Warlock - DND 5th Edition (2023)

Warlocks are seekers of the knowledge that lies hidden in the fabric of the multiverse. Through pacts made with mysterious beings of supernatural power, warlocks unlock magical effects both subtle and spectacular.

You must have a Charisma score of 13 or higher in order to multiclass in or out of this class.

The WarlockLevelProficiency BonusFeaturesCantrips KnownSpells KnownSpell SlotsSlot LevelInvocations Known1st+2Otherworldly Patron, Pact Magic2211st-2nd+2Eldritch Invocations2321st23rd+2Pact Boon2422nd24th+2Ability Score Improvement, Eldritch Versatility (Optional)3522nd25th+33623rd36th+3Otherworldly Patron feature3723rd37th+33824th48th+3Ability Score Improvement, Eldritch Versatility (Optional)3924th49th+431025th510th+4Otherworldly Patron feature41025th511th+4Mystic Arcanum (6th level)41135th512th+4Ability Score Improvement, Eldritch Versatility (Optional)41135th613th+5Mystic Arcanum (7th level)41235th614th+5Otherworldly Patron feature41235th615th+5Mystic Arcanum (8th level)41335th716th+5Ability Score Improvement, Eldritch Versatility (Optional)41335th717th+6Mystic Arcanum (9th level)41445th718th+641445th819th+6Ability Score Improvement, Eldritch Versatility (Optional)41545th820th+6Eldritch Master41545th8

As a warlock, you gain the following class features.

(Video) Warlock Class Guide for Dungeons and Dragons 5e

Hit Points

Hit Dice: 1d8 per warlock level
Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier
Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d8 (or 5) + your Constitution modifier per warlock level after 1st

Proficiencies

Armor: Light armor
Weapons: Simple weapons
Tools: None
Saving Throws: Wisdom, Charisma
Skills: Choose two from Arcana, Deception, History, Intimidation, Investigation, Nature, and Religion

Equipment

You start with the following equipment, in addition to the equipment granted by your background:

  • (a) a light crossbow and 20 bolts or (b) any simple weapon
  • (a) a component pouch or (b) an arcane focus
  • (a) a scholar's pack or (b) a dungeoneer's pack
  • Leather armor, any simple weapon, and two daggers

Otherworldly Patron

At 1st level, you have struck a bargain with an otherworldly being of your choice. Your choice grants you features at 1st level and again at 6th, 10th, and 14th level.

PatronSource
ArchfeyPlayer's Handbook
CelestialXanathar's Guide to Everything
FathomlessTasha's Cauldron of Everything
FiendPlayer's Handbook
GenieTasha's Cauldron of Everything
Great Old OnePlayer's Handbook
HexbladeXanathar's Guide to Everything
UndeadVan Richten's Guide to Ravenloft
UndyingSword Coast Adventurer's Guide
Unearthed Arcana
Mage of LoreholdUnearthed Arcana 79 - Mages of Strixhaven
Mage of SilverquillUnearthed Arcana 79 - Mages of Strixhaven
Mage of WitherbloomUnearthed Arcana 79 - Mages of Strixhaven
The following domains are unofficial content developed by WotC designers
KrakenThinkDM
Archived Unearthed Arcana
CelestialUnearthed Arcana 40 - Revised Class Options
GenieUnearthed Arcana 72 - Subclasses Revisited
Ghost in the MachineUnearthed Arcana 7 - Modern Magic
HexbladeUnearthed Arcana 29 - Warlock and Wizard
Lurker in the DeepUnearthed Arcana 61 - Sorcerer and Warlock
Noble GenieUnearthed Arcana 67 - Subclasses, Part 1
Raven QueenUnearthed Arcana 29 - Warlock and Wizard
SeekerUnearthed Arcana 16 - The Faithful
UndeadUnearthed Arcana 74 - Subclasses, Part 4
Undying LightUnearthed Arcana 10 - Light, Dark, Underdark!

Pact Magic

Your arcane research and the magic bestowed on you by your patron have given you facility with spells.

Cantrips

You know two cantrips of your choice from the warlock spell list. You learn additional warlock cantrips of your choice at higher levels, as shown in the Cantrips Known column of the Warlock table.

(Video) A Crap Guide to D&D [5th Edition] - Warlock

Spell Slots

The Warlock table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your warlock spells of 1st through 5th level. The table also shows what the level of those slots is; all of your spell slots are the same level. To cast one of your warlock spells of 1st level or higher, you must expend a spell slot. You regain all expended spell slots when you finish a short or long rest.

For example, when you are 5th level, you have two 3rd-level spell slots. To cast the 1st-level spell witch bolt, you must spend one of those slots, and you cast it as a 3rd-level spell.

Spells Known of 1st Level and Higher

At 1st level, you know two 1st-level spells of your choice from the warlock spell list.

The Spells Known column of the Warlock table shows when you learn more warlock spells of your choice of 1st level or higher. A spell you choose must be of a level no higher than what's shown in the table's Slot Level column for your level. When you reach 6th level, for example, you learn a new warlock spell, which can be 1st, 2nd, or 3rd level.

Additionally, when you gain a level in this class, you can choose one of the warlock spells you know and replace it with another spell from the warlock spell list, which also must be of a level for which you have spell slots.

Spellcasting Ability

Charisma is your spellcasting ability for your warlock spells, so you use your Charisma whenever a spell refers to your spellcasting ability. In addition, you use your Charisma modifier when setting the saving throw DC for a warlock spell you cast and when making an attack roll with one.

(Video) Warlock is Broken | Dungeons and Dragons 5e Guide

Spell save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier

Spell attack modifier = your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier

Spellcasting Focus

You can use an arcane focus as a spellcasting focus for your warlock spells.

Eldritch Invocations

In your study of occult lore, you have unearthed Eldritch Invocations, fragments of forbidden knowledge that imbue you with an abiding magical ability.

At 2nd level, you gain two eldritch invocations of your choice. When you gain certain warlock levels, you gain additional invocations of your choice, as shown in the Invocations Known column of the Warlock table. A level prerequisite refers to your level in this class.

Additionally, when you gain a level in this class, you can choose one of the invocations you know and replace it with another invocation that you could learn at that level.

(Video) Warlock Tier Rankings (Part 1) in Dungeons and Dragons 5e

Pact Boon

At 3rd level, your otherworldly patron bestows a gift upon you for your loyal service. You gain one of the following features of your choice.

  • Pact of the Blade
    • You can use your action to create a pact weapon in your empty hand. You can choose the form that this melee weapon takes each time you create it. You are proficient with it while you wield it. This weapon counts as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks and damage.
    • Your pact weapon disappears if it is more than 5 feet away from you for 1 minute or more. It also disappears if you use this feature again, if you dismiss the weapon (no action required), or if you die.
    • You can transform one magic weapon into your pact weapon by performing a special ritual while you hold the weapon. You perform the ritual over the course of 1 hour, which can be done during a short rest.
    • You can then dismiss the weapon, shunting it into an extradimensional space, and it appears whenever you create your pact weapon thereafter. You can't affect an artifact or a sentient weapon in this way. The weapon ceases being your pact weapon if you die, if you perform the 1-hour ritual on a different weapon, or if you use a 1-hour ritual to break your bond to it. The weapon appears at your feet if it is in the extradimensional space when the bond breaks.
  • Pact of the Chain
    • You learn the find familiar spell and can cast it as a ritual. The spell doesn't count against your number of spells known.
    • When you cast the spell, you can choose one of the normal forms for your familiar or one of the following special forms: imp, pseudodragon, quasit, or sprite.
    • Additionally, when you take the Attack action, you can forgo one of your own attacks to allow your familiar to make one attack with its reaction.
  • Pact of the Tome
    • Your patron gives you a grimoire called a Book of Shadows. When you gain this feature, choose three cantrips from any class's spell list (the three needn't be from the same list). While the book is on your person, you can cast those cantrips at will. They don't count against your number of cantrips known. If they don't appear on the warlock spell list, they are nonetheless warlock spells for you.
    • If you lose your Book of Shadows, you can perform a 1-hour ceremony to receive a replacement from your patron. This ceremony can be performed during a short or long rest, and it destroys the previous book. The book turns to ash when you die.
  • Pact of the Talisman
    • Your patron gives you an amulet, a talisman that can aid the wearer when the need is great. When the wearer fails an ability check, they can add a d4 to the roll, potentially turning the roll into a success. This benefit can be used a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and all expended uses are restored when you finish a long rest.
    • If you lose the talisman, you can perform a 1-hour ceremony to receive a replacement from your patron. This ceremony can be performed during a short or long rest, and it destroys the previous amulet. The talisman turns to ash when you die.
  • Pact of the Star Chain (UA)
    • Prerequisite: Seeker Patron
    • The Seeker grants you a chain forged from starlight, decorated with seven gleaming motes of brightness. While the chain is on your person, you know the augury spell and can cast it as a ritual. The spell doesn't count against your number of spells known.
    • Additionally, you can invoke the Seeker's power to gain advantage on an Intelligence check while you carry this item. Once you use this ability, you cannot use it again until you complete a short or long rest.
    • If you lose your Star Chain, you can perform a 1-hour ceremony to receive a replacement from the Seeker. The ceremony can be performed during a short or long rest, and it destroys the previous chain. The chain disappears in a flash of light when you die.
    • The exact form of this item might be different depending on your patron. The Star Chain is inspired by the Greyhawk deity Celestian.

Ability Score Improvement

When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature.

Eldritch Versatility (Optional)

Whenever you reach a level in this class that grants the Ability Score Improvement feature, you can do one of the following, representing a change of focus in your occult studies:

  • Replace one cantrip you learned from this class's Pact Magic feature with another cantrip from the warlock spell list.
  • Replace the option you chose for the Pact Boon feature with one of that feature's other options.
  • If you're 12th level or higher, replace one spell from your Mystic Arcanum feature with another warlock spell of the same level.

If this change makes you ineligible for any of your Eldritch Invocations, you must also replace them now, choosing invocations for which you qualify.

Mystic Arcanum

At 11th level, your patron bestows upon you a magical secret called an arcanum. Choose one 6th-level spell from the warlock spell list as this arcanum.

You can cast your arcanum spell once without expending a spell slot. You must finish a long rest before you can do so again.

(Video) 5 Tricks All Good Warlocks Know

At higher levels, you gain more warlock spells of your choice that can be cast in this way: one 7th-level spell at 13th level, one 8th-level spell at 15th level, and one 9th-level spell at 17th level. You regain all uses of your Mystic Arcanum when you finish a long rest.

Eldritch Master

At 20th level, you can draw on your inner reserve of mystical power while entreating your patron to regain expended spell slots. You can spend 1 minute entreating your patron for aid to regain all your expended spell slots from your Pact Magic feature. Once you regain spell slots with this feature, you must finish a long rest before you can do so again.

FAQs

How do you get the most op Warlock in 5e? ›

15 Ways to Make an Overpowered Warlock in Dungeons and Dragons
  1. 8 Beef Up Your Eldritch Blast.
  2. 9 Make A Deal With The Devil. ...
  3. 10 Be Born A Half-Elf. ...
  4. 11 Choose Pact of the Chain. ...
  5. 12 Polearm Mastery. ...
  6. 13 Don't Neglect Your Dex. ...
  7. 14 Be a Tiefling. ...
  8. 15 Make Charisma Your Highest Stat. ...
Jan 10, 2021

Why does my Warlock have so few spell slots? ›

As for why Warlock has fewer spell slots, one of the reasons is because no other caster can deal that kind damage with a Cantrips spell. Because of eldritch blast and it's invocations. Even when you have no spell slots remaining, warlocks are quite good.

Are Warlocks underpowered 5e? ›

Yes and No. Technically Warlock is a full caster as they get access to 9th level spells however if you play them like a typical full caster, they can appear under powered especially if your table games tend to lack short rests on a regular basis.

What are the most important ability scores for a Warlock? ›

Assigning Ability Scores
  • Charisma, 16+. Just like Bards and Sorcerers, Warlocks are Charisma-based arcane spellcasters, which makes Charisma a no-brainer to assign as the Warlock's primary and highest stat. ...
  • Dexterity, 14-16. ...
  • Constitution, 14-16. ...
  • Intelligence. ...
  • Wisdom. ...
  • Strength.
Dec 2, 2021

What is the strongest class for Warlock? ›

The Voidwalker is the ultimate solo class in PvE and a great PvP subclass for aggressive play. Most Voidwalker builds spec heavily toward their grenade, using Verity's Brow or Contraverse Hold to increase their grenade uptime and damage output.

How do I maximize my Warlock DPS? ›

As a warlock, I can name no fewer than six methods that the amateur demonologist can use in order to up his worth to a raid.
...
6 ways to increase your warlock's DPS
  1. Know your spec. ...
  2. Perfect practice makes perfect. ...
  3. Reforge for optimal performance. ...
  4. Spruce up your UI. ...
  5. Learn the encounters. ...
  6. Relearn your ABCs.
Jan 23, 2012

Do warlocks ever get more spell slots? ›

Warlocks only have 2 spell slots at those levels. BUT! Those spells slots are recovered after every short rest. So if your party takes 2 short rests in a day, you'll be able to use 6 spell slots.

Do warlocks ever get more than 2 spell slots? ›

They are always cast at the highest possible level. So at level 3 most full casters have four 1st level spell slots and two 2nd level slots, warlocks only have two 2nd level slots.

How many spells should a warlock know? ›

At first level, Warlocks know 2 Cantrips and 2 Spells. Unlike spells, selected Cantrips cannot be swapped out at later times so make sure you are happy with the ones you select. The first Cantrip every Warlock should grab is Eldritch Blast. It's a fantastic Cantrip with an incredible range and a great damage dice.

What is Warlock weakness? ›

Warlocks don't have a special weakness but they just have limited powers. So if you make them run out of them, they can't fight you anymore. Vampires are always strong, except for when they walk into the sunlight of course. Werewolfs can control their transformation when they're trained.

What pact is best for Warlock? ›

I recommend allowing Pact of the Talisman on all warlocks. It's neat and offers some new play options for the Warlock, but it's not more powerful than anything else available. Eldritch Versatility (Addition): Like other spellcasters, the Warlock gains the ability to retrain a cantrip. Second, you can retrain Pact Boon.

What race makes the best Warlock? ›

Best Alliance Races for Destruction Warlock PvP
  • Dark Iron Dwarf.
  • Void Elf.
  • Human.
Jan 30, 2023

What stats should I prioritize for Warlock? ›

The stat priority for a Destruction Warlock without tier set is:
  • Intellect;
  • Haste ≥ Mastery;
  • Critical Strike;
  • Versatility.
Jan 24, 2023

What race is best for Warlock e5? ›

What are the best warlock races in D&D 5E? Any race that gets charisma bonuses, such as half-elves, tieflings (half-demon folks) and aasimar (angel folks). Also, humans are, as per usual, a fantastic choice - just because they're so versatile.

What should Warlock stats be? ›

The best stats to focus on for Warlock mains in Destiny 2 are Recovery, Discipline, and Resilience. Recovery and Resilience are the most important out of the three since the former directly affects their class ability cooldown while the latter influences damage resistance.

Which warlock super does most damage? ›

Void 3.0 Abilities, Aspects & Fragments

Warlocks have three Void Supers to choose from, but for most hardcore PVE, the Nova Bomb: Cataclysm is the best choice for its slowness and high damage output.

What subclass is best for warlock? ›

1. Voidwalker (Void 3.0) With all of its buffs, debuffs, and ad clear potential, Voidwalker is one of the most well-rounded subclasses in the entire game. It has a good mix of options for both boss and ad clear scenarios and even has one of the coolest aspects in the game (in Child of the Old Gods).

Is warlock an easy class in DND? ›

The warlock is arguably the easiest spellcasting class to play, as they get very few spells at early levels. A warlock makes a pact with an otherworldly being in exchange for their mystical abilities, and choosing which pact to take is the biggest choice a new D&D player will need to make at first level.

How do I become a better Warlock? ›

Destiny 2: 10 Tips For Warlocks
  1. 1 Don't Be Afraid To Use Rifts.
  2. 2 Blink Is Extremely Useful In PvP. ...
  3. 3 Certain Warlock Supers Are Very Useful. ...
  4. 4 Get The Necrotic Grip Exotic. ...
  5. 5 Try The Shadebinder Grenadier Build. ...
  6. 6 Melee Abilities Are Very Helpful. ...
  7. 7 Bolt Grenade Placement. ...
  8. 8 Get The Chromatic Fire Exotic. ...
Jan 13, 2021

Is Warlock easy to play? ›

Warlocks are considered by many players to be one of the easier classes to play because of the minions available and crowd control abilities. A player may not necessarily need to master all aspects of the Warlock in order to succeed in the game, especially in PvE.

Do warlocks always cast at max level? ›

It is structured so that its spell slots and spells known are limited, but the slots renew after every short rest (unlike most other magic-using classes, which require a long rest), and all spells are always cast at the highest slot level to which the warlock has access.

How many spell slots for level 5 warlock? ›

For example, when you are 5th Level, you have two 3rd-level Spell Slots. To cast the 1st-level spell Thunderwave, you must spend one of those slots, and you cast it as a 3rd-level spell.

What is the max spell slots for warlock? ›

Though Warlocks only have spell slot up to 5th level, they have the ability to learn up to 9th level spells using their feature Mystic Arcanum. Think of it like a gift your patron bestows upon you. It's separate from your spells known, and you can use it once per long rest without expending a spell slot.

Why doesn t my warlock have 1st level spell slots? ›

Warlocks on the other hand have a LOT fewer spell slots of a single level (the highest level that you're capable of casting) but recharge them all on a SHORT rest. The biggest issue here is if you're in a party that doesn't short rest often. A warlock (and even monk) need to short rest as much as possible to recharge.

Why do Warlocks need short rests? ›

Important note- Most classes require a full rest to recover used spell slots but a Warlock does not. A short rest will completely refill his/her spells.

How many levels in warlock should I take? ›

Basicly 1 level of warlock would be enough. Most people take a second level for the agonizing blast option that make eldritch blast much better, but you could also spend a feat to get it (eldritch adept).

Can Warlocks learn counterspell? ›

Who Can Cast Counterspell? In dnd 5e Counterspell is mostly locked into the arcane casters and can be found on the Sorcerer, Warlock, and Wizard spell list. It's a 3rd level spell, which means a sorcerer, warlock, or Wizard of 5th level can cast it if they choose to learn it or put it in their spellbook.

What race makes the best Warlock 5E? ›

What are the best warlock races in D&D 5E? Any race that gets charisma bonuses, such as half-elves, tieflings (half-demon folks) and aasimar (angel folks). Also, humans are, as per usual, a fantastic choice - just because they're so versatile.

What is the most op subclass 5E? ›

10 Most Overpowered Subclasses In Dungeons & Dragons Fifth...
  • School Of Divination (Wizard) ...
  • Arcane Trickster (Rogue) ...
  • Horizon Walker (Ranger) ...
  • Oath Of Vengeance (Paladin) ...
  • Twilight Domain (Cleric) ...
  • The Totem Warrior (Barbarian) ...
  • Way of Mercy (Monk) ...
  • Aberrant Mind (Sorcerer)
Mar 5, 2022

Which Warlock specialization is best? ›

1. Demonology. By far the best Warlock spec for solo leveling, even in Dragonflight, is Demonology. The two main reasons for this are that it has a wide selection of tanky demons to choose from that can defend you while you cast spells from afar.

Who are the strongest warlocks? ›

Tier one - Kil'Jaeden and Archimonde. Tier two - Gul'dan and Cho'gall. Tier three - Other notible Eredar Warlocks (e.g Talkiel)

Are Warlocks powerful in 5e? ›

Warlocks also get the most powerful damage cantrip in the game, giving them a solid, reliable option for damage output in between your big spells. At the same time, the Warlock is one of the most customizable classes in the game.

What is the main stat for Warlock? ›

Intellect is your primary stat. You should look for this stat in all of your upgrades. It provides you with Spell Power, which increases the damage of your spells.

What is the best low level Warlock 5e? ›

Hex is a classic warlock spell and one of the best low-level spells in the game. As a bonus action, a player can cast Hex on a creature to deal an extra 1d6 necrotic damage on each of their successful attacks. Additionally, the player gives the creature disadvantage to any ability checks made of a certain ability.

What is the hardest class to play in 5e? ›

The 10 Most Difficult Classes To Play In Dungeons And Dragons
  1. Wizard. Wizard is in my opinion the most difficult class in DnD, especially for new players.
  2. Bard. ...
  3. Druid. ...
  4. Monk. ...
  5. Sorcerer. ...
  6. Cleric. ...
  7. Warlock. ...
  8. Rogue. ...

What is the most broken class in DnD? ›

The most infamous broken build by far is the Coffeelock. An egregious combination of both Sorcerer and Warlock, the Coffeelock grants players unlimited spells. In addition, this build also eliminates the need for long rests, hence the name Coffeelock.

What is the least played class in D&D? ›

Druids on the other hand are the least popular class to play in DnD. Druids are fairly complicated to play with all the different shapeshifting abilities, and this complexity doesn't necessarily reward you with a very strong class.

What is the Warlock fastest leveling spec? ›

Best leveling spec for Warlocks in Dragonflight

Depending on the style of leveling and pulling mobs and the number of players in the party Demonology or Affliction offer the quickest and safest leveling experience. Affliction being the most versatile, especially in group play, makes it the preferred choice.

What should I focus on Warlock? ›

The best stats to focus on for Warlock mains in Destiny 2 are Recovery, Discipline, and Resilience. Recovery and Resilience are the most important out of the three since the former directly affects their class ability cooldown while the latter influences damage resistance.

What's a warlock weakness? ›

Warlocks don't have a special weakness but they just have limited powers. So if you make them run out of them, they can't fight you anymore. Vampires are always strong, except for when they walk into the sunlight of course. Werewolfs can control their transformation when they're trained.

Can warlocks get pregnant? ›

Warlocks from the same demonic bloodline may have similar demonic features on their bodies. Additionally, warlocks are unable to have children. Warlock pregnancy always results in stillbirth as they are crossbreeds and are thus sterile.

Is a warlock stronger than a sorcerer? ›

The biggest gameplay distinction from wizards and sorcerers, though, is that Warlocks fare better in combat. Many of their spells are offensive in nature and allow them to take on enemies up close, combining their spells with martial skill.

Videos

1. Our Top Warlock Spells in Dungeons and Dragons 5e
(Dungeon Dudes)
2. HOW TO PLAY WARLOCK (again)
(XP to Level 3)
3. Ranked! Worst to Best Warlock in Dungeons and Dragons 5e
(Taking20)
4. The Celestia | IT happens. | Season : Episode Dungeons and Dragons 5e
(Celestia 5.5 Live)
5. 3 steps to a killer warlock/patron dynamic in D&D
(Ginny Di)
6. Davvy's D&D 5e Warlock Guide
(Davvy Chappy)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Gregorio Kreiger

Last Updated: 06/20/2023

Views: 5299

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Gregorio Kreiger

Birthday: 1994-12-18

Address: 89212 Tracey Ramp, Sunside, MT 08453-0951

Phone: +9014805370218

Job: Customer Designer

Hobby: Mountain biking, Orienteering, Hiking, Sewing, Backpacking, Mushroom hunting, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Gregorio Kreiger, I am a tender, brainy, enthusiastic, combative, agreeable, gentle, gentle person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.