D&D 5E What at-will 1st level spells wouldn't be overpowered?

[TwoSix]

Just trying to think of some new warlock invocations. Are there any 1st level spells that wouldn't be overpowered to get at-will, like silent image or disguise self?

 

[mellored]

Any utility spell (feather fall, comprehend languages).
Any damage spell at level 5+ (burning hands, magic missile). Scale them up at 11 (2nd level slot) and 17 (3rd level slot). 5d4+5 magic missile = 17.5, compared to 4d10+20 * .60 eldrich blast = 25.2.
Soft control that takes concentration can be fine (fog cloud, fairy fire).
Concentration buff spells (bless, hex).

Avoid Healing (cure wounds)
Avoid hard control spells, particularly those without concentration (tasha's hidous laughter, command). Sleep would count as a damage spell.

You could probably give plenty of level 2 spells at-will as well following the same advice. Though maybe wait till 11 to give damage spells.

I mean, wizards get any first and second level spell at-will at level 18.

 

[Rhogar_Rarr]

Most of the ones that don't seem overpowered to me are ritual spells--things like Alarm, Comprehend Language, Detect Magic, etc. Maybe you could give them Expeditious Retreat if you want a warlock dashing around like a rogue.

 

[Horwath]

Everything except healing spells and shield.

Maybe if you limit that specific spell that it cannot heal above 50% max HP.

 

[steeldragons]

I allow Dt. Magic as a cantrip-tier spell in my world/games.

Whether or not this is overpowered would depend on the nature and commonality of magic in your game/world. It could be a highly unfair spammed advantage or a rarely used confirmation tool.

As with nearly all things, it fluctuates and winds up, more often than not, being somewhere in the middle. So I haven't seen a problem with it yet.

 

[TwoSix]

Ok, here's a quick list of some spells I'm on the fence about, I'd appreciate any thoughts.

Color Spray - leaning towards no.
Command - maybe?
Compelled Duel - maybe?
Divine Favor - leaning towards yes.
Earth Tremor - leaning towards yes.
Faerie Fire - almost definitely yes.
Grease - leaning towards yes.
Hellish Rebuke - maybe?
Shield of Faith - leaning toward yes.
Sleep - Almost definitely no.

 

[mellored]

Ok, here's a quick list of some spells I'm on the fence about, I'd appreciate any thoughts.

Yes to all, except command. You don't want spammable stun.

The HP ones (color spray, earth tremors, sleep, hellish rebuke), should wait till level 11. Probably don't need to scale them up.

 

[Ganymede81]

I would love to be able to take an incantation for Expeditious Retreat at will. I'd even give up Devil's Sight for it. Otherwise, he needs to take a two level dip into Rogue, and I would infinitely prefer he stay single-classed as a Warlock.

 

[TwoSix]

Yes to all, except command. You don't want spammable stun.

The HP ones (color spray, earth tremors, sleep, hellish rebuke), should wait till level 11. Probably don't need to scale them up.

Good point on the command, thanks.

Would Hellish Rebuke or Earth Tremors break anything at level 7 or 9? These customizations are for a game I don't anticipate going past 10.

 

[mellored]

Good point on the command, thanks.

Would Hellish Rebuke or Earth Tremors break anything at level 7 or 9? These customizations are for a game I don't anticipate going past 10.

Maybe a little strong, but nothing broken.