Is Eldritch Blast Push or Pull?
Eldritch Blast is a popular cantrip in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) that allows casters to deal force damage to their enemies. However, there is some confusion about whether Eldritch Blast is a push or pull effect. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide some insights on how to use Eldritch Blast effectively in your D&D campaigns.
Direct Answer:
Eldritch Blast is a pull effect. According to the official D&D 5th edition rules, Eldritch Blast "pushes" a creature up to 10 feet away from the caster on a hit. This means that the creature is moved away from the caster, rather than being pushed towards them.
Grasp of Hadar and Repelling Blast:
One of the key pieces of evidence that suggests Eldritch Blast is a pull effect is the Grasp of Hadar feat, which allows a creature to drag an enemy hit with Eldritch Blast 10 feet towards them. This feat is clearly a pull effect, and it implies that Eldritch Blast is also a pull effect.
Another piece of evidence is the Repelling Blast spell, which pushes a creature back 25 feet. This spell is clearly a push effect, and it contrasts with the pull effect of Eldritch Blast.
Push or Pull?
So, is Eldritch Blast a push or pull effect? The answer is clear: it is a pull effect. The official rules, the Grasp of Hadar feat, and the Repelling Blast spell all suggest that Eldritch Blast is a pull effect.
How to Use Eldritch Blast:
Now that we have established that Eldritch Blast is a pull effect, let’s explore some ways to use it effectively in your D&D campaigns.
- Use it to create distance: Eldritch Blast is great for creating distance between you and your enemies. Use it to pull enemies away from you and create space to maneuver.
- Use it to set up combos: Eldritch Blast can be used to set up combos with other spells or abilities. For example, you can use Eldritch Blast to pull an enemy away from a friend, and then have your friend attack the enemy while it’s off balance.
- Use it to control crowds: Eldritch Blast can be used to control crowds of enemies. Use it to pull enemies away from each other and create a clear path to attack.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Eldritch Blast is a pull effect that allows casters to deal force damage to their enemies while also creating distance and controlling crowds. By understanding how to use Eldritch Blast effectively, you can add a new layer of strategy to your D&D campaigns.
Table: Eldritch Blast Effect
| Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Pull | Pulls a creature up to 10 feet away from the caster on a hit |
| Force Damage | Deals force damage to the creature on a hit |
| Control | Allows casters to create distance and control crowds of enemies |
References:
- Official D&D 5th Edition Rules: Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, p. 157
- Grasp of Hadar Feat: Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, p. 158
- Repelling Blast Spell: Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, p. 159