Is Eldritch Blast Based on Total Level or Class Level?
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, Eldritch Blast is a powerful cantrip that allows warlocks to deal force damage to their enemies. But have you ever wondered whether Eldritch Blast scales with total level or class level? In this article, we’ll delve into the answer and explore the implications of this question.
Direct Answer
According to the official D&D 5E sourcebook, Eldritch Blast is based on character level, not warlock level. This means that as your character levels up, the damage output of Eldritch Blast increases. This is in contrast to some other spells that scale with class level, such as those cast by paladins or rangers.
Why Does It Matter?
Understanding how Eldritch Blast scales can have a significant impact on your character’s build and playstyle. For example, if you’re playing a warlock who relies heavily on Eldritch Blast, you may want to prioritize leveling up your character rather than focusing on specific class features or abilities.
How Does It Work?
Here’s a breakdown of how Eldritch Blast scales with character level:
- Level 0: Cantrips like Eldritch Blast are considered level 0 spells and do not scale with character level.
- Level 1-4: Eldritch Blast deals 1d10 force damage.
- Level 5: Eldritch Blast creates two beams that deal 1d10 force damage each.
- Level 11: Eldritch Blast creates three beams that deal 1d10 force damage each.
- Level 17: Eldritch Blast creates four beams that deal 1d10 force damage each.
Comparison to Other Spells
For comparison, here’s how some other spells scale with character level:
- Magic Missile: Deals 1d4+1 force damage per missile, scaling with character level.
- Fireball: Deals 1d6 fire damage per caster level, scaling with character level.
- Healing Word: Heals for 1d8+your spellcasting modifier, scaling with character level.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Eldritch Blast is based on character level, not warlock level. This means that as your character levels up, the damage output of Eldritch Blast increases. Understanding how Eldritch Blast scales can have a significant impact on your character’s build and playstyle, and can help you make informed decisions about how to allocate your character’s abilities and resources.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when using Eldritch Blast:
- Use it wisely: Eldritch Blast is a powerful cantrip, but it’s not invincible. Make sure to use it strategically and avoid overusing it.
- Combine with other abilities: Eldritch Blast can be especially effective when combined with other abilities, such as a warlock’s dark one feature or a paladin’s divine smite.
- Consider your opponents: Eldritch Blast is most effective against single targets. If you’re facing a group of enemies, you may want to consider using a different spell or ability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Eldritch Blast:
- Q: Can I use Eldritch Blast as a bonus action?
A: Yes, Eldritch Blast can be used as a bonus action. - Q: Can I use Eldritch Blast while in combat?
A: Yes, Eldritch Blast can be used while in combat. - Q: Can I use Eldritch Blast as a spell?
A: No, Eldritch Blast is a cantrip and cannot be used as a spell.
Table: Eldritch Blast Damage Output
Here is a table summarizing the damage output of Eldritch Blast at different character levels:
| Character Level | Damage Output |
|---|---|
| 1-4 | 1d10 force damage |
| 5 | 2 beams, 1d10 force damage each |
| 11 | 3 beams, 1d10 force damage each |
| 17 | 4 beams, 1d10 force damage each |
I hope this article has been helpful in answering your question about Eldritch Blast!