The 2024 Warlock is a spellcasting class that gains their abilities from an eldritch pact with a powerful being. Charisma fuels their blaster abilities, so they've plenty of utility in and out of combat. Plus, their unique spell mechanics make them an approachable yet varied class.
Even with their mechanics tweaked, the Dungeons and Dragons Warlock remains one of the most popular DnD classes. If you want to build a Warlock from scratch, STOP reading here. Our Warlock 5e guide has all the information you need - this is simply a changelog of changes between the two versions of fifth edition.
Level one
- Core Warlock traits - Multiclassing into Warlock no longer gives proficiency with simple weapons.
- Eldritch Invocations - Moved from level two to level one, and the number you gain at each level has been tweaked.
- Eldritch Invocations - Can no longer choose the same Eldritch Invocation twice unless specified.
- Eldritch Invocations - The former level-three Pact Boon feature is now part of Eldritch Invocations.
- Eldritch Invocations - New Invocations include Devouring Blade, Eldritch Smite, Gift of the Depths, and Lessons of the First Ones.
- Eldritch Invocations - Removed Invocations include Beast Speech, Beguiling Influence, Bewitching Whispers, Book of Ancient Secrets, Chains of Carceri, Dreadful Word, Eyes of the Rune Keeper, Minions of Chaos, Mire the Mind, Sculptor of Flesh, Sign of Ill Omen, Thief of Five Fates, and Voice of the Chain Master.
- Eldritch Invocations - Agonizing Blast, Repelling Blast, and Eldritch Spear are no longer limited to Eldritch Blast.
- Eldritch Invocations - Armor of Shadows now requires material components.
- Eldritch Invocations - Ascendant Step has a level-five prerequisite rather than level-nine.
- Eldritch Invocations - Eldritch Spear's range has changed.
- Eldritch Invocations - Fiendish Vigor always gives maximum healing.
- Eldritch Invocations - Gaze of Two Minds is now a bonus action, no longer blinds or deafens you, and can be used to cast spells from the target's space.
- Eldritch Invocations - Lifedrinker has a level-nine prerequisite rather than level-12, and it lets you choose the damage type and regain hit points.
- Eldritch Invocations - Master of Myriad Forms has a level-five prerequisite rather than level 15.
- Eldritch Invocations - Otherworldly Leap now has a level-two prerequisite rather than level-nine.
- Eldritch Invocations - Visions of Distant Realms now has a level-nine prerequisite rather than level-12.
- Eldritch Invocations - Whispers of the Grave now has a level-seven prerequisite rather than level-nine.
- Eldritch Invocations - Witch Sight changed to True Sight.
- Eldritch Invocations - Pact of the Blade is now a bonus action, is no longer automatically a magical weapon, and has no ritual option. It has new damage rules and can now be used as a spellcasting focus.
- Eldritch Invocations - Pact of the Chain can be cast with no spell slot instead of a ritual, and it offers more Familiar options.
- Eldritch Invocations - Pact of the Tome also includes some level-one rituals and can now be a spellcasting focus.
- Pact Magic - Can now swap cantrips when you gain a level.
- Pact Magic - New to the spell list: Thunder Clap, Toll the Dead, Bane, Detect Magic, Speak with Animals, Tasha's Hideous Laughter, Mind Spike, Charm Monster, Jallarzi's Storm of Radiance, Synaptic Static, Tasha's Bubbling Cauldron. Shatter, Conjure Fey, Flesh to Stone, and Mass Suggestion have been removed.
Level two
- Magical Cunning - A brand-new feature.
Level three
- Warlock subclass - Now chosen at level three rather than level one.
- Warlock subclass (Archfey) - Archfey Warlocks now have Misty Step on their spell list.
- Warlock subclass (Archfey) - Steps of the Fey is a new feature.
- Warlock subclass (Celestial) - Spell list replaces Flaming Sphere with Aid and Flame Strike with Summon Celestial.
- Warlock subclass (Fiend) - Spell list swaps Blindness/Deafness with Suggestion, Flame Strike and Hallow for Geas and Insect Plague.
- Warlock subclass (Fiend) - Dark One's Blessing now also triggers if an ally kills something.
- Warlock subclass (Great Old One) - Spell list swaps Sending with Hunger of Hadar, replaces all level-seven spells, and swaps Dominate Person with Modify Memory.
- Warlock subclass (Great Old One) - Awakened Mind is now a bonus action with a limited duration and expanded range, but the target must share a language with you.
- Warlock subclass (Great Old One) - Psychic Spells is a brand-new feature.
Level six
- Warlock subclass (Archfey) - Misty Escape now lets you teleport and deals damage.
- Warlock subclass (Great Old One) - Clairvoyant Combatant is an entirely new feature.
Level nine
- Contact Patron - An entirely new feature.
Level 10
- Warlock subclass (Archfey) - Beguiling Defenses' trigger and effect are now damage-based.
- Warlock subclass (Celestial) - Celestial Resilience triggers after using Magical Cunning rather than a rest.
- Warlock subclass (Fiend) - Fiendish Resilience can no longer choose Force damage.
- Warlock subclass (Great Old One) - Eldritch Hex is a brand-new feature.
Level 11
- Mystic Arcanum - Choices can now be swapped after DnD level ups rather than after a long rest.
Level 14
- Warlock subclass (Archfey) - Bewitching Magic is a brand-new feature.
- Warlock subclass (Celestial) - Searing Vengeance can now target allies.
- Warlock subclass (Great Old One) - Create Thrall has been completely reworked so that it's functionally a new feature.
- Warlock subclass (Fiend) - Hurl Through Hell now has a saving throw and the target takes less damage, but you can now regain a use by spending a spell slot.
Level 19
- Epic Boon - An entirely new feature.
Level 20
- Eldritch Master - Now triggers when you use your Magical Cunning feature.
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