Eldritch Blast 5e: Mechanics and Guide To Using the Spell

Spell Description:

A beam of crackling energy streaks toward a creature within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d10 force damage.

The spell creates more than one beam when you reach higher levels: two beams at 5th level, three beams at 11th level, and four beams at 17th level. You can direct the beams at the same target or at different ones. Make a separate attack roll for each beam.

	1st level	5th level	11th level	17th level
Damage Dice	1d10 (+X)	1d10 (+X) + 1d10 (+X)	1d10 (+X) + 1d10 (+X) + 1d10 (+X)	1d10 (+X) + 1d10 (+X) + 1d10 (+X) + 1d10 (+X)
Minimum Damage	1 (+X)	1 (+X) + 1 (+X)	1 (+X) + 1 (+X) + 1 (+X)	1 (+X) + 1 (+X) + 1 (+X) + 1 (+X)
Average Damage	5.5 (+X)	5.5 (+X) + 5.5 (+X)	5.5 (+X) + 5.5 (+X) + 5.5 (+X)	5.5 (+X) + 5.5 (+X) + 5.5 (+X) + 5.5 (+X)
Maximum Damage	10 (+X)	20 (+2X)	30 (+3X)	40 (+4X)

Because Eldritch Blast’s beams are all rolled separately, both to hit, and for damage, the damage calculation for each die is best done individually for average damage.

The +X in this table represents the Warlock’s Charisma modifier which can be added if the player has chosen the Agonising Blast Eldritch Invocation.

What Is Eldritch Blast?

Eldritch Blast is “Fire Bolt for Warlocks.” It is functionally not much different from Fire Bolt, aside from dealing 4 separate instances of Force rather Fire damage.

Eldritch Blast is a staple cantrip for Warlocks, receiving several buffs through the Warlock’s Eldritch Invocation feature.

Who Can Cast Eldritch Blast?

Eldritch Blast, true to its name, is the staple spell for Warlocks. It is only naturally a part of the Warlock spell list, available to them from level 1.

Outside of Warlocks, Bards can learn Eldritch Blast from their Magical Secrets feature.

When and Where Should I Cast Eldritch Blast?

Eldritch Blast is often a primary damage-dealing spell for casting-focused Warlocks. Their low casting resources means they are reliant on their cantrip level spells to deal consistent damage.

Combined with its Eldritch Invocation buffs, Eldritch Blast is a powerful damage-dealing spell considering its low resource insensitivity. At higher levels, it can be used to deal damage and knock around multiple targets.

Why Should I Take Eldritch Blast?

Eldritch Blast is a primary damage-dealing spell for casting heavy Warlocks.

Common Questions About Eldritch Blast