Warlock Spell List — D&D 5e
Warlocks are arcane spellcasters who forge pacts with powerful otherworldly entities for magical power. They have the fewest spell slots of any caster, but regain them on short rests and cast all spells at their highest available level. Eldritch Invocations and Pact Boons give warlocks incredible customization.
At a Glance
Casting Stat
Charisma
Spell List Type
known
Prepare Formula
N/A - Warlocks know a fixed number of spells and can cast any known spell
Ritual Casting
No
Cantrips Known
2 at 1st level, increasing to 4 at 10th level
Unique Mechanic
Pact Magic gives warlocks only 2-4 spell slots that recharge on short rests, but all spells are cast at the highest slot level. Eldritch Invocations provide always-on abilities and spell-like effects. Mystic Arcanum grants one 6th-9th level spell each that recharges on long rest.
Key Spells
The most impactful spells on the Warlock list and why they matter.
| Spell | Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Hex | 1st | Extra 1d6 damage per hit plus disadvantage on ability checks, lasts 8 hours at higher levels |
| Armor of Agathys | 1st | Temp HP that deals cold damage to attackers, scales excellently with higher slots |
| Darkness | 2nd | Create magical darkness, combined with Devil's Sight for advantage on all attacks |
| Invisibility | 2nd | Turn invisible for utility, lasts 1 hour when upcast with warlock slots |
| Hypnotic Pattern | 3rd | Incapacitate multiple enemies, excellent crowd control with no repeated saves |
| Counterspell | 3rd | Stop enemy spells as reaction, though limited by few spell slots |
| Hunger of Hadar | 3rd | AoE difficult terrain that blinds and damages, excellent area denial |
| Dimension Door | 4th | Teleport 500ft with a passenger, incredible mobility and escape tool |
| Eldritch Blast | Cantrip | The warlock's bread and butter - with Agonizing Blast it's the best damage cantrip |
| Mind Sliver | Cantrip | Reduce saves by 1d4 to set up your limited spell slots for maximum impact |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Not taking Agonizing Blast invocation - it makes Eldritch Blast your primary damage source
Common Mistake
Choosing too many spells that require concentration when you have so few slots to use them
Common Mistake
Forgetting that spell slots recharge on SHORT rests - warlocks excel in multiple encounters per day
Common Mistake
Not using Eldritch Blast every turn when you have limited spell slots for other spells
Common Mistake
Picking ritual spells like Detect Magic when you can't ritual cast without Book of Ancient Secrets
Common Mistake
Wasting invocation choices on situational effects instead of always-useful options
DM Tips
DM Tip
Warlocks thrive with multiple short rests per day - design adventuring days with 2-3 short rests
DM Tip
Eldritch Blast with invocations is extremely consistent damage - balance around it as baseline
DM Tip
Darkness + Devil's Sight combo can trivialize combat - use enemies with Blindsight or Tremorsense
DM Tip
Hexblade dip is extremely powerful for multiclassing - discuss with players if this is allowed
DM Tip
Mystic Arcanum limits high-level casting to once per day - plan climactic encounters accordingly
DM Tip
Pact of the Chain familiars can scout and turn invisible - prepare for extensive reconnaissance
Sources & Further Reading
- Warlock Spells — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD spell list
- Warlock — D&D Beyond — Official class reference
- Warlock Spell List — RPGBOT — Spell ratings and analysis