Why is it Called a Coffeelock? Exploring the Infamous D&D Multiclass

The term “coffeelock,” in the context of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e), refers to a specific character build that exploits certain game mechanics to achieve an effectively unlimited number of spell slots. The name is derived from the theoretical ability of such a character to repeatedly short rest, “drinking coffee” so to speak, instead of taking a long rest. This allows them to continuously convert their Warlock spell slots into Sorcery Points, and then convert those points into Sorcerer spell slots, effectively stockpiling spell power beyond what the game intends. Essentially, the character “powers up” on constant short rests, much like someone might constantly sip coffee to stay awake, hence the name “coffeelock.” This is often viewed as a rules exploit or a loophole, and while technically possible under a strict reading of the rules, most Dungeon Masters (DMs) swiftly put an end to such shenanigans.

The Core Mechanics of the Coffeelock

The coffeelock build is rooted in the mechanics of two classes: the Warlock and the Sorcerer. It leverages the Warlock’s ability to regain spell slots on a short rest, and the Sorcerer’s Font of Magic feature, which allows them to convert spell slots into sorcery points and vice versa.

• Warlock Short Rest Recovery: Warlocks regain all their expended spell slots after taking a short rest (which is only one hour).
• Sorcerer’s Font of Magic: This allows a Sorcerer to convert spell slots into Sorcery Points and also to use Sorcery Points to create new spell slots. Critically, those created spell slots reset only on a long rest.
• The Loop: The coffeelock uses this to create a loop: The character spends their Warlock spell slots, converts them into Sorcery Points, and then uses the points to create Sorcerer spell slots. They then take a short rest, regaining their Warlock slots, and can repeat this entire process multiple times, over and over.

The “coffee” element comes in because the coffeelock needs to avoid long rests (which would reset all the stockpiled temporary Sorcerer spell slots). A series of short rests, which can be quickly done with the aid of some “caffeinated” beverage, or other activity that doesn’t equate to the heavy process of sleeping, is the means by which a character could theoretically do this “forever.”

Why DMs Dislike the Coffeelock

While fascinating in a theoretical context, the coffeelock is highly problematic in practical gameplay. Here are a few reasons why DMs tend to shut down this approach:

• Disrupts Game Balance: Accumulating a massive number of spell slots completely throws off the intended challenge and pacing of the game.
• Unrealistic Roleplay: The concept of a character perpetually “powered up” on short rests, never needing long rest or sleep, is often difficult to justify in a narrative context.
• Metagaming: This approach often feels like exploitation of the rules rather than creative problem-solving.
• Bogs Down Gameplay: The process of converting spell slots and tracking them can be tedious and slow down the game for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly is a coffeelock in D&D 5e?

A coffeelock is a multiclass character build, typically a Warlock/Sorcerer, that exploits the short rest spell slot recharge of Warlock with the Font of Magic feature of a Sorcerer to create an excessive amount of spell slots by avoiding long rests.

2. What level do you need to be to become a coffeelock?

You need to have at least 3 levels in Warlock and 2 levels in Sorcerer to begin the coffeelock process.

3. How does the coffeelock generate unlimited spell slots?

By converting Warlock spell slots into Sorcery Points, then using those Sorcery Points to create new Sorcerer spell slots during a series of short rests while avoiding long rests. These temp spell slots don’t refresh on a short rest, unlike the Warlock’s slots, allowing accumulation.

4. Is the coffeelock build “legal” in D&D 5e?

Technically, yes, the individual mechanics the coffeelock uses are within the rules, but the intent behind the rules is clearly violated. Most DMs will not allow a coffeelock to function as intended.

5. What is the “cocainelock” and how does it differ from a coffeelock?

The “cocainelock” is a variant that is very similar, except it uses the spell Greater Restoration to circumvent the exhaustion that arises from the lack of long rests, by utilizing diamonds to cast the spell repeatedly to undo the exhaustion. The coffeelock version avoids the exhaustion through magical means (such as Aspect of the Moon invocation) or a homebrew workaround.

6. What is “Gamerlock” in relation to the coffeelock?

Gamerlock is a term used to describe a player who accepts the exhaustion penalties of a coffeelock without finding ways to remove it. They power up through sheer willpower, dealing with the exhaustion side effect.

7. How do short and long rests interact with the coffeelock?

The core of the coffeelock is to avoid long rests which reset the stockpiled Sorcerer spell slots. They use repeated short rests to refresh Warlock spell slots while accumulating the extra Sorcerer spell slots.

8. What is “Aspect of the Moon” and how does it fit into a coffeelock build?

Aspect of the Moon is a Warlock invocation that eliminates the need for sleep. This invocation allows a character to take long rests while doing other light activities, further enabling the coffeelock to avoid the penalty of exhaustion from skipping a long rest.

9. What is “Font of Magic” for a Sorcerer?

Font of Magic is a Sorcerer class feature that allows you to convert spell slots into Sorcery Points and then expend Sorcery Points to create new spell slots. This is crucial to the coffeelock strategy.

10. What does ‘Sorlock’ mean?

Sorlock is a common shorthand term for a Sorcerer/Warlock multiclass character.

11. What are some good races for a Sorlock build?

Races that provide a bonus to Charisma are ideal, such as Tieflings, Satyrs, Changelings, Halflings, Half-Elves or Aasimar.

12. How does a coffeelock interact with exhaustion?

The key issue with avoiding long rests is the accumulation of exhaustion. Most coffeelock builds look for ways to avoid this, often through invocations like Aspect of the Moon or through magic like the Cocainelock uses.

13. Why is the Sorlock build considered so powerful in general?

It allows a Long Rest caster (Sorcerer) to regain their spells, by using the Warlock’s Short Rest refresh. By converting Warlock spell slots to sorcery points and then into Sorcerer slots, the character can have a lot more spell slots than intended by the game.

14. How does a coffeelock build disrupt gameplay?

Coffeelocks disrupt game balance, pacing and often bog down gameplay with tedious tracking of slots. It goes against the spirit of the game’s mechanics of rest and spell resource management.

15. What’s the main reason DMs are unlikely to allow a coffeelock in their campaign?

Because it is a blatant rule exploit, completely unbalances gameplay, and is ultimately disruptive. It is also seen as a form of metagaming that ignores the intention of how spell resources are meant to function in D&D 5e.