Eldritch Blast

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. 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.

At a Glance

Level
Cantrip
School
Evocation
Casting Time
1 action
Range
120 feet
Duration
Instantaneous
Concentration
No

How Eldritch Blast Works

Casting Time1 action
Range120 feet
ComponentsV, S
DurationInstantaneous

Available to:

Warlock

Damage

1d10 force per beam (2 beams at 5th, 3 at 11th, 4 at 17th)

At Higher Levels

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.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Forgetting each beam requires a separate attack roll - you don't roll once for all beams
Common Mistake
Not realizing you can split beams among multiple targets starting at 5th level
Common Mistake
Thinking Agonizing Blast adds damage once - it adds CHA modifier to EACH beam that hits

DM Tips

DM Tip
This is the iconic warlock spell and becomes incredibly powerful with invocations
DM Tip
Each beam can trigger concentration checks separately on the same target

Sources & Further Reading