damage roll, significantly increasing your damage potential. Repelling Blast, on the other hand, pushes a target 10 feet away with each beam that hits, enabling you to control the battlefield and create space or even knock enemies off ledges, or into environmental hazards.
It is also important to note that Eldritch Blast has a base range of 120 feet. With the Eldritch Spear invocation, this can be extended to a remarkable 300 feet and further boosted to 1200 feet with other specific setups. This tremendous range allows Warlocks to engage enemies from a safe distance, a tactical advantage most other spellcasters can only dream of.
Eldritch Blast: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Many Eldritch Blast Beams Do I Get at Each Level?
- Levels 1-4: One beam.
- Levels 5-10: Two beams.
- Levels 11-16: Three beams.
- Levels 17-20: Four beams.
Can I Target Different Creatures with Each Beam?
Yes, you can absolutely split your beams between multiple targets as long as they are within range and sight. This adds considerable tactical flexibility to the spell.
Can I Use Eldritch Blast More Than Once Per Turn?
By default, no. Since Eldritch Blast has a casting time of one action, and you only have one action on your turn, you can only cast it once. However, there are ways to cast it more frequently (see further below).
Can Eldritch Blast Be Affected by Metamagic?
Yes! Notably, the Twinned Spell metamagic, available to Sorcerers, can affect Eldritch Blast before the Warlock reaches level 5 when only one beam is cast. However, once multiple beams are being shot, the Twin Spell metamagic is no longer applicable since it targets more than one creature. Quicken Spell metamagic allows for the cantrip to be cast a second time using a bonus action.
How Can I Cast Eldritch Blast Three Times in One Turn?
To achieve this, you would use your action to cast Eldritch Blast, then use Action Surge (available to Fighters) to cast it again with your second action, and finally, use the Quicken Spell metamagic (available to Sorcerers) to cast it a third time as a bonus action. This requires a multiclass character, combining levels in Warlock, Fighter, and Sorcerer.
Can I Cast Two Eldritch Blasts At The Same Time?
No, you cast one instance of the spell per action, with the number of beams determined by your Warlock level, even at high levels. If you cast Eldritch Blast twice in a turn, it is two separate castings, each with the appropriate amount of beams, but they are not simultaneous.
Can I Quicken Eldritch Blast?
Yes, you can use the Quicken Spell metamagic to cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action. This allows you to cast it twice in one turn or cast it in addition to another spell using your action.
Can I Use Hex and Eldritch Blast on the Same Turn?
Yes, you can. Hex is cast as a bonus action, and Eldritch Blast is cast as an action. However, you cannot use a Quicken Spell Eldritch Blast with hex on the same turn as both Hex and quickened Eldritch Blast would require you to use your bonus action.
What Is the Longest Range I Can Achieve With Eldritch Blast?
The standard range is 120 feet. With the Eldritch Spear invocation, this can be extended to 300 feet. Through the combination of certain feats and class features, the range can go up to 1,200 feet.
Is Eldritch Blast Only for Warlocks?
Yes. Eldritch Blast is an exclusive cantrip available only to Warlocks as part of their class spell list.
Why is Eldritch Blast Considered So Good?
Eldritch Blast stands out because of its unique scaling (more beams instead of just dice), versatility (multiple targets and invocations), and potential for high sustained damage, especially when paired with Agonizing Blast.
Does Eldritch Blast Get More Powerful at Higher Levels?
Yes. It gets stronger in terms of the number of beams, meaning more attacks which can be paired with the appropriate invocations.
Can I Push People Around With Eldritch Blast?
Yes, if you choose the Repelling Blast invocation. This pushes a target 10 feet away per beam that hits, offering powerful control options.
Can I Split Up My Eldritch Blast Beams?
Yes, you can. You’re not forced to target the same creature with every beam.
Can A Non-Warlock Learn Eldritch Blast?
Yes, they can, if they select the Magic Initiate feat or a similar option that allows access to cantrips from other spell lists. However, they will not gain access to Eldritch Invocations, a core part of why Eldritch Blast is powerful.
Conclusion: More Than Just A Cantrip
Eldritch Blast is much more than a simple damage-dealing cantrip. It is a cornerstone of the Warlock class, a versatile tool capable of dealing significant damage, controlling the battlefield, and acting as a canvas for creative character builds. The jump from one to two beams at 5th level is a major turning point for any Warlock, a power surge that highlights the scaling potential of this iconic cantrip. Understanding its nuances, its interactions with invocations, and its strategic possibilities is key to mastering the art of the Warlock and unleashing the full potential of Eldritch Blast.