Looking for a powerful spellcasting class for your next Dungeons & Dragons session? The Wizard and Sorcerer classes are both great but they do have a lot of micro-managing involved, making them complicated to use. You’ll need a lot of time preparing as well. This is why many choose to play as a Warlock.
Yes, as a Warlock, you don’t get as many juicy spells or as many spell slots to keep blasting away in and out of combat, but the class works around this through its versatility. The abilities and spells you do have easily make up for the shorter list of options. It’s about the quality of the dish, as they would say.
The Warlock class in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition is known for its unique spellcasting mechanics and deep roleplaying potential. While many Warlocks focus on ranged combat, the Pact of the Blade offers a compelling alternative, allowing them to wield powerful melee weapons infused with eldritch energy. This subclass appeals to players who want to blend magic with martial prowess, carving through enemies with enchanted blades while maintaining the Warlock’s signature spellcasting abilities.
It’s simply so satisfying to be able to summon a magical blade blessed by an unseen patron and rip through legions of monsters before blasting distant enemies away with a well-timed ranged spell.
Let’s dive into the basics first and see why the Pact of the Blade Warlock is absolutely worth considering as the class of your next character.
The Basic Features of the Pact of the Blade
At 3rd level, a Warlock who chooses the Pact of the Blade gains the ability to summon a magical weapon at will. This weapon can take the form of any melee weapon, allowing for versatility in combat styles. Yes, you don’t have to limit your weapon choice to just a short sword. Do you want your pact weapon to resemble a rapier? You can do that. In 5e, you can also infuse this ability with a magic weapon — more on that later.
The weapon is inherently magical, ensuring it can bypass resistances to non-magical attacks. This can be the saving grace for parties pitted against enemies like Wraiths in an early campaign. Your allies might not have spells or magical weapons yet so they’ll have to rely on you and your pact weapon to dish out the bigger chunks of damage.
Additionally, if a Warlock is proficient with a weapon, they can bond with it, summoning it to their hand whenever needed. This feature makes the Pact of the Blade particularly appealing for those who want to wield exotic or rare weapons without the risk of losing them.
Unlike traditional spellcasters, a Pact of the Blade Warlock can use their chosen weapon as a spellcasting focus, reinforcing their hybrid nature. This is even more versatile than a Cleric using a symbol on their shield as a spellcasting focus because now it’s embedded into your weapon.
However, the true potential of this subclass lies in its Eldritch Invocations, which grant additional abilities that enhance melee effectiveness.
All in all, Pact of the Blade pairs well with Warlock patrons that augment melee capabilities. The Hexblade patron, for instance, is an extremely popular choice, allowing a Warlock to use Charisma instead of Strength or Dexterity for attack rolls. This greatly simplifies ability score management and maximizes synergy with spellcasting. It also prevents you from going MAD (Multiple Attributes Distribution), allowing you to pump more Ability Points into your Charisma whenever you can.
Advantages of Playing a Pact of the Blade Warlock
What makes the Pact of the Blade a good option? It all stems from the fact that unlike most Warlock builds, this Pact option allows you to get up and close in combat. It’s not the usual spell slinging pit that most spellcasters fall into. Here’s a deeper dive into some of the pros of playing a Pact of the Blade:
Versatility in Combat Styles
Every Warlock build caters to different styles of combat but the Pact of the Blade stands out due to its strength in melee situations. You’re not limited to slinging spells like Eldritch Blast from a distance, hoping the Barbarian can dish out the big hits while the Paladin or Cleric draws enemy fire away from you. With Pact of the Blade, you can enter the fray and fight toe-to-toe against enemies using your summoned pact weapon, infused with the power from the Warlock’s chosen patron.
You now have the freedom of choice: do you want to stay in the distance and throw spells or get up-close and dirty? The freedom and versatility is yours.
Don’t forget that you can alter the pact weapon into any melee form, giving you the freedom to approach any given situation as needed. You can opt to dish out massive damage with one hit by turning your weapon into a greatsword or choose to slice and dice with rapid strikes using two rapiers, one in each hand.
Magical Weapon Reliability
A Pact weapon is always considered magical, ensuring effectiveness against creatures resistant to non-magical damage. This is particularly useful in higher-level play, where many enemies have resistances or immunities to non-magical attacks.
That said, you can also turn this feature off in a way and turn your Pact weapon damage type into a traditional physical type. You can strike a foe with bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage. It’s almost never needed but if you have a DM who uses armor type options where piercing, slashing, and bludgeoning damage matters, your Pact weapon can adjust as needed and on the fly.
Eldritch Smite and Battlefield Control
The Eldritch Smite invocation, taken from Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, significantly enhances melee potential. Unlike the Paladin’s Divine Smite, which consumes spell slots but deals radiant damage, Eldritch Smite deals force damage and can knock enemies prone — an invaluable feature for battlefield control. A well-placed smite can turn the tide of combat by disrupting enemy positioning. This becomes even more valuable if you’re in a game that uses a lot of the optional features found in the Dungeon Master’s Guide, such as flanking and lingering injuries.
Synergy with Hexblade
One of the main issues some people face when running a Warlock or a multiclass build is attribute distribution. It’s all too easy to go MAD, ending up as a Jack of All Trades and Master of None. You don’t have to deal with that issue thanks to the Hexblade patron, which is also found in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything.
This subclass allows Warlocks to use Charisma instead of Strength or Dexterity for weapon attacks. This feature eliminates the need to invest in multiple ability scores, making Charisma the central attribute for both melee and spellcasting abilities. Additionally, the Hexblade grants medium armor and shield proficiency, boosting a Warlock’s durability. This becomes invaluable for players who want to jump right into the middle of combat and not die after taking a few heavy hits.
Synergistic Spells
A Pact of the Blade Warlock benefits from spells that enhance their combat prowess. Options like Armor of Agathys, Darkness (combined with Devil’s Sight), and Shadow of Moil provide defensive and offensive advantages that allow melee Warlocks to survive in close quarters while dealing consistent damage.
Roleplaying Opportunities
Beyond mechanics, the Pact of the Blade Warlock opens up incredible roleplaying potential. How did your Warlock form this pact? Does their weapon have a mind of its own, whispering dark secrets? Perhaps their blade is a fragment of their patron’s power, guiding them toward an unknown destiny. By integrating their weapon into their story, players can create a richer and more immersive experience.
Don’t forget that like all Warlocks, your character doesn’t have to swear fealty to their patron. Warlocks forge a deal with a patron but they don’t necessarily have to worship them or even be in the same alignment. A warlock can simply make a deal, a pact (aha, see what we did there), to gain power. Players fond of complex roleplaying can take that contrasting concept and run wild with it.
Disadvantages of Playing a Pact of the Blade Warlock
While the Pact of the Blade Warlock can seem like a better Eldritch Knight thanks to its blend of melee combat and magic, it does have a few drawbacks. After all, Dungeons & Dragons has spent decades balancing and fine-tuning its mechanics to make sure any and every build is fun to play but this also means every build has its ups and downs. Let’s take a look at some of the disadvantages of playing a Pact of the Blade Warlock:
Lack of Extra Attack
One of the most noticeable drawbacks of the Pact of the Blade Warlock is its lack of Extra Attack. Unlike Fighters, Rangers, or Barbarians, Pact of the Blade Warlocks do not naturally gain multiple attacks per turn. To compensate, they must take the Thirsting Blade invocation, which provides an Extra Attack but consumes one of their limited invocation slots.
There are other ways around this too but they require multiclassing. You could multiclass into a monk, for example, and rely on abilities like Flurry of Blows. It’s not going to be as grand or as powerful as a real multi-hit melee class like a Fighter but it does give you more opportunities to strike in case the dice don’t roll in your favor the first time.
Limited Durability
With only a d8 Hit Dice, Pact of the Blade Warlocks are not as durable as dedicated melee classes. They lack heavy armor proficiency unless they take the Hexblade subclass, making survivability a concern when engaging in close combat. Investing in defensive spells or multiclassing can help mitigate this weakness.
Limited Spell Slots
Warlocks regain spell slots on short rests, meaning they must carefully manage their resources. Since spells like Hex or Shadow of Moil can greatly enhance melee combat, using them too freely may leave a Warlock without resources in critical moments. The short-rest mechanic requires careful planning to ensure consistent combat effectiveness.
Invocation Dependency
A Pact of the Blade Warlock’s melee capabilities rely heavily on Eldritch Invocations, forcing players to make tough choices. Unlike other Warlocks who can focus on utility invocations, a melee Warlock needs to take Thirsting Blade, Eldritch Smite, and potentially Improved Pact Weapon, leaving fewer slots for invocations that enhance spellcasting or roleplay versatility.
Different Kinds of Pact of the Blade Warlock Builds
Just because you’re playing a Pact of the Blade Warlock doesn’t mean you have to stick to one kind of build. It’s a very open archetype with a lot of multiclassing and variable build options. We’ll dive into multiclassing after but let’s focus first on the different build options you can do with just the Warlock features, attributes, and abilities.
The Spellblade Hybrid
This is perhaps the most basic type of Pact of the Blade build. It prioritizes traditional Warlock spell-slinging, making melee fighting more of a backup option in case you find yourself caught in the middle. If you only have the Player’s Handbook, this one is the most viable basic build and you can strengthen it with magic items, specific spells, or boons. Balancing melee attacks with spellcasting, this build utilizes spells like Darkness, Mirror Image, and Hold Person to control the battlefield while delivering powerful strikes.
The Hexblade Striker
Arguably the most effective Pact of the Blade build, this Warlock uses the Hexblade patron to make Charisma the primary stat for melee combat. They wield a greatsword or longsword, stacking Hex, Eldritch Smite, and invocations like Thirsting Blade for devastating damage output. Of course, the main issue is that this option isn’t readily available unless you have Xanathar’s Guide to Everything. If you do have the supplement book, this can turn a regular Pact of the Blade Warlock into a melee powerhouse.
The Dual-Wielding Warlock
By taking the Two-Weapon Fighting style through feats or multiclassing, this build focuses on landing multiple attacks per turn. Combining Hex with dual-wielded weapons ensures consistent bonus damage.
The Reach Warlock
This build utilizes a polearm (such as a glaive or halberd) in conjunction with the Polearm Master feat. The combination of reach, opportunity attacks, and Eldritch Smite makes this an excellent battlefield controller.
The Strength-Based Warlock
If you only have the Player’s Handbook and you feel like using Strength to your advantage, this is the build for you. You can also make good use of this build if you intend to multiclass with Barbarian or Fighter classes. Unlike Hexblades who rely on Charisma, this Warlock invests in Strength and wields heavy weapons. While less optimized, this build can be rewarding for those who want a more traditional warrior-mage approach.
Spells to Prioritize When Playing a Pact of the Blade Warlock
While every Warlock will play differently based on the spells and cantrips you pick. That said, there are a few staples and here’s a good look at the ones you’ll want to really consider:
Hex – Adds extra damage to each weapon attack and imposes disadvantage on an enemy’s ability checks.
Eldritch Blast – this cantrip is almost a given for any Warlock, Pact of the Blade or not. It’ll be your go-to ranged spell attack and, as a Warlock, you can empower it with Agonizing Blast.
Armor of Agathys – Grants temporary hit points and damages enemies who hit you.
Shadow of Moil – Grants resistance to damage while making enemies suffer disadvantage on their attacks.
Mirror Image – Boosts survivability by making it harder for enemies to land attacks.
Darkness + Devil’s Sight – A classic Warlock combo for battlefield control.
Hold Person/Hold Monster – Allows melee attacks against paralyzed enemies to become critical hits.
Pact of the Warlock Multiclassing Options
Hoping to do more than play as a Warlock? You can reach new heights and achieve all sorts of min-maxing options by multiclassing your Warlock. While most classes will work wonders — we’re looking at you, Paladins, Sorcerers, and Bards — even a Warlock-Rogue can become a powerful build when done right.
Hexblade Warlock / Paladin (The Charisma-Fueled Destroyer)
Common Split: 2–5 levels of Paladin, rest in Warlock
Pros:
Smite stacking (Divine Smite + Eldritch Smite)
Heavy armor access (if Paladin is taken first)
Lay on Hands for healing
Charisma synergy for attacks, spells, and saves
Cons:
MAD if not using Hexblade (Str/Dex requirement for Paladin)
Fewer spell slots than a full caster
Delayed Warlock progression
Build Tips:
Take Hexblade Warlock 1st to get Charisma for weapon attacks.
Go Paladin 2 for Divine Smite, or Paladin 6 for Aura of Protection if you want strong saves.
Use Improved Pact Weapon Invocation for an extra +1 to attack and damage rolls.
Choose Vengeance Paladin for advantage on a key attack each turn.
Hexblade Warlock / Fighter (The Battle Master of Eldritch Power)
Common Split: 2–3 levels of Fighter, rest in Warlock
Pros:
Fighting Style for extra power (Defense, Dueling, or Great Weapon Fighting)
Action Surge for explosive turns
Second Wind for extra survivability
Access to martial weapons and armor
Cons:
Less spellcasting than a full Warlock
Delayed Extra Attack (unless taken via Fighter 5)
Build Tips:
Take Fighter 2 for Action Surge or Fighter 3 (Battle Master) for Combat Maneuvers.
Choose Blind Fighting if you use Devil’s Sight + Darkness.
Consider Polearm Master + Great Weapon Master if you’re using a two-handed weapon.
Warlock 5 is great for Eldritch Smite + Thirsting Blade to compete with martial classes.
Hexblade Warlock / Sorcerer (The Metamagic Swordslinger)
Common Split: 2–3 levels of Sorcerer, rest in Warlock
Pros:
Metamagic for spell flexibility (Quickened Booming Blade, Twinned Hex)
Sorcery Points turn into extra spell slots for more smiting
Shield and Absorb Elements for defense
Synergy with Charisma spellcasting
Cons:
No armor proficiencies from Sorcerer
Delayed Warlock spell progression
Not as tanky as Paladin/Fighter combos
Build Tips:
Divine Soul Sorcerer adds healing and extra spells from the Cleric list.
Draconic Sorcerer gives extra survivability (HP and unarmored AC boost).
Quickened Booming Blade lets you attack twice in a round.
Sorcery Points can fuel Warlock spell slots (more smites!).
Hexblade Warlock / Barbarian (The Rage-Fueled Spellblade)
Common Split: 3 levels of Barbarian, rest in Warlock
Pros:
Rage reduces incoming damage (great durability)
Reckless Attack helps land powerful smites
Danger Sense helps avoid AoE damage
Bear Totem (Barbarian 3) makes you tanky
Cons:
Rage prevents spellcasting (though Eldritch Smite still works)
Requires Strength or Dex for unarmored defense
No medium/heavy armor while raging
Build Tips:
Take Hexblade 1st so you can attack with Charisma before raging.
Barbarian 3 (Bear Totem) makes you resistant to nearly all damage types.
Great Weapon Master + Reckless Attack = consistent heavy hits.
Eldritch Smite still works in Rage since it’s not a spell, making this combo deadly.
Hexblade Warlock / Rogue (The Sneaky Blade)
Common Split: 3 levels of Rogue, rest in Warlock
Pros:
Sneak Attack + Hex + Eldritch Smite = Big damage
Cunning Action for mobility
Expertise in key skills (Stealth, Persuasion, etc.)
Uncanny Dodge at Rogue 5 for survivability
Cons:
Fewer attacks compared to Fighter/Paladin combos
Sneak Attack requires finesse/ranged weapons (no heavy weapons)
Delayed Extra Attack unless taking Thirsting Blade Invocation
Build Tips:
Take Swashbuckler Rogue for Charisma-based initiative and easy Sneak Attacks.
Soulknife Rogue adds Psionic dice for utility and damage.
Use Booming Blade + Sneak Attack + Eldritch Smite for big single-hit burst damage.
Devil’s Sight + Darkness makes you nearly untouchable.
Hexblade Warlock / Cleric (The Warlock with Divine Might)
Common Split: 1–2 levels of Cleric, rest in Warlock
Pros:
Heavy armor if choosing Tempest or War Cleric
Bonus action spells like Healing Word and Spiritual Weapon
Access to powerful support spells
Strong thematic synergy with eldritch patrons
Cons:
Delayed Warlock progression
Needs Wisdom investment for Cleric spells
Fewer spell slots than a full caster
Build Tips:
Tempest Cleric 2 = Max-damage reaction thunderbolts.
War Cleric 1–2 = Extra attack options and Divine Favor buffs.
Bless is a great buff for early game success.
Medium or heavy armor (from Cleric) makes you tankier.
Final Thoughts: Best Choices Based on Playstyle
For Burst Damage: Warlock/Paladin (smites on smites!)
For Versatile Combat: Warlock/Fighter (Action Surge, maneuvers)
For Magic & Melee Balance: Warlock/Sorcerer (Metamagic tricks)
For Tanking: Warlock/Barbarian (Bear Totem Rage)
For Mobility & Skills: Warlock/Rogue (Sneaky blade tactics)
For Support & Spell Versatility: Warlock/Cleric (Divine synergy)
Closing Thoughts: Pact of the Blade Warlock
The Pact of the Blade Warlock is a fantastic choice for players who want to blend magic with melee combat. With the right combination of spells, invocations, and tactics, a Pact of the Blade Warlock can hold their own in melee combat while still harnessing the dark and mysterious powers granted by their patron. If you’re looking for a Warlock that does more than just Eldritch Blast, this might be the perfect path for you.
In the end, it’s still up to how you want to build your character. For those who can’t decide yet and want to play a character with great opportunities for internal conflict in terms of roleplaying and can do both melee and magical combat, this is definitely worth trying. You can also take a look in our dedicated guide about Pact of the Chain Warlocks. Pact of the Blade Warlocks do need a bit of preparation compared to traditional Warlock builds but with some patience and a good DM, you can get this up and running in no time.
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