Edition note: This guide targets 2014 5E (legacy PHB-style rules). If your table uses the 2024 Player's Handbook, confirm spell lists, invocations, and pact features before locking a build.
Warlocks do not prepare like Clerics — they know a short list and refresh pact slots on a short rest. The best Warlock spells 5E picks maximize those few slots and lean hard on Eldritch Blast.
Cantrip identity
Eldritch Blast
Eldritch Blast plus Agonizing Blast is your at-will job. Everything else is a temporary spike.
Mind Sliver (when you control)
Mind Sliver sets up Hold Person / Banishment turns when your table plays heavy save-or-suck.
Level 1 staples (pact slots)
| Spell | Why Warlocks take it |
|---|---|
| Hex | Bonus-action damage rider; ability-check curse |
| Armor of Agathys | Temp HP + retaliate — strong if on your list / book |
| Charm Person | Social days / intrigue arcs |
Hex is the default combat concentration until higher-level locks appear.
Level 2–3 power spikes
| Spell | Role |
|---|---|
| Misty Step | Bonus-action escape (via spell list / Book / Secrets) |
| Hold Person | Humanoid lockdown; auto-crits for allies |
| Counterspell | Answer enemy casters |
| Hypnotic Pattern | Encounter-ending control |
| Fear | Cone that clears melee |
| Fly | Boss kiting / vertical fights |
Higher-level priorities
- Banishment — remove a problem creature
- Dimension Door — extract the party
- Synaptic Static — AoE psychic + attack penalty
Mystic Arcanum slots are once-per-long-rest bombs — spend them on spells that end deadly fights, not chip damage.
Invocation mindset (spell-adjacent)
Your “extra spells” often come from invocations (Book of Ancient Secrets, Misty Visions, etc.). Build around Blast + one concentration hex/control rather than a wizard-sized toolbox.
Related hubs
Frequently Asked Questions
Should every Warlock take Hex?
Most blaster Warlocks yes. Support or control-heavy pacts may prefer Hold Person / Hypnotic Pattern concentration instead.
Is Eldritch Blast mandatory?
For damage-focused Warlocks in 2014 5E, effectively yes. Niche builds exist, but Agonizing Blast is the class’s balance assumption.
Short rest slots change priorities how?
Cast your best concentration spell every fight. Do not hoard pact slots like a Wizard hoards 3rd-level slots — you get them back.