Eldritch Blast

A
Damage

Eldritch Blast is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

See all Damage spells →
 spell that fires crackling beams at one foe or
multiple foes

Eldritch Blast is a Multi Target spell. Multi Target spells have an area of effect or can explicitly target multiple allies or enemies.

See all Multi Target spells →
, growing into a barrage as you level up.

2024 Rules
Level & School
Evocation cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Warlock

You hurl a beam of crackling energy. Make a ranged spell attack against one creature or object in range. On a hit, the target takes 1d10 Force damage.

Cantrip Upgrade. The spell creates two beams at level 5, three beams at level 11, and four beams at level 17. You can direct the beams at the same target or at different ones. Make a separate attack roll for each beam.

2014 Rules
Level & School
Evocation cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Warlock

A beam of crackling energy streaks toward a creature within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d10 force damage.

Cantrip Upgrade. The spell creates more than one beam when you reach higher levels: two beams at 5th level, three beams at 11th level, and four beams at 17th level. You can direct the beams at the same target or at different ones. Make a separate attack roll for each beam.

Eldritch Blast 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

You can now target objects, not just creatures. Otherwise, Eldritch Blast works the same.

Eldritch Blast popularity

Eldritch Blast is a commonly chosen cantrip. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Eldritch Blast

  • Scorching Ray 2nd-level evocation

    It creates multiple ranged beams that you can aim at one or several targets, matching Eldritch Blast's multi-beam attack pattern.

  • Fire Bolt Evocation cantrip

    A single-target evocation cantrip that makes a ranged spell attack at long range, playing the same basic offensive role as Eldritch Blast.

  • Ray of Frost Evocation cantrip

    Another cantrip that uses a ranged spell attack as its delivery, so it functions similarly in combat despite a shorter range and cold damage.

  • Magic Missile 1st-level evocation

    Though it doesn't require attack rolls, it creates multiple force projectiles you can split between targets, paralleling Eldritch Blast's multi-beam, multi-target feel.

  • Witch Bolt 1st-level evocation

    A warlock-available evocation that uses a ranged lightning attack and emphasizes a focused, reliable single-target damage option for the same class.