Warlock 5e: A Comprehensive Guide for D&D

In Dungeons & Dragons (also called DnD or D&D) 5e, choosing your class is one of the most exciting and defining decisions you’ll make. DnD classes can vary in nature, changing the context of your experience as you progress through the game. Warlock 5e, in particular, makes for a highly versatile journey.

As you adventure through DnD, Warlocks and Warlocks’ patrons become powerful entities that can shift the nature of your experience. But there are some quirks. Even at level 20, Warlocks can have a limited number of spell slots. You truly need to know what you’re up for.

On that note, this guide will expand on some of the best choices and strategies you can implement for your Warlock to shape your combat and gameplay experience.

Understanding Warlock 

At its core, a 5e Warlock is a character often defined by a bargain. Unlike other spellcasters who gain magic through divine favor or study, the Warlock’s power comes from a pact with a great force, such as a Fiend, a Fey, or an entity beyond one’s comprehension. If that wasn’t intimidating enough, you must also know that the concept of being “Sworn and Beholden” is a central theme through which many players approach this playstyle. 

Redditors often argue that Warlocks aren’t just casters — they act as vessels. Any DnD Warlock player will emphasize how these characters carry their patron’s goals, influence, and lingering will, akin to something found in a role-playing game (RPG). 

While Warlocks appear a bit weak at first glance, they hide an intriguing level of complexity. This requires you to tap into several mechanics, such as forbidden tomes and long-lost rituals. Access to Eldritch Invocations allows you to add permanent magical enhancements that cater to your unique playstyle.

How To Create a Warlock

Before you create your own DnD 5e Warlock character, you have to understand a few crucial steps that define a Warlock in DnD and what goes into creating the right avatar (or character) for your playstyle. This involves story-driven concepts and personal motivation.

Step 1: Stat Distribution

Start by focusing on your core attributes. Charisma is a primary casting stat and should be kept at the highest. Constitution is a solid second choice for survivability, followed by Dexterity in case you’re aiming for ranged combat.

Step 2: Determine Ability Scores

Next, choose how you’ll assign your stats. Most Warlocks prioritize Charisma for social checks and spellcasting, followed by improving Constitution and Dexterity. You can do this through Point Buy, Standard Array, or Rolling. 

Step 3: Choose Eldritch Invocations

Once you’ve hit level 2, you will start choosing Eldritch Invocations. These are magical secrets that enhance your Warlock’s abilities. For instance, these can boost your Eldritch Blast or even offer a powerful utility like Devil’s Sight. Pick an invocation that suits your playstyle.

Step 4: Select Pact Boon and Spells

Warlock 5e spells come into the picture at level 4, where you will choose a Pact Boon: Pact of the Blade, Pact of the Chain, Pact of the Tome, or Pact of the Talisman. This adds a layer of customization to your Warlock, and spell selection should focus on efficient options that work well within your limited spell slot economy.

Step 5: Background and Role-Playing

Go for a background that suits your Warlock’s origin. Who were they in the past, exactly? A scholar who came across mysterious, uncharted lore? Or maybe someone who struck a deal with the devil for survival. This story should also align with the relationship they have with your patron. After all, this goes hand in hand with your mechanics and the game’s narrative.

The Warlock Class at a Glance

Before you look through Warlock subclasses (5e), it’s important to consider what goes into RPG classes in massively multiplayer online (MMO) and MMORPGs. Stats, spells, and their features are important to keep in mind when building your Warlock in DnD.

Level	Proficiency Bonus	Features	Cantrips Known	Spells Known	Spell Slots	Slot Level
1	+2	Otherworldly Patron, Pact Magic	2	2	1	1
2	+2	Eldritch Invocations	2	3	2	1
3	+2	Pact Boon	2	4	2	2
4	+2	Ability Score Improvement, Eldritch Versatility (Optional)	3	5	2	2
5	+3	–	3	6	2	3
6	+3	Otherworldly Patron feature	3	7	2	3
7	+3	–	3	8	2	4
8	+3	Ability Score Improvement, Eldritch Versatility (Optional)	3	9	2	5
9	+4	–	3	10	2	5
10	+4	Otherworldly Patron feature	3	10	2	5
11	+4	Mystic Arcanum (level 6)	3	11	3	5
12	+4	Ability Score Improvement, Eldritch Versatility (Optional)	3	11	3	5
13	+5	Mystic Arcanum (level 7)	3	12	3	5
14	+5	Otherworldly Patron feature	3	13	3	5
15	+5	Mystic Arcanum (level 8)	3	13	3	5
16	+5	Ability Score Improvement, Eldritch Versatility (Optional)	3	14	3	5
17	+6	Mystic Arcanum (level 9)	3	15	4	5
18	+6	–	3	15	4	5
19	+6	Ability Score Improvement, Eldritch Versatility (Optional)	3	15	4	5
20	+6	Eldritch Master	4	15	4	5

Below are the class features your Warlock will gain as you progress through the game.

Hit Points

A Warlock uses a d8 for their Hit Dice, which gives them moderate durability compared to weaker spellcasters. These distinctive qualities in characters are often found in MMOs and MMORPGs.  

At level 1, a Warlock’s hit points equal 8 + their Constitution modifier. For each level after that, they gain 1d8 + Constitution modifier. Since hit points pretty much determine how long a Warlock stays in a fight, Constitution plays a vital role in their survivability. 

Proficiencies

Proficiencies represent the tools, weapons, skills, or saving throws your Warlock will be trained in. It lets you add your proficiency bonus to related rolls.

• Armor: Light armor that provides basic protection, allowing for Dexterity-based defensive capabilities
• Weapons: Simple weapons such as crossbows, daggers, and spears
• Saving throws: Wisdom and Charisma
• Skills: Choose two from Deception, History, Arcana, Intimidation, Investigation, Nature, and Religion

Equipment

Equipment refers to the starting gear your Warlock carries, such as armor, weapons, tools, and adventuring packs. It defines how the character interacts with the world and survives encounters.

• A light crossbow with 20 bolts or any simple, light weapon
• A component pouch or arcane focus
• A dungeoneer’s pack or leather armor 
• A simple weapon, two daggers, and leather armor

Otherworldly Patron

Otherworldly Patron is the core identity of a Warlock. It’s a mysterious entity that grants them arcane powers in exchange for loyalty, service, or some kind of contract. As shady as it may seem, these patrons range from an eerie Archfey to a promising Genie. 

Your choice of patron heavily affects your Warlock’s abilities and playstyle. While some offer expanded spell lists and defensive prowess, others improve your offensive capabilities and combat mechanics. 

Pact Magic

Pact Magic is what sets Warlocks apart from other spellcasters in the realm of DnD 5e. This grants them a very limited number of spell slots, but these slots recharge on a short rest. This mechanic encourages you to think tactfully and favor spells with long-lasting effects.

Since Warlocks tend to cast spells at the highest available slot level, they earn maximum value from the limited slots. On that note, Pact Magic is combined with features like Eldritch Invocations and Patron boons so Warlocks can go beyond their potential at times.

Cantrips

Warlocks begin their journey with two cantrips of their choice and gain more as they level up. These are spells that don’t consume slots, with Eldritch Blast being the standout staple in almost every Warlock’s toolkit.

Spell Slots

Warlocks have a limited number of spell slots and are always cast at their highest level. After a short rest between spell usage, Warlocks can continue to cast high-impact spells akin to some of the best shooter games in the RPG subgenre. 

Spells Known of Level 1 and Higher

Warlocks don’t prepare spells since they have a fixed number that grows as they level up and progress through the game. This makes them consistent and focused, albeit a bit less flexible and versatile. 

Spellcasting Ability

Warlock’s primary spellcasting lies within Charisma. It affects their spell attacks while also boosting social skills. This helps them thrive as natural-facing characters within and outside of combat. 

Spell Level	Spell	Description
1	Burning Hands	A tall, 15-foot cone erupts from your hands, dealing damage to creatures in the area. Targets must make a Dexterity save to only take half damage.
1	Command	Speak a one-word command to force a creature in order to follow it on the next turn. The target must succeed on a Wisdom save or obey your wishes.
2	Blindness/Deafness	You can blind or deafen a creature within range without any concentration requirement. The target can make a Constitution save each turn to end this effect.
2	Scorching Ray	Create three rays of fire, hurling them at one or more targets within range. Each ray requires a separate spell attack roll.
3	Fireball	This explosive spell deals incredible fire damage in a 20-foot radius sphere. All creatures in the area must make a Dexterity saving throw.
3	Stinking Cloud	Create a nauseating cloud that obscures and incapacitates creatures within it. Affected targets must succeed on Constitution saves or suffer each turn.
4	Fire Shield	Wrap yourself in flames that damage melee attackers, and grant resistance to cold or fire damage. This shield will last for 10 minutes without concentration.
4	Wall of Fire	Create a wall of fire that deals damage to creatures within range. You can shape the wall into a straight line or even a ring.
5	Flame Strike	A vertical column of divine fire blasts down within a 10-foot radius, dealing radiant and fire damage. Creatures in this area must make Dexterity saving throws for half damage.
5	Hallow	Enchant a location with unholy or holy energy, keeping specific types of creatures or magical effects away. This one has a 24-hour casting time but lasts until it’s dispelled.

Eldritch Invocation

Eldritch Invocations are mystic secrets that allow Warlocks to shift the rules of magic and customize their abilities. These invocations offer everything from utility spells to passive boons that enhance combat, allowing your character to be strange, savage, eerie, clever, or anything else you want. 

Agonizing Blast

Add your Charisma modifier to the damage of Eldritch Blast. This is a must for any Warlock who focuses on reliable damage output.

Aspect of the Moon

You no longer need to sleep (convenient, huh?) and can’t be forced to sleep magically — perfect for sentry duty scenarios. 

Armor of Shadows

You can cast Mage Armor on yourself without having to use a spell slot. It’s a great defensive boost for Warlocks who don’t have armor proficiency. 

Ascendant Step

This allows you to cast Levitate on yourself without using a spell slot. It’s perfect for mobility or avoiding melee damage. 

Beast Speech

Lets you cast Speak with Animals at will, giving you a nature-heavy build and great narrative depth. 

Beguiling Influence

Improve your Deception and Persuasion skills. This is ideal for charismatic manipulators who can talk their way out of several situations.

Bewitching Whispers

This lets you cast Compulsion once per long rest without using a spell slot. It forces enemies to move away from you, often disrupting formations.

Book of Ancient Secrets

This grants ritual casting, allowing you to inscribe ritual spells in your Book of Shadows. It’s a must-have for the versatile Pact of the Tome Warlocks.

Grasp of Hadar

Once per turn, pull a creature hit by your Eldritch Blast 10 feet closer. It’s a clever move that lets you control the battlefield and practice strategy.

Improved Pact Weapon

Your pact weapon becomes a magical weapon, with +1 to attack and damage. It can also act as a spellcasting focus.

Lifedrinker

This adds your Charisma modifier as extra necrotic damage to the pack weapon attacks in your kit. It’s a brutal damage boost for melee-focused Warlocks.

Mask of Many Faces

This lets you cast Disguise Self at will. It’s perfect for spies and infiltrators, or witty Warlocks in general. Sneaky, right? 

Master of Myriad Forms

This lets you cast Alter Self at will, offering major versatility for utility, disguise, and traversal. 

Maddening Hex

Deal psychic damage to creatures near your Hex target as a bonus action. This is great for area of effect (AOE) pressure in fights with less breathing space.

Minions of Chaos

This allows you to cast Conjure Elemental once per long rest, adding a powerful ally to your kit.

Mire the Mind

This grants you the Slow spell once per long rest. It’s excellent at debuffing enemies and being in control of a situation on the battlefield.

Misty Visions

This allows you to cast Silent Image at will. It’s perfect for casting illusions and distracting enemies without using resources.

One With Shadows

When in dim light or darkness, you become invisible. This one’s ideal for stealthy players, similar to mechanics found in some of the top MMORPG experiences.

Otherworldly Leap

This lets you cast Jump on yourself at will. It’s great for movement-focused plays and may help with traversal.

Repelling Blast

Once per turn, you can push a creature hit by Eldritch Blast 10 feet away. This is great for some control on the battlefield.

Sculptor of Flesh

This grants you the ability to cast Polymorph once per long rest. It’s a powerful utility as well as a combat spell.

Sign of Ill Omen

This lets you cast Bestow Curse once per long rest. It’s great for debuffing enemies in serious fights.

Thief of Five Fates

This lets you cast Bane once per long rest. It’s particularly useful for early-game debuffs, especially when facing groups of enemies.

Thirsting Blade

This lets you attack twice with your pack weapon. It’s ideal for Pact of the Blade builds that focus on heavy combat.

Trickster’s Escape

This lets you cast the Freedom of Movement spell once per long rest. It’s great for getting out of situations that involve traps, grapples ,or restraints of any kind.

Visions of Distant Realms

This lets you cast Arcane Eye at will. It’s a powerful spell for gaining information and scouting. 

Voice of the Chain Master

Use telepathy to communicate or see through your familiar (the magical creature bonded to you). This is essential for Pact of the Chain Warlock players.

Whispers of the Grave

You can cast Speak with Dead at will. This is a cool spell for mystery-driven narratives where you’re playing as a Warlock hungry for knowledge. 

Witch Sight

This allows you to see the true form of any shapeshifter or creature hidden by magic within 30 feet, akin to mechanics found in top action adventure games where you need to activate detective abilities. 

Pact Boon

No Warlock 5e guide is complete without mentioning a Pact Boon — a gift from your Warlock’s patron that further shapes your magical identity and playstyle. Each boon opens up new features, interactions, and synergies for the game. 

Pact of the Chain  

This boon lets you have a familiar via the Find Familiar spell, improving options like Imps, Quasits, Psudodragons, or Sprites. These creatures can take special actions in combat, and even act as scouts, spies, or simply damage dealers. 

Pact of the Blade

This lets you conjure a magical pact weapon that you’re efficient with. This allows your Warlock to enter ranged or melee combat with a lot more prowess, transforming them into a combat-heavy character. Invocations like Thirsting Blade and Lifedrinker work particularly well with this build. 

Pact of the Tome

This one grants you the Book of Shadows, letting you learn three additional cantrips from any class’s spell list. This is powerful for ritual-casting Warlocks who would also like to combine the Book of Ancient Secrets invocation with ritual spells. 

Pact of the Talisman

This boon grants you a talisman that boosts your ability checks. It also unlocks support-based invocations that let you shield your allies. You can also teleport to the talisman and turn failures into successes. It may be tricky to get used to at first but proves incredibly useful in many situations.

Pact of the Star Chain (UA)

This pact offers a magical star map that serves as your spellcasting focus, allowing you to cast Guidance, Guiding Bolt, or Augury for no cost. This cosmic-esque boon is perfect for Warlocks who wish to focus on divination or a celestial and fate-weaving theme. 

Ability Score Improvement

Since DnD 5e makes the best use of RPG elements, all classes receive ability score improvements (ASIs) as they level up, especially when at levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 19. These milestones represent your character’s growth, as they become more refined and stronger in significant ways.

Once you reach an ASI level, you have three options:

• Increase one ability score by 2, helping you hit the key stat thresholds (such as 18 or 20 in Charisma). 
• Increase two ability scores by 1 each, letting you balance out secondary stats like Dexterity or Constitution. 
• Take a feat instead. It’s like a talent or area of expertise. These offer unique abilities or bonuses that enhance specific playstyles, such as Eldritch Adept, Inspiring Leader, and more. 

Eldritch Master

Once you reach level 20, your Warlock gains Eldritch Master, their ultimate class feature and a true reflection of their mastery over Pact Magic. Just like the best adventure games that allow you to reflect on your character’s journey, this ability lets your Warlock spend a minute requesting your patron to regain all expended spell slots. 

This is crucial for the endgame, as it strengthens the Warlock’s role as a resilient, bust-casting entity who’s capable of bouncing back when the party needs them the most. 

Mystic Arcanum

At level 11, Warlocks have access to Mystic Arcanum. This feature allows them to cast high-level spells despite their limited spell slots, almost turning them into one of the mythological game characters players are so fond of. Warlocks receive one unique high-level spell per day, increasing in level as they grow.

Through this mechanic, your Warlock can cast one spell of each level 6, 7, 8, and 9 — b only once per long rest each! These spells don’t use any of the Warlock’s Pact Magic slots, which makes them a powerful one-time powerhouse for serious moments in the game. 

Step Into a World of Magic and Mystery

While D&D Warlocks have a fascinating learning curve, they’re a class for very specific playstyles. Their magical prowess makes them an excellent pick for those who want to experience a realm of mystery, wizardry, and interesting combat mechanics. Whether you’re simply trying out a DnD name generator or practicing the game for the 100th time, there’s a lot to discover! 

On that note, it’s always a great idea to try more games that instill these values. That way, you’ll always have a collection of adventure games to explore, especially if you like fantasy, fiction, and everything in between.