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Some of thespellcasting classes ofDungeons & Dragonshave to plan in advance and make a few extra choices, even on a turn-by-turn basis in combat. Of all theD&Dspellcasting classes, Warlocks are probably the easiest to master because of their streamlined ways of memorizing spells and using them in battle.
Some players consider the Warlock’s limited number of spell slots a liability, but the advantage is that a Warlock doesn’t have to deal with multiple spell slot levels or change spells daily. This class learns some ofD&D’s strongest cantrips, and Wizards, Sorcerers, and Bards are always looking for a way to dip into Warlock spells. Other weaknesses the class might normally have when it comes to AC or melee skills can be balanced out through a few specific choices during character creation.
Updated July 03, 2025 by Kristy Ambrose:The Warlock has gone from being fairly obscure to becoming one of the most beloved classes in the D&D universe, and the character of Wyll inBaldur’s Gate 3showed how far the RP possibilities can go.
Extra supplemental materials have improved the choices and possibilities for playing a Warlock even more when it comes to game mechanics, party roles, and role-playing options, all of which are improved to an even greater extent withrecent and extensive changesto the popular gaming IP.
Winged Tiefling
Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
Bonuses to both Intelligence and Charisma. Other perks include increased fire resistance and flight.
Changeling
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
Volo’s Guide to Monsters
A +2 to their Charisma, resistance to necrotic and radiant damage,and innate healing abilities.
Half-Elves
2nd Edition D&D Handbook
A +2 Charisma bonus and another +1 bonus to two other stats.
Satyr
Mythic Odysseys of Theros
A race with a +2 to Charisma and +1 to Dexterity is an ideal start for a Warlock of any build.
Dragonborn
Player’s Handbook 5th Edition
Strength increases by +2, and Charisma gets a bonus of +1.
Aarakocra
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
Increase one Ability score by two and another by one. Or, choose three to increase by one point each.
Charisma bonus of +2 and an evil alignment.
Asmodeus Tiefling
Player’s Handbook %th Edition
Intelligence and Charisma, the Thaumaturgy cantrip, Hellish Rebuke at level 2, and Darkness at level 5.
Fairy
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight
Ideal for a DPS-focused Warlock build with the power of flight and can cast Faerie Fire and Druidcraft.
Autognome
Spelljammer: Adventures in Space
The extra armor is ideal for a build similar to the Hexblade, a Warlock that gets a few hits in melee combat.
Best Warlock Ability Scores
All About Charisma, The Casting Modifier
Every class is defined by its ability scores, and in the case of a Warlock, certain ones are essentialwhen 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.
Best Warlock Patrons
Warlocks Serve An Otherworldly Patron
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 in the lore or any homebrew possibilities, but if players have a unique idea, they shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to their Dungeon Master.
Primary Spells and Abilities
The Fiend
D&DPlayer’s Handbook
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.
2nd Level spells with both martial and spellcasting advantages.
Defy Death and the Among the Dead cantrip.
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
Tentacle of the Deeps, Oceanic Soul
ThisWarlock is overpowered in any campaignthat involves water, but it takes some creative gameplay to make them equally effective on land.
Any spells from the schools of Illusion, Deception, and Enchantment.
Misty Escape and Dark Delirium, along with an expanded spell list for various levels.
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything
Healing Light and Celestial Resilience.
A good deity instead of an evil one is one’s Patron, making this class something like a Cleric.
Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
Form of Dread and False Life
The access to False Life is what makes this Warlock subclass more durable than others and is ideal for a melee build.
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
Depends on the type of Genie (Dao, Djinni, Efreeti, or Marid).
The Great Old One
D&D Player’s Handbook
Low-level spells are a nice mix of damage, debuff, and crowd control.
Abilities such as Awakened Mind, which is like Tongues combined with Telepathic Link.
Mage Of Lorehold
Unearthed Arcana: Mages of Strixhaven
Sacred Flame, a cantrip, and Comprehend Languages, a Level 1 spell.
Lorehold Spells and an Ancient Companion.
Mage Of Witherbloom
The Spare the Dying cantrip along with the 1st level spells Cure Wounds and Inflict Wounds.
Essence Trap and Witherbloom Spells.
Mage Of Silverquill
Sacred Flame or Vicious Mockery, one of two handy cantrips, and the choice of two skills from either Deception, Intimidation, Performance, Persuasion, or Insight.
Description
Criminal
Charisma and Dexterity-based. Includes a set of Thieves Tools and a gaming set.
Haunted One
Popularized bythe Origin character inBaldur’s Gate 3, this character suffered a Harrowing Event and has the Heart of Darkness ability.
Includes a gaming set. Charisma and Intelligence-based.
Charlatan
Deception and Sleight of Hand, which are handy for picking locks as well as pockets.
Folk Hero
This character is known throughout the land for their heroic deeds. Wyll fromBG3has this Background, and he’s a perfect example.
Adds two languages, based on Wisdom and Intelligence.
Adds two languages, Intelligence-based.
Black Fist Double Agent
An optional choice exclusive toCurse of Strahd, this Warlock is a double agent for the Tears of Virulence.
Smuggler
Proficient in Athletics and Deception and has access to a secretive network of smugglers or mercenaries.
Knight
Adds one extra language and a gaming set, based on Intelligence and Charisma.
Best Warlock Skills
Key Abilities That Work Best In A Warlock’s Hands
Every class has afew key skills that suit them best, and it’s important to know some of the best for the best Warlock build. Since anyD&Dcharacter 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.
Deception
Determining whether one can convincingly hide the truth blends nicely with a 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 one’s 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.
War Caster
A must for Hexblades especially, as it gives Advantage to any concentration-based constitution saves.
Spell Sniper
Makes spells like Eldritch Blast, which isalready an amazing cantrip, even more reliable.
Crossbow Expert
The character doesn’t need time to load and doesn’t get penalties at point-blank range. It’s a nice option if the Warlock is out of spell slots.
Piercer
Warlocks often use finesse or ranged weapons, so a bonus to Dexterity or Strength is useful. This Feat also adds another dice for piercing damage or critical hits.
Cartomancer
A 4th-level spellcasting feature inThe Book of Many Things, the character learns the Prestidigitation cantrip and two handy abilities - Card Tricks and Hidden Ace.
Telekinetic
Adds a +1 bonus to either Charisma, Intelligence, or Wisdom. It also includes the Mage Hand spell.
Backs up the Warlock’s natural high-level Charisma skills.
Elemental Adept
Adds even more ‘fire’ to the Warlock’s power, but they don’t have tochoose the fiery option.
Chef
A Warlock should take the +1 for Constitution, and other perks include the ability to cook special foods every Short and Long Rest.
Alert
Gives the Warlock a +5 to Initiative and prevents them from being surprised.
Best Warlock Gear
Improve AC And Charisma
The Warlock’s spell modifier is their Charisma, so this should be one of the player’s top priorities when it comes to choosing gear, but since every build is different this isn’t always the case. Other important stats can include Constitution or Wisdom, and for spellcasters, low AC is always an issue.
