Does Eldritch Blast Only Scale with Warlock Levels?
Eldritch Blast is one of the most popular and iconic spells in Dungeons and Dragons. As a Warlock’s cantrip, it has become a staple in many players’ arsenals. However, there is a common misconception about Eldritch Blast’s scaling: does it only scale with Warlock levels?
The Answer
In the official D&D 5th edition Player’s Handbook, Eldritch Blast is listed as a cantrip that scales with the Warlock’s level. This has led many players to believe that the spell only increases in power based on the Warlock’s level. However, this is not entirely accurate.
Character Level Scaling
As revealed in the Player’s Handbook, Eldritch Blast actually scales with the character’s level, not just the Warlock’s level. This means that regardless of the Warlock’s level, the spell’s damage output will increase based on the character’s total level.
Here’s a breakdown of the spell’s scaling:
| Character Level | Eldritch Blast Damage |
|---|---|
| 1-4 | 1d10 force damage |
| 5-8 | 2d10 force damage |
| 9-12 | 3d10 force damage |
| 13-16 | 4d10 force damage |
| 17+ | 5d10 force damage |
As you can see, the spell’s damage output increases significantly as the character’s level rises. This means that even if a Warlock is level 5, the spell’s damage output will still increase as the character’s total level increases.
Implications
So, what does this mean for Warlocks and other spellcasters? For Warlocks, it means that their Eldritch Blast spell will become more powerful as they gain levels, but it will also be influenced by their character’s overall level. This means that a Warlock with a high level character will have access to a more powerful Eldritch Blast spell, even if they are only level 5.
For other spellcasters, it means that they can still use Eldritch Blast as a cantrip, but it will not be as powerful as it would be for a Warlock. This is because the spell’s scaling is based on the character’s level, not just the Warlock’s level.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Eldritch Blast does not only scale with Warlock levels. Instead, it scales with the character’s level, making it a powerful cantrip for Warlocks and other spellcasters alike. Whether you’re a level 1 Warlock or a level 20 sorcerer, Eldritch Blast is a valuable addition to your spellbook.