Maximizing Eldritch Blast Range in Dungeons Dragons 5th Edition

"Eldritch Blast" is a powerful spell in Dungeons Dragons 5th Edition, allowing the caster to make ranged spell attacks using force damage. However, its base range is often considered insufficient for some players. By utilizing specific feats and multiclassing options, it is possible to extend its maximum range significantly. This guide will explore various methods to achieve the maximum range of Eldritch Blast in the game.

Official Maximum Range

According to official rules, the maximum range for Eldritch Blast is 120 feet. This range can be increased using several feats and multiclassing options. Here’s how you can maximize its range:

Method 1: Using Eldritch Spear Invocation

The first and perhaps the easiest way to increase the range of Eldritch Blast is by taking the Eldritch Spear invocation during character level 2. This invocation sets the range of Eldritch Blast to 300 feet. This is a significant increase from its base range.

Method 2: Utilizing Spell Sniper Feat

The Spell Sniper feat allows you to double the range of cantrips that have a ranged attack roll. Applying this feat to Eldritch Blast doubles its range from 120 feet to 240 feet. If you combine this with the Eldritch Spear invocation, you can achieve a range of 600 feet.

Method 3: Using Distant Spell Metamagic (Sorcerer)

Incorporating the Distant Spell metamagic option available via Metamagic for Sorcerers allows you to double the range of any spell with a range of 5 feet or greater. With this, the base range of Eldritch Blast (240 feet from Spell Sniper) can be doubled to 480 feet. This is achieved once you have 2 levels in both Warlock and Sorcerer.

Through multiclassing and proper feat selection, you can combine these options to achieve a maximum range of 1200 feet for Eldritch Blast. The earliest you can employ all these techniques would be at character level 6 with a 2/4 split between Warlock and Sorcerer. If you are a Variant Human, the process can begin earlier at level 4.

Steps to Achieve Maximum Range

Warlock and Spell Sniper: Begin as a Warlock and take Eldritch Blast as your cantrip. Gain level 1, then take the variant human feat Spell Sniper to extend the range of your cantrips, doubling the range of Eldritch Blast to 240 feet. Eldritch Spear: At level 2, choose to proceed with Warlock and select the Eldritch Spear invocation to set the range of Eldritch Blast to 300 feet. Distant Spell: For level 2 and upwards, consider taking the Sorcerer class and selecting the Distant Spell Metamagic option to double the range of your spells, including Eldritch Blast, to 480 feet.
If you are a sorcerer, gain level 1 in Sorcerer, take Eldritch Blast, and invest in Distant Spell to double the range to 480 feet. Then, you can use this twice per long rest. Multiclassing for Optimal Range: By incorporating both classes – Sorcerer 2, Warlock 2 – and utilizing both Metamagic options, you can achieve a maximum range of 1200 feet for Eldritch Blast.

Theoretical Maximum Range

Theoretical potential for extended ranges can be achieved through various combinations of prestige classes, multiclassing, and feats. Below are the estimated ranges based on different prestige classes and feats:

Eldritch Blast: Base range: 120 feet Eldritch Spear (Warlock): Range: 300 feet (doubles base range) Spell Sniper (FTR): Range: 600 feet (doubles Eldritch Blast with Spell Sniper) Metamagic Distant Spell (Sorcerer): Range: 1200 feet (doubles 600 feet from Spell Sniper) Eagle Totem Barbarian: Range: 5280 feet Empowered Spell and Agonizing Blast (Optional): Increases damage, ensuring shots hit

Combining all these options could theoretically provide a maximum range of 4800 feet. However, note that achieving this maximum range requires significant character optimization and resource management.

Conclusion

While the maximum range for Eldritch Blast is officially 120 feet, players can push this limit significantly through strategic multiclassing and the use of feats like Eldritch Spear, Spell Sniper, and Distant Spell. Achieving a maximum range of 1200 feet allows for a powerful and versatile spellcasting option in Dungeons Dragons 5th Edition.