D&D (2024) Monsters of the Multiverse: the death of eldritch blast?

[Neonchameleon]

Eh. Hex is ok. In the early game warlocks don’t have a lot of better options, and it can be solid on the rote EB spam build. But once you get like 3rd level spells there are usually better things to be using your limited spell slots on.

Once you get third level spells the main reason to use Hex is because you can save the spell slot by casting it then having a short rest as it lasts 8 hours. But a commitment to this is pretty much a commitment to not use any other concentration spells or you just lose the hex. (Of course warlocks have spare spells known so you can leave both options open).

 

[Vaalingrade]

It’s the best option for a damaging cantrip, sure. I just don’t think a damaging cantrip is always the best option for your action. It’s good to have to fall back on when you don’t have something better to do with your turn.

Like every turn.

I swiftly learned that Witch Bolt s a sucker's game, as was every other damage option that wasn't an invocation buffed EB.

I then just used my spells for outside combat stuff as all the combat options were a sad joke of a 'once per encounter' ability compared to punting fools 10ft with my sonic cannon every round in combat.

 

[Neonchameleon]

Like every turn.

I swiftly learned that Witch Bolt s a sucker's game, as was every other damage option that wasn't an invocation buffed EB.

I then just used my spells for outside combat stuff as all the combat options were a sad joke of a 'once per encounter' ability compared to punting fools 10ft with my sonic cannon every round in combat.

Witch Bolt is a sucker's game for a warlock. You know what isn't? Fireball or Hunger of Hadar. Or if you're only throwing first level spells around Arms of Hadar. I've seen all those spells end fights and destroy packs of foes in a way that Eldritch Blast simply doesn't because Eldritch Blast is single target.

 

[Charlaquin]

Like every turn.

I swiftly learned that Witch Bolt s a sucker's game, as was every other damage option that wasn't an invocation buffed EB.

I then just used my spells for outside combat stuff as all the combat options were a sad joke of a 'once per encounter' ability compared to punting fools 10ft with my sonic cannon every round in combat.

Well, Witch Bolt is just a terrible spell in general. No doubt the warlock’s spell selection at first level sucks, but it gets much better at later levels.

 

[Charlaquin]

Witch Bolt is a sucker's game for a warlock. You know what isn't? Fireball or Hunger of Hadar. Or if you're only throwing first level spells around Arms of Hadar. I've seen all those spells end fights and destroy packs of foes in a way that Eldritch Blast simply doesn't because Eldritch Blast is single target.

This person gets it!

 

[MechaTarrasque]

I would like them to move more towards the undead patron where there is a form the warlock can take. I figure sloth should be the warlock's guiding principle:

• Why spend years practicing with a sword, when you can make a deal with a demon and get a fiend form that lets you use your charisma modifier in place of your strength modifier?
• Not everyone is born graceful but make a deal with an archfey and you can get fey form and use your charisma modifier for your dex modifier.
• Undead are tough, and if you make a deal, you can get temp hit points and advantage on saves to maintain concentration (plus be scary) with undead form.
• If you were smart, you wouldn't make any deals with GOO's, but since you did, aberrant form gives you a couple of extra languages and telepathy.
• Your new angel buddy is a pal, now you can assume celestial form, and you use your charisma modifier for your wisdom one (great benefit for passive perception) and they throw in some kind of cool angel healing touch to make the party's cleric jealous.

Invocations can make you more like your patrons, with things like wings, spikes growing out your body, brain-sucking tentacles coming out your mouth, or even a necrotic touch.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Completely removing short rests from the game would sound like a historic defeat of both game design and the playtesting process to me.

Sure. Popularity polls aren't a good way of making decisions, people don't want what they think they want. And the vast majority of current 5e players didn't take part in the playtest in any case.

 

[JEB]

Popularity polls aren't a good way of making decisions, people don't want what they think they want.

So just to be clear, if polling says "players want us to keep short rests in 5E", those 5E players don't actually want to keep short rests?

 

[Paul Farquhar]

So just to be clear, if polling says "players want us to keep short rests in 5E", those 5E players don't actually want to keep short rests?

Since the majority of players don't respond to polls, polls can't tell you what a majority of players want.

 

[HammerMan]

The problem with EB is generally that it's pretty much the only good option.

I'm currently playing a bladelock and EB is still my best option.

i mean the melee cantrips aren't bad... green flame blade hits multi targets, and booming blade can have some nice lock down... and even if it isn't as cool mechanicly I love the idea of shards of force shaped like my melee weapon for sword burst.