## Introduction Welcome to our in-depth exploration of the best Eldritch Invocations in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e). Whether you’re a seasoned warlock player looking to fine-tune your character or a newcomer eager to understand the mystical powers available to warlocks, this guide will provide you with valuable insights. Eldritch Invocations are unique enhancements to your warlock’s repertoire, allowing you to customize their capabilities and play style. From Level 1 invocations to those at Level 15, we’ll break down the options that can strategically enhance your spellcasting experience. We will also touch on the Eldritch Adept Feat and its implications for warlocks and other classes fortunate enough to wield magical talents. Buckle up as we delve into the arcane mysteries of Eldritch Invocations! ## Table of Contents ### Trending Now Explore the latest trends in warlock invocation choices and strategies across the D&D community! ## Eldritch Invocations Eldritch Invocations provide a unique opportunity to diversify your warlock’s skill set beyond the traditional constraints of spells. With options that boost combat abilities, offer utility, or enhance your character’s thematic presence, invocations are an essential ingredient in crafting a memorable and effective warlock. ### Level 1 Level 1 Eldritch Invocations set the stage for your character’s growth and are accessible from the very beginning. Agonizing Blast remains one of the most popular choices, allowing warlocks to add their Charisma modifier to the damage of their Eldritch Blast cantrip. This invocation is prized for its ability to scale significantly as players invest in their Charisma score, turning Eldritch Blast into a formidable offensive tool as the campaign progresses. Another excellent Level 1 invocation is Devil’s Sight . While it may not contribute directly to combat effectiveness, the ability to see in both normal and magical darkness for 120 feet opens numerous strategic possibilities, from navigating unlit dungeons to gaining a tactical edge over foes who rely on darkness for concealment. ### Level 3 (Requires Pact Boon) Eldritch Invocations at Level 3 cater to those who have chosen a particular Pact Boon — Pact of the Chain, Pact of the Blade, or Pact of the Tome. For Pact of the Chain warlocks, Gift of the Ever-Living Ones stands out as a strong defensive choice, granting maximum healing from any source while your familiar is within 100 feet. Pact of the Blade users will find Improved Pact Weapon to be a game-changing invocation. Not only does it grant a bonus to attack and damage rolls, but it also allows your pact weapon to count as a spellcasting focus, integrating seamlessly with your other abilities. For Pact of the Tome enthusiasts, Book of Ancient Secrets offers unmatched versatility, granting you the power to inscribe ritual spells from any class onto your Book of Shadows. ### Level 5 Level 5 Eldritch Invocations elevate your combat prowess with nuanced enhancements and powerful abilities. Misty Visions is a tactical choice, allowing you to cast Silent Image at will without expending a spell slot. This can be used for creating diversions or tactical illusions that confound and mislead your enemies, proving the adage that sometimes the greatest weapon is a strategic mind. On the offensive side, Thirsting Blade is a favored option for Pact of the Blade warlocks. This invocation doubles your attack opportunities, allowing for an extra attack when you take the Attack action. This is an excellent gateway for those looking to effectively wield a weapon alongside their spellcasting repertoire. ### Level 7 At Level 7, invocations further refine your ability to manipulate and dominate the battlefield. One with Shadows allows a warlock to become invisible when stationary, providing excellent opportunities for setting up ambushes or blending into environments for strategic reconnaissance. For warlocks who prefer to explore their thrill for power through intimidation, Dreadful Word becomes available, allowing you to use the Confusion spell once per long rest. The ability to disrupt enemy formations and strategies, creating chaos and unpredictability on the battlefield, can be a deciding factor in many encounters. ### Level 9 Level 9 Eldritch Invocations enhance your character’s spellcasting versatility and durability. Sculptor of Flesh grants the ability to cast Polymorph once using a warlock spell slot, providing another tool for creative problem-solving or transforming allies into powerful creatures during combat. For those focused on damage, Bewitching Whispers grants access to the Compulsion spell, adding layers of control over enemy actions in combat scenarios. This invocation offers a strategic advantage, allowing warlocks to redirect aggressors or break formations with relative ease. ### Level 12 As warlocks achieve even greater power, Level 12 culminates in the availability of invocations that merge thematic brilliance with functionality. Lifedrinker is an invocation that lures combat-oriented warlocks, adding your Charisma modifier to the damage of your Pact Weapon attacks, offering an irresistible blend of charisma and martial effectiveness. Alternatively, defensive-minded players might consider Visions of Distant Realms . This invocation allows you to cast Arcane Eye at will, offering unparalleled surveillance capabilities, which is invaluable for navigating through dungeons and maintaining an awareness of enemy positions. ### Level 15 The pinnacle of Eldritch Invocations, available at Level 15, offers game-changing abilities that solidify your warlock’s role as a strategic powerhouse on any team. Shroud of Shadow enables one to cast Invisibility at will, cementing your position as a master of stealth and guile. Meanwhile, Witch Sight delivers an extraordinary capacity to see through most deceptions, magical illusions, and shape-shifting disguises, presenting you with an undeniable edge in unraveling hidden threats and ensuring your party remains aware of potential deceptions. ## The Eldritch Adept Feat The Eldritch Adept Feat opens the door for non-warlock characters to tap into the mysterious domain of Eldritch Invocations. This feat allows any character with the Spellcasting or Pact Magic feature to select an invocation of their choice, provided they meet the level requirements. For sorcerers and bards who wish to shore up their offensive capabilities, Agonizing Blast is a powerful choice for enhancing cantrip damage. Rogues might find Devil’s Sight advantageous in exploiting environments shrouded in darkness. Ultimately, the Eldritch Adept Feat provides characters across any class with an opportunity to further personalize their abilities with a dash of dark, arcane power. ## Disclaimer This blog post’s analysis of Eldritch Invocations reflects common strategies and preferences known up to October 2023. As with all things in the realm of D&D, individual experiences and homebrew rules may result in variations. We encourage players to adapt these suggestions to fit their unique party compositions, campaign settings, and personal play styles. Remember, the most rewarding choice is one that enhances your enjoyment and immersion in the fantastical world of Dungeons & Dragons. Next Steps
Level | Invocations | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | Agonizing Blast, Devil’s Sight | Boost damage with Charisma, enhanced vision in darkness. |
3 (Requires Pact Boon) | Gift of the Ever-Living Ones, Improved Pact Weapon, Book of Ancient Secrets | Healing amplification, weapon enhancement, ritual spell additions. |
5 | Misty Visions, Thirsting Blade | Create illusions, additional weapon attack per action. |
7 | One with Shadows, Dreadful Word | Invisible while stationary, control with unleashed confusion. |
9 | Sculptor of Flesh, Bewitching Whispers | Use polymorph, manipulate enemy actions strategically. |
12 | Lifedrinker, Visions of Distant Realms | Add charisma to weapon damage, cast ever-watchful eye spells. |
15 | Shroud of Shadow, Witch Sight | Constant invisibility, unveil hidden threats and illusions. |