Playing a spellcaster in Dungeons & Dragons is more difficult than any other class, especially for those new to the game as a whole. So many extra decisions need to be made, even on a turn-by-turn basis in combat, because players have a giant list of spells to sort through in addition to all the character's other feats and abilities. However, of all the D&D spellcasting classes, Warlocks are probably the easiest to master.
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Some players consider the Warlock's limited number of spell slots a liability, but the advantage of this is that a Warlock doesn't have to deal with multiple spell slot levels or change spells daily. Warlocks can learn what is arguably the game's strongest cantrip and other weaknesses the class might normally have can be balanced out through a few specific choices during character creation.
Updated on June 21, 2023, by Kristy Ambrose: The Warlock is a recent addition to the D&D universe, and it's gone from being a fairly obscure spellcasting class to becoming one of the most beloved in the popular TTRPG franchise. This has a lot to do with the versatility of the class when it comes to game mechanics, party roles, and role-playing options, all of which come from the 5e Warlock build. Extra supplemental materials have widened the possibilities of playing a Warlock even more, including recent additions like Wild Beyond the Witchlight, and some unique homebrew ideas have gone mainstream. RPGs are all about character customization, so we've added a few more ways to create the best Warlock build in 5e.
Sure, anybody could make a deal with an unknowable entity in exchange for power, but there are advantages to a few D&D races for 5e Warlock builds that the others don't have.
Species
Description
Winged Tiefling
Bonuses to both Intelligence and Charisma make this an obvious choice for a variety of spellcasting classes. Other perks include increased fire resistance and flight.
Changeling
This race can be found in the realm of Eberron: Rising from the Last War. Changelings get a +2 bonus to Charisma and a +1 to any ability score of the player's choice.
Aasimar
Found in Volo's Guide to Monsters, this race gets a +2 to their Charisma plus resistance to necrotic and radiant damage along with innate healing abilities.
Half-Elves
A classic race that's been in D&D since the 2nd edition, they get a +2 Charisma bonus and another +1 bonus to two other stats.
Satyr
Explore the Mythic Odysseys of Theros to play a Satyr, a race with a +2 to Charisma and +1 to Dexterity, an ideal start for a Warlock of any build.
Variant Humans
Found in the sourcebook Eberron: Rising from the Last War, this is a highly customizable option where you can choose a +1 bonus for any two different ability scores.
Yuan-ti Pureblood
Generous Charisma bonus of +2. It should be noted that some Warlocks can be role-played as some variant on the Good alignment, but not the Yuan-ti Pureblood.
Asmodeus Tiefling
The same bonuses to Intelligence and Charisma as the Winged variety, but also the cantrip Thaumaturgy, Hellish Rebuke at level 2, and Darkness at level 5.
Fairy
Ideal for a DPS-focused Warlock build with the power of flight, innate spellcasting is another Fairy ability. They can cast Faerie Fire and Druidcraft.
Autognome
An addition from the Spelljammer module, the extra armor is ideal for a build similar to the Hexblade, a Warlock that gets a few hits in melee combat.
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Every class is defined by its ability scores, and in the case of a Warlock, certain ones are essential when building the ideal character. The following are listed in order of importance for starting any basic Warlock build, and the first three are the most important regardless of what party role the Warlock takes.
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Warlock subclasses are characterized by pacts and the beings that power them, so each subclass reflects the characteristics and will of a different otherworldly being. The Warlock can make a deal with this being to obtain their powers, and that being's nature determines the benefits and risks of the subclass.
There are several otherworldly patrons to choose from, with some choices being more popular than others. The following list doesn't include all of the options possible or any homebrew possibilities, but if you have a unique idea don't hesitate to reach out to your Dungeon Master.
Patron Name
Source
Role
Alignment
Primary Spells and Abilities
Special Features
The Fiend
D&D Player's Handbook
Damage
Evil, with some variation as to Lawful, Neutral, or Chaotic.
Plenty of fire-based magic, starting with Burning Hands at Level 1.
Abilities like Dark One's Blessing and Fiendish Resilience give a Warlock extra hit points and improved resistance against certain kinds of damage.
The Undying
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
Damage/Healing
Good or Neutral, with some variation as to Lawful, Neutral, or Chaotic.
2nd Level spells with both martial and spellcasting advantages.
Defy Death and the Among the Dead cantrip.
The Fathomless
Tasha's Cauldron of Everything
Damage
Anything on the Chaotic spectrum.
Tentacle of the Deeps, Oceanic Soul
This Warlock is overpowered in any campaign that involves water, but it takes some creative gameplay to make them equally effective on land.
The Archfey
D&D Player's Handbook
Damage
Tends to Neutral or Evil due to its inherent deceptive nature.
Any spells from the schools of Illusion, Deception, and Enchantment.
Misty Escape and Dark Delirium, along with an expanded spell list for various levels.
The Celestial
Xanathar's Guide to Everything
Healing/Damage
Good with some variation but usually Lawful.
Healing Light and Celestial Resilience.
A good diety instead of an evil one is your Patron, making this class something like a Cleric.
The Undead
Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft
Damage
Leans to Neutral alignments, just like Death itself.
Form of Dread and False Life
The access to Falde Life is what makes this Warlock subclass more durable than others, and therefore ideal for a melee build.
The Hexblade
Xanathar's Guide to Everything
Damage
Player's choice
1st and 2nd level spells that grant extra armor proficiencies
A spellcaster that also does impressive melee weapon damage with improved AC and abilities like Hexblade's Curse.
The Genie
Tasha's Cauldron of Everything
Damage
Player's choice
Depends on the type of Genie (Dao, Djinni, Efreeti, or Marid).
Genie's Vessel, which actually contains your patron.
The Great Old One
D&D Player's Handbook
Damage
Player's choice but often Chaotic.
Low-level spells are a nice mix of damage, debuff, and crowd control.
Abilities such as Awakened Mind, which like Tongues combined with Telepathic Link.
Mage Of Lorehold
Unearthed Arcana: Mages of Strixhaven
Damage
Open to Wizards, Bards, or Warlocks of any alignment.
Sacred Flame, a cantrip, and Comprehend Languages, a Level 1 spell.
Lorehold Spells and an Ancient Companion
Mage Of Witherbloom
Unearthed Arcana: Mages of Strixhaven
Damage/Healing
Druids or Warlocks, any alignment but leans Neutral.
The Spare the Dying cantrip along with the 1st level spells Cure Wounds and Inflict Wounds.
Essence Trap and Witherbloom Spells
Mage Of Silverquill
Unearthed Arcana: Mages of Strixhaven
Damage/CC
Available to Wizards, Bards, or Warlocks of any alignment.
Sacred Flame or Vicious Mockery, one of two handy cantrips, and the choice of two skills from either Deception, Intimidation, Performance, Persuasion, or Insight.
Silvery Barbs, Eloquent Apprentice
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A d6 and a d8 are used to determine the nuances of each Background. In the case of a Criminal, for example, possibilities for a character's specialty include Pickpocket, Hired Killer, or Fence. Other details include personality traits, hopes and dreams, and flaws.
Background
Description
Criminal
Charisma and Dexterity-based. Includes a set of Thieves Tools and a gaming set.
Noble
Includes a gaming set. Charisma and Intelligence-based.
Acolyte
Adds two languages, based on Wisdom and Intelligence.
Sage
Adds two languages, Intelligence-based.
Knight
Adds one extra language and a gaming set, based on Intelligence and Charisma.
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Every class has a few key skills which suit them best, and it's important to know some of the best for the best Warlock build. Since any D&D character with a naturally high Charisma score is likely to be the party's face in social interactions, Warlocks would do well to take on Charisma-based skills.
Skill
Description
Deception
Determines whether you can convincingly hide the truth blends nicely with your high Charisma score.
Intimidation
Attempt to influence someone through overt threats, hostile actions, and physical violence. Also depends on Charisma.
Arcana
An ability to recall lore about spells, magic items, magical traditions, and more. Related to Intelligence.
Religion
Measures your ability to recall lore about deities, rites and prayers, and bits of other spiritual knowledge.
Investigation
Search for clues and make deductions based on those clues. Based on both Wisdom and Intelligence.
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A Feat is an extra ability that your character is granted depending on the class, your DM, or the module you're playing. Some are ideal for the best Warlock build specifically and spellcasters in general.
Feat
Description
War Caster
A must for Hexblades especially, as it gives Advantage to any concentration-based constitution saves.
Spell Sniper
Makes spells like Eldritch Blast, already an amazing cantrip, even more reliable.
Crossbow Expert
Especially good for a Warlock, a class with limited casting options. The character doesn't need time to load and doesn't get penalties at point-blank range.
Telekenetic
Adds a +1 bonus to either Charisma, Intelligence, or Wisdom, and also includes the spell Mage Hand.
Inspiring Leader
Backs up the Warlock's natural charisma skills.
Elemental Adept
Adds even more 'fire' into the Warlock's firepower.
Alert
Allows the Warlock to lay down spells with effects before enemies have a chance to do anything.
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