Often seen as a class that can feel very cookie-cutter, and altogether similar no matter the build, Warlocks are the one class many players wanted to see get an update in the 2024 Player’s Handbook. Mainly: due to the fact, that the class’s abilities were too intrinsically tied to a single cantrip, Eldritch Blast, and made actual gameplay nothing more than a strategy of rinse and repeat. Removing any real flavor from what was -ostensibly- a thematically fun class to play.
Mechanics
Taking this into consideration, Wizards of the Coast have implemented several changes to alleviate the discontent many players felt with the class. Pact Boons are now classed as invocations, rather than a selective and restricted one-choice decision. This means that instead of only being granted a single boon, Warlocks can now have several depending on your level.
Spell Casting
Disappointingly, WoTC did not extend the same enthusiastic generosity to spell slots as there have been no changes to the total amount available to the class at any given moment. Up until level 11, Warlocks will remain restricted to only two spell slots. To combat this, however, the update does include an ability called Magical Cunning that will allow the player to recover one-half of their expended spell slots once per long rest. To be used, in tandem, with short rests -in hopes of making the playability and viability of Warlocks more effective.
Additionally, the Warlock class has gained an ability called Contact Patron that allows them to cast Contact Other Plane and speak directly to their patron. Replacing the typically homebrewed ability, which is often only allowed on a case-by-case basis or based solely on the Dungeon Master’s discretion.
Eldritch Invocations
First and foremost, one of the biggest changes to Eldritch Invocations is the fact that they no longer require a spell slot to cast. Agonizing Blast and Repelling Blast are also no longer tied solely to Eldritch Blast. Instead, they can be invoked and used to buff the rest of the Warlock’s spell arsenal and grant a bonus to damage equal to the character’s Charisma modifier. Agonizing Blast easily integrates with most spells, including spells like Toll the Dead and Thunderclap, while Repelling Blast is restricted to damage-dealing cantrips.
Subclasses
Subclasses for Warlocks are broken down by the definitive nature of their Patron -the entity that granted the character their abilities. The Archfey Patron subclass received a buff to their overall mechanics and their special abilities revolve around the spell Misty Step. Now, invoking Misty Step will incur additional effects including an area-of-effect damage attack and a heal. Beguiling Defense will now also reduce damage taken and inflict more damage onto opponents as a reaction.
For the Celestial Patron subclass, characters will now have access to the spells Aid and Summon Celestial, which have replaced both Flaming Sphere and Flame Strike, respectively. Other changes to the subclass include: Radiant Soul can only be used once per turn, Celestial Resistance grants temporary hit points when Magical Cunning ends, and Searing Vengeance will now only affect either the character or one other ally.
Fiend Patron Warlocks has gained the additional mechanic of Dark One’s Blessing -an ability that will grant temporary hit points anytime an opponent falls to zero hit points within a ten-foot radius. The spell list for the Fiend has also garnered a few changes. The subclass will lose Blindness/Deafness, Flame Strike, and Hallow. In return, they will gain Suggestion, Geas, and Insect Plague.
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