Great Old One Warlock Build Guide – 2024 Update

For all D&D guides on Nat1gaming, they only use the main sourcebooks (2024 Player’s Handbook, Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, Xanathar’s Guide to Everything) as well as Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos (mostly for Silvery Barbs) as those tend to be the most commonly used books at tables. Always be sure that if you’re following a guide that you’re adhering to your tables rules about what sourcebooks you are allowed to follow. Furthermore, be sure that you’re using the most current edition of the rules, especially as some 2024 Player’s Handbook rules are updates on Tasha’s or Xanathar’s rulings.

Any spell, class, feature, or other game item that is linkable on this website is covered by the 5th edition Open Games License and will be in the Player’s Handbook, but not everything in the Player’s Handbook will be linked to. All other materials that aren’t linked to are from other sourcebooks or aren’t allowed to be linked to per the 5th Edition Open Games License, so please refer to the appropriate sourcebooks for that information.

For the purposes of this guide, it will be assumed that you would not be multiclassing. While multiclassing can be excellent for many of these, this is for those who want to play the build all the way through in the same class. Guides that use multiclassing will be separate from these.

For spellcasters, you may notice substantial overlap between the spell lists of builds with the same base class. This is due to each guide utilizing a generically good spell list and not considering extenuating factors that will influence how you particularly sculpt your spell list. When creating your own spell list, you should take into account the campaign setting, what spells any other party members are capable of casting, potential overlap (ritual spells tend to overlap so it’s rare you need multiple people capable of casting them), or potential shortcomings in the parties total spell list. While this guide can definitely help point you in the right direction for crafting a spell list, you should use your judgement and preferences to figure out what spells make the most sense for your character.

To that end, please refer to the Spell List and Spell Tier list for any substitutions you’d want to make to the build.

The Complete Warlock Spell List

Warlock Spell Tier List – The Best Warlock Spells

Pact of the Great Old One is cool one, especially since it got updated in the 2024 rule book. The spell list and abilities have been much improved so rather than a super disappointing Warlock subclass, you have a much more reasonable subclass on your hands.

That said, personally I think the Great Old One is one of the cooler patrons as the roleplaying opportunities or how you sculpt who your exact patron is can be super unique. Overall, if you don’t mind playing one of the weaker Warlock options to get a super sick backstory, then this could be a great choice for you!

Awakened Mind (Level 3) – D Tier – Not terrible, but in what situation is a telepathic communication that: only works between two people, you need to share a language, and it only lasts minutes when you can be miles from each other AFTER they were within 30 feet of you? I’m not saying this will never come up, but this is pretty specific.

Psychic Spells (Level 3) – C Tier – Being able to switch damage type to Psychic to avoid damage resistances is nice, but casting some spells without somatic or vocal components is really sneaky and can be good!

1st Level Spells (Level 3) – C- Tier – Hideous Laughter is alright as it does now upcast, but nothing special.

2nd Level Spells (Level 3) – D Tier – Not too happy about these options, but they have their uses.

3rd Level Spells (Level 5) – C+ Tier – Two solid, but somewhat unexciting spells.

Clairvoyant Combatant (Level 6) – B Tier – Using a bonus action to potentially get functional invisibility against an enemy each short or long rest or by using a spell slot is a pretty solid ability! Obviously this may be a bit inconsistent, but when this works, it works really well!

4th Level Spells (Level 7) – D+ Tier – Definitely not great options, but Summon Aberration is alright.

5th Level Spells (Level 9) – C- Tier – Telekinesis is a solid spell and not something Warlock normally gets, but it’s not so good that this is super exciting.

Eldritch Hex (Level 10) – D Tier – This can be useful if you have a lot of caster allies with a lot of CC, but otherwise, this is not particularly useful.

Thought Shield (Level 10) – D- Tier – Extremely specific and I’d be somewhat surprise if anything came up.

Create Thrall (Level 14) – C Tier – The ability to make a Summon Aberration stronger and not need concentration is nice, but this isn’t that exciting for a capstone.

The Ultimate 2024 One D&D Subclass Tier List

DnD 2024 Class and Subclass Tier List Breakdown

Level	Class Features/Feat	Notes
1	Eldritch Invocations, Pact Magic Pact of the Chain	+ Eldritch Blast + Light (Aasimar) + Prestidigitation + Armor of Agathys + Find Familiar (Chain) + Hex
2	Magical Cunning Agonizing Blast Pact of the Tome	+ Guidance (Tome) + Shape Water (Tome) + Comprehend Languages (Tome) + Detect Magic (Tome) + Witch Bolt
3	Pact of the Great Old One (GOO) Awakened Mind Psychic Spells Expanded Spell List	+ Dissonant Whispers (GOO) + Hideous Laughter (GOO) + Detect Thoughts (GOO) + Phantasmal Force (GOO) + Suggestion
4	Feat: Inspiring Leader (CHA)	+ Mage Hand + Invisibility
5	One with the Shadows Gaze of Two Minds	– Hex + Clairvoyance (GOO) + Counterspell + Hunger of Hadar (GOO) + Hypnotic Pattern
6	Clairvoyant Combatant	+ Dispel Magic
7	Ascendant Step	– Witch Bolt + Levitate (Ascendant Step) + Confusion (GOO) + Dimension Door + Shadow of Moil + Summon Aberration (GOO)
8	Feat: Resilient (CON)	+ Banishment
9	Contact Patron Visions of Distant Realms	– Suggestion + Arcane Eye (Visions of Distant Realms) + Contact Other Plane (Contact Patron) + Modify Memory (GOO) + Storm of Radiance + Telekinesis (GOO) + Teleportation Circle
10	Eldritch Hex Thought Shield	+ Minor Illusion
11	Mystic Arcanum (6th level)	+ Fly + Scatter (Mystic Arcanum)
12	Feat: Charisma to 20 Gift of the Protectors	None
13	Mystic Arcanum (7th level)	+ Synaptic Static + Crown of Stars (Mystic Arcanum)
14	Create Thrall	None
15	Mystic Arcanum (8th level) Lessons of the First Ones (Alarm)	+ Hold Monster + Dominate Monster (Mystic Arcanum)
16	Feat: Constitution to 18	None
17	Mystic Arcanum (9th level)	+ Hold Person + True Polymorph (Mystic Arcanum)
18	Witch Sight	None
19	Epic Boon: Boon of Fate	+ Scrying
20	Eldritch Master	None

Not finding the build you want in this article? Check out this article instead!

The Ultimate One D&D Warlock Guide – Mastering Warlocks

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Species: Aasimar

Attributes:

	POINT BUY
STRENGTH	8
DEXTERITY	15 (+1 background) = 16
CONSTITUTION	15
INTELLIGENCE	8
WISDOM	8
CHARISMA	15 (+2 background) = 17

Class: Warlock

Class Features: Eldritch Invocations, Pact Magic

Skill Proficiencies: Deception and Intimidation

Background: Entertainer (Musician)

Starting Equipment: Leather Armor, Sickle, 2 Daggers, Arcane Focus, Book (occult lore), Scholar’s Pack, and 15 gp + 50 gp from background

Starting Spells:

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Eldritch Blast
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
1st Level Spell	Armor of Agathys
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (Chain)
1st Level Spell	Hex

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Species: Aasimar

The best race for your average build. Human is a consideration as well to grab Alert on top of Musician, but Aasimar just give a lot of value, and since you have a background you’re happy with, Aasimar is the next best choice.

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Attributes

	POINT BUY
STRENGTH	8
DEXTERITY	15 (+1 background) = 16
CONSTITUTION	15
INTELLIGENCE	8
WISDOM	8
CHARISMA	15 (+2 background) = 17

Like many other casters, you want your spellcasting ability (Charisma in this case), Dexterity (as no medium armor proficiency), and Constitution all as buffed as possible. Charisma empowers your spells while Dexterity and Constitution help keep you alive.

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Proficiencies: Deception and Intimidation

Being able to pick up Charisma based skills for Warlocks is definitely ideal to make you better in RPing scenarios.

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Background: Entertainer

You need a background that gives you a bonus to Charisma at a minimum, but if you can get the best Origin feat to boot? This is an easy choice for Warlocks.

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Starting Equipment – Leather Armor, Sickle, 2 Daggers, Arcane Focus, Book (occult lore), Scholar’s Pack, and 15 gp + 50 gp from background

Functionally the only choices you’d make with starting equipment beyond taking the optional starting gold instead, but considering the starting gold won’t get you nearly this much, I recommend just choosing the standard fare.

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Class – Warlock

Picking Warlock gives you two abilities from the get go: Pact Magic and Eldritch invocations.

Pact Magic is the Warlock way of casting spells which differs greatly from how every other class does it. While all casters have a prepared spell list they can draw from, Warlocks lack spell slots and instead can only cast a few spells per short or long rest at their highest possible strength for your level. To that end, choosing spells that are both high impact and ideally can be upcast in order to get their full usefulness.

The second feature you get immediately is Eldritch Invocations, special powers you get as you go up in Warlock levels. There are definitely strong options at this point, but the best one right now is Pact of the Chain. Find Familiar is the best first level ritual spell in the game, and getting a substantially better version of it is obviously really potent. While you have a lot of options, the best choices for a familiar are easily the Imp, Quasit, or Sphinx of Wonder with their damage resistances, flight, and in combat capabilities.

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Starting Spells

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Eldritch Blast
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
1st Level Spell	Armor of Agathys
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (Chain)
1st Level Spell	Hex

For Warlocks, this is going to pretty much always be the starting spell list I would recommend.

For damage, you have to use Eldritch Blast. This is going to be your primary offensive spell not just now, but for your entire campaign as it gets better as you level up. You can’t do better than this (technically True Strike on your Light Crossbow is stronger until level 5, but since you want to take Agonizing Blast next level, you can’t afford to not have Eldritch Blast for it).

For your secondary cantrip choice, you can take any utility cantrip you like, I just believe that Prestidigitation is a bit better than the rest as its versatility is truly unmatched. If you prefer Mage Hand or Minor Illusion, then feel free to take those instead!

Of course, you have one more cantrip as you’re an Aasimar and it’s Light. While not the most needed for you as you have darkvision, it could be helpful to allies who don’t have it, or even as a distraction of sorts still making it a reasonable option to have.

For spells, you can simply take the best first level spells available to Warlocks with Armor of Agathys and Hex.

Armor of Agathys is an excellent defensive spell which will give you a bit of life to work with and punish enemies who attack you. Furthermore, it upcasts well which works perfectly with how Warlock spellcasting works.

Hex, on the other hand, is an offensive spell that lets you deal extra damage to the cursed target, and when that target goes down, you can move it onto someone else! This is really good to use in pretty much any fight that may be difficult as that damage can easily add up round after round.

On top of these spells, you also get the Find Familiar spell from your first Eldritch Invocation – Pact of the Chain. As mentioned one section ago, you get the option to pick from a lot of really excellent familiar choices like the Imp, Quasit, or Sphinx of Wonder making the already potent spell that much stronger.

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Level 2

Class Features: Magical Cunning, Eldritch Invocations (Agonizing Blast, Pact of the Tome)

Spell Change Log: + Guidance (Tome) + Shape Water (Tome) + Comprehend Languages (Tome) + Detect Magic (Tome) + Witch Bolt

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Eldritch Blast
Cantrip	Guidance (Tome)
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Shape Water (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Armor of Agathys
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (Chain)
1st Level Spell	Hex
1st Level Spell	Witch Bolt

Level two brings you Magical Cunning, two new Eldritch Invocations, and a litany of spells to work with.

Your first new ability is Magical Cunning, where once per day, you can conduct a short ritual to regain half you spell slots. This would normally be excellent, but with so few spell slots, this obviously won’t end up doing too much, but free spell slots are still free spell slots.

Your first Eldritch Invocation is arguably the most important one – Agonizing Blast. Adding your Charisma modifier to your cantrip damage is really important to have Eldritch Blast be effective, especially since you’ll be using it exclusively when you run out of spell slots in a fight.

The second Invocation is the main reason you get so many spells this level, Pact of the Tome. Pact of the Tome grants two cantrips and two first level ritual spells, and when you have so few ritual spells, you take as many as you can get. Since you already have an offensive cantrip, you should pick up the best utility ones you can get – Guidance and Shape Water. Guidance is an extremely potent cantrip, even with the small nerf given to it in the 2024 rules, and Shape Water has similar versatility to the very useful Prestidigitation making it a good option.

For your ritual spells, I like picking up Comprehend Languages and Detect Magic.

Not knowing what you’re reading or hearing can be a real pain, so nip that in the bud and take Comprehend Languages! Not every campaign will make use of other languages, but this will be extremely helpful in ones that do.

Detect Magic is simply an excellent ritual that can save you time and time again when you are about to walk into a trap, need to locate an object, need to surmise what’s causing a certain effect, and a thousand other applications.

Remember to coordinate with your party though, as if someone already has these ritual spells on their spell list, you don’t want to overlap. You can pick up other rituals that your party are missing instead so your team will be more well rounded.

With all that out of the way, your actual spell choice for this level is Witch Bolt. This is a nice damage spell ever since the 2024 rules update as you get some nice damage upfront, and even if you miss, you can trade your bonus action for additional damage on that missed target. This is a great option for those who need to bring down an enemy as quickly as possible.

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Level 3

Subclass: Pact of the Great Old One (GOO)

Class Features: Awakened Mind, Psychic Spells

Spell Change Log: + Dissonant Whispers (GOO) + Hideous Laughter (GOO) + Detect Thoughts (GOO) + Phantasmal Force (GOO) + Suggestion

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Eldritch Blast
Cantrip	Guidance (Tome)
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Shape Water (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Armor of Agathys
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Dissonant Whispers (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (Chain)
1st Level Spell	Hex
1st Level Spell	Hideous Laughter (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Witch Bolt
2nd Level Spell	Detect Thoughts (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Phantasmal Force (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion

This level brings a lot to the table including your subclass, a new subclass feature, an expanded spell list, and second level spells.

The first ability you get at is the ability Awakened Mind. This is just a free Tongues spell, that may or may not be useful depending on your campaign. This telepathic connection can still work over miles which is neat, but probably not that necessary as you’ll likely be rarely splitting up from your party. I tend to like utility abilities more than the average person so I’m a fan of this, but I can see this being useless for others.

The second ability you get is Psychic Spells which lets you change any damage done from spells you cast to Psychic, and you can cast enchantment or illusion spells subtly which is pretty cool. Just be mindful which spells are enchantment or illusion so you don’t accidentally subtle cast something that you can’t actually subtle cast.

On top of these abilities, you get an Expanded Spell List to work with as well, and it gives you Dissonant Whispers, Hideous Laughter, Detect Thoughts, and Phantasmal Force.

Dissonant Whispers is an interesting CC spell that deals a bit of damage, but is ultimately used to move the enemy away from you in combat. If someone is getting too close for your comfort, this could be a nice way to get them off your or your allies back.

Hideous Laughter, conversely, is a CC spell that forces its targets to stay put. Even now, you can nab two targets with this which is nice, and as you level up, you’ll get even more targets which is a lot of turns you can potentially rob from enemies.

Detect Thoughts does as advertised which can be helpful in the right scenario, I just don’t anticipate that scenario coming up particularly often.

Finally, you get Phantasmal Force which is yet another CC spell that’s really good at locking down a single enemy if they fail their first save which is super punishing. The risk here is that they make their save and nothing happens, but if you have a good feeling that an enemy is weak to spells, this is a pretty great option. That said, with no upcast option, this spell doesn’t scale the best, but it will be useful for a little bit.

Finally, for your spell choice this level, you can pick up the excellent Suggestion. This spell is a powerhouse as it has excellent out of combat applications by forcing a course of action, but is similarly powerful in combat to make an enemy do something other than fight you! No matter what, you’re going to get mileage out of this spell. Unfortunately with few spell slots and no upcast potential, this isn’t sticking around forever, so be sure to enjoy it while it lasts.

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Level 4

Feat: Inspiring Leader (CHA)

Class Features: None

Spell Change Log: + Mage Hand + Invisibility

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Eldritch Blast
Cantrip	Guidance (Tome)
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Shape Water (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Armor of Agathys
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Dissonant Whispers (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (Chain)
1st Level Spell	Hex
1st Level Spell	Hideous Laughter (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Witch Bolt
2nd Level Spell	Detect Thoughts (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Invisibility
2nd Level Spell	Phantasmal Force (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion

Level four brings a cantrip, spell, and a feat!

Since you want to get that coveted 18 Charisma, you should take the excellent half feat – Inspiring Leader. Inspiring Leader gives you and your team a good amount of temporary health at the end of every short or long rest which is really powerful. If you already have an ally with this feat, you can opt for War Caster instead as the temporary health won’t stack. If you do keep this feat, don’t forget about using Musician as well!

Your cantrip choice really comes down to Mage Hand or Minor Illusion at this point, so you can pick the one you prefer. I like Mage Hand the tiniest bit more, but it’s completely personal preference.

For your spell choice, you can pick up Invisibility! Invisibility is king for infiltrations, escapes, surprises, and upcasts really well making it an extremely strong choice for any Warlock. Unlike Suggestion, this is going to be on your spell list for the long haul.

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Level 5

Class Features: Gaze of Two Minds, One with the Shadows

Spell Change Log: – Hex / + Clairvoyance (GOO) + Counterspell + Hunger of Hadar (GOO) + Hypnotic Pattern

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Eldritch Blast
Cantrip	Guidance (Tome)
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Shape Water (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Armor of Agathys
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Dissonant Whispers (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (Chain)
1st Level Spell	Hideous Laughter (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Witch Bolt
2nd Level Spell	Detect Thoughts (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Invisibility
2nd Level Spell	Phantasmal Force (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion
3rd Level Spell	Clairvoyance (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell
3rd Level Spell	Hunger of Hadar (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern

Level 5 means new Eldritch Invocations and new Pact spells!

Your first Eldritch Invocation choice is Gaze of Two Minds which is now extremely powerful with Pact of the Chain. Not only can you scout through your familiar (Imp and Quasit have natural invisibility), but you can even spellcast through your familiar. Imagine sending your invisible familiar into a room and having them cause mayhem with your spells without enemies being any the wiser!

Your second Eldritch Invocation choice with One with the Shadows. Being able to cast Invisibility when you’re in dim light or darkness for free is really strong and something you’ll be able to use really often.

For your Pact spells, you get to pick up Clairvoyance and Hunger of Hadar.

I personally love spells that give you information, and Clairvoyance is one of the better ones. Being able to spy in on a location you’ve been to or one you’re about to go into is really powerful and generally underrated.

Hunger of Hadar is just a decent CC spell that blinds and damages whoever is in its area which is nice, but of course, they can just walk out of it (which will be a bit difficult considering it is difficult terrain). A solid spell, but nothing special.

Since there are so many strong third level spell options you want at this point, something needs to go to make room. Unfortunately, that means Hex has to hit the bench. At this point, you have better things to do than continue to cast Hex, even if it’s a bit better with the Eldritch Blast upgrade you just got. That said, you’ll be getting it back soon, so don’t feel too bad about ditching it right now.

For your actual spell choices, you get to pick up the excellent Counterspell and Hypnotic Pattern.

The first spell you get access to is Counterspell, which is simply the best third level spell in the game. Using your reaction to rid an enemy of their action and trade spell slots is incredibly powerful and any ally who can learn Counterspell should.

For your second spell, this is a good time to pick up the excellent Hypnotic Pattern. This spell is such a potent CC spell that it’s in contention for best third level combat spell with Fireball as being able to potentially lock down multiple enemies with one spell slot is extremely powerful.

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Level 6

Class Features: Clairvoyant Combatant

Spell Change Log: + Dispel Magic

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Eldritch Blast
Cantrip	Guidance (Tome)
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Shape Water (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Armor of Agathys
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Dissonant Whispers (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (Chain)
1st Level Spell	Hideous Laughter (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Witch Bolt
2nd Level Spell	Detect Thoughts (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Invisibility
2nd Level Spell	Phantasmal Force (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion
3rd Level Spell	Clairvoyance (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Hunger of Hadar (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern

You get your next subclass ability this level – Clairvoyant Combatant!

You can now use your Awakened Mind offensively by forcing targets to make a WIS saving throw, and if they fail, all attacks against you from that target have disadvantage while all of yours have advantage. A pretty nice ability to use in combat, especially as it only costs you a bonus action versus a full action.

For your spell choice, you can pick up Dispel Magic.

Dispel Magic is no Counterspell, but having access to both means you’ll never get caught flat footed by a spell.

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Level 7

Class Features: Ascendant Step

Spell Change Log: – Witch Bolt / + Levitate (Ascendant Step) + Confusion (GOO) + Dimension Door + Shadow of Moil + Summon Aberration (GOO)

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Eldritch Blast
Cantrip	Guidance (Tome)
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Shape Water (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Armor of Agathys
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Dissonant Whispers (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (Chain)
1st Level Spell	Hideous Laughter (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Detect Thoughts (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Invisibility
2nd Level Spell	Levitate (Ascendant Step)
2nd Level Spell	Phantasmal Force (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion
3rd Level Spell	Clairvoyance (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Hunger of Hadar (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern
4th Level Spell	Confusion (GOO)
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door
4th Level Spell	Shadow of Moil
4th Level Spell	Summon Aberration (GOO)

Level 7 brings fourth level spells, more Pact spells, and yet another Eldritch Invocation!

For your Eldritch invocation, I’m a big fan of Ascendant Step. Being able to Levitate for free, even at the cost of your concentration, is extremely good both for combat and exploration to reach areas that may have been tough to get to otherwise.

For your Pact spells you get Confusion and Summon Aberration.

While I normally hate Confusion, considering all spell slots are equivalent, this isn’t the worst CC spell. It has a pretty small AOE which isn’t ideal and they can save out of it at the end of their turn, but if they fail, the targets do lose their action 80% of the time which isn’t bad. I still don’t love it, but it is at least somewhat reasonable for you.

Summon Aberration is just a solid summon spell with multiple forms that all have their functions. This isn’t the best summoning spell, but it is reasonable.

Once again, it’s time to swap out a spell to make room for others and Witch Bolt has to hit the bin as the damage is just not going to keep up at these levels.

Your first spell choice is one of the best teleportation spells in the game with Dimension Door. Teleporting without line of sight is really powerful, and being able to take an ally with you makes this even better. If you need to infiltrate a building or make a quick escape, it’s difficult to do better than this.

Your second spell choice this level is the very excellent Shadow of Moil. Making yourself heavily obscured is functionally the same thing as going invisible, plus you get the additional rider of the shadow attacking anyone who is close and manages to hit you for a bit of additional damage. A really excellent effect you’re going to be using often.

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Level 8

Feat: Resilient (CON)

Spell Change Log: + Banishment

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Eldritch Blast
Cantrip	Guidance (Tome)
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Shape Water (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Armor of Agathys
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Dissonant Whispers (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (Chain)
1st Level Spell	Hideous Laughter (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Detect Thoughts (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Invisibility
2nd Level Spell	Levitate (Ascendant Step)
2nd Level Spell	Phantasmal Force (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Suggestion
3rd Level Spell	Clairvoyance (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Hunger of Hadar (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern
4th Level Spell	Banishment
4th Level Spell	Confusion (GOO)
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door
4th Level Spell	Shadow of Moil
4th Level Spell	Summon Aberration (GOO)

Level 8 brings your second feat and this is a good time to pick up Resilient (CON). Getting more health on top of proficiency in constitution saving throws is really good for casters, especially if you don’t pick up War Caster.

For your spell choice, this is a good time to pick up Banishment. Banishment is a potent single target CC spell that can take enemies out of a combat for a full minute, and if they’re from a different plane, you have a chance to keep them there after the spell ends if they fail the save which is a really sweet way to not have to worry about them for the foreseeable future!

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Level 9

Class Features: Contact Patron, Visions of Distant Realms

Spell Change Log: – Suggestion / + Arcane Eye (Visions of Distant Realms) + Contact Other Plane (Contact Patron) + Modify Memory (GOO) + Storm of Radiance + Telekinesis (GOO) + Teleportation Circle

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Eldritch Blast
Cantrip	Guidance (Tome)
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Shape Water (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Armor of Agathys
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Dissonant Whispers (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (Chain)
1st Level Spell	Hideous Laughter (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Detect Thoughts (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Invisibility
2nd Level Spell	Levitate (Ascendant Step)
2nd Level Spell	Phantasmal Force (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Clairvoyance (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Hunger of Hadar (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern
4th Level Spell	Arcane Eye (Visions of Distant Realms)
4th Level Spell	Banishment
4th Level Spell	Confusion (GOO)
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door
4th Level Spell	Shadow of Moil
4th Level Spell	Summon Aberration (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Contact Other Plane (Contact Patron)
5th Level Spell	Modify Memory (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Storm of Radiance
5th Level Spell	Telekinesis (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Teleportation Circle

Level 9 means yet another class ability, Eldritch Invocation, your final round of Pact spells, and the last spell level you’ll naturally get – 5th level spells.

Your class ability is Contact Patron which is simply the Contact Other Plane for free once per day which is nice and super flavorful that you actually have a way to talk to your patron now!

For your Eldritch Invocation, you can grab Visions of Distant Realms which is a really nice utility cantrip to have. While you do have a good scouting option with your familiar already, Arcane Eye is good for scoping out entire buildings, areas, or even dungeons so you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. Information is power!

For your final Pact spells, you get Modify Memory and Telekinesis.

Modify Memory is a really weird utility spell that lets you, you guess it, modify some memories. When will you need this? Impossible to say, but if you get to use this you are one lucky person as its pretty much impossible to get good use of this.

Your final pact spell is a real good one with Telekinesis. Not only is this a great utility spell to move large objects around, but this is also great in combat to render one enemy inert at a time which is obviously pretty strong, especially as you can keep changing targets. A very solid spell you’ll be using often enough.

For the final time, I recommend swapping out a spell to make room for more. While it’s definitely served you well up until this point, Suggestion hits the bin as it has no upcast feature and it’s getting harder and harder to justify using one of your few spell slots on it.

For your spell choices I recommend taking the best fifth level spells Warlocks naturally have access to – Storm of Radiance and Teleportation Circle.

Storm of Radiance is a nice AOE damage and CC spell that can be really brutal if your allies can help you out a bit. While the damage itself isn’t super special, blinding and deafening anyone in the spell area is powerful against melee attackers, but ridiculous against any casters in the area. If your allies can help keep your enemies in that area, they will be substantially nerfed which will make that fight much easier.

For your second spell choice at this level, you get the best teleportation spells Warlocks can get – Teleportation Circle. While this does cost you 50gp per use and you need to use an established circle, this is a really effective way to travel without needing to hire a carraige or go on foot. Some DMs may be stingy with what areas have a circle to teleport to which can be a pain, but in the average campaign (and per the spell description), most major areas should have one making this an effective way of getting around.

As an aside, there is also a good chance that you should pick up Synaptic Static at this point over Teleportation Circle so you have two excellent combat options, but I believe that’s pretty contingent on whether or not your campaign can facilitate the use of Teleportation Circle or if someone else can use it. If you don’t need this, I would definitely pick up Synaptic Static now.

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Level 10

Class Features: Eldritch Hex, Thought Shield

Spell Change Log: + Minor Illusion + Hex (Eldritch Hex)

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Eldritch Blast
Cantrip	Guidance (Tome)
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Shape Water (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Armor of Agathys
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Dissonant Whispers (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (Chain)
1st Level Spell	Hex (Eldritch Hex)
1st Level Spell	Hideous Laughter (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Detect Thoughts (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Invisibility
2nd Level Spell	Levitate (Ascendant Step)
2nd Level Spell	Phantasmal Force (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Clairvoyance (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Hunger of Hadar (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern
4th Level Spell	Arcane Eye (Visions of Distant Realms)
4th Level Spell	Banishment
4th Level Spell	Confusion (GOO)
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door
4th Level Spell	Shadow of Moil
4th Level Spell	Summon Aberration (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Contact Other Plane (Contact Patron)
5th Level Spell	Modify Memory (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Storm of Radiance
5th Level Spell	Telekinesis (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Teleportation Circle

You get your penultimate subclass feature here with Eldritch Hex and Thought Shield!

Eldritch Hex makes Hex always prepared and even better than it was – now you don’t just drain their skill checks with a certain ability, but also their saving throws. Is this good enough to make it worth using? Hard to say – if you have a lot of allies who are looking to CC them, then this could definitely be good, but otherwise, this probably isn’t the most exciting.

Your second ability is Thought Shield is an extremely niche ability that makes you immune to unwanted telepathy and resistance to psychic damage which is a very rare damage type.

Since you don’t get another known spell at this level, you have to settle with picking up another cantrip in Minor Illusion. This is the best cantrip Warlocks can learn that you don’t already have, so you may as well pick it up!

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Level 11

Class Features: Mystic Arcanum (6th level)

Spell Change Log: + Fly + Scatter (Mystic Arcanum)

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Eldritch Blast
Cantrip	Guidance (Tome)
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Shape Water (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Armor of Agathys
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Dissonant Whispers (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (Chain)
1st Level Spell	Hex (Eldritch Hex)
1st Level Spell	Hideous Laughter (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Detect Thoughts (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Invisibility
2nd Level Spell	Levitate (Ascendant Step)
2nd Level Spell	Phantasmal Force (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Clairvoyance (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Fly
3rd Level Spell	Hunger of Hadar (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern
4th Level Spell	Arcane Eye (Visions of Distant Realms)
4th Level Spell	Banishment
4th Level Spell	Confusion (GOO)
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door
4th Level Spell	Shadow of Moil
4th Level Spell	Summon Aberration (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Contact Other Plane (Contact Patron)
5th Level Spell	Modify Memory (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Storm of Radiance
5th Level Spell	Telekinesis (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Teleportation Circle
6th Level Spell	Scatter (Mystic Arcanum)

Unlike other full casters where you get unfettered access to sixth level spells, you get Mystic Arcanum instead which used to be a lot more restrictive, but now is just a single prepared spell for each spell level that can be swapped out.

For your Mystic Arcanum, I like picking up Scatter. This spell is extremely versatile as you can use this to move allies and enemies alike around on the battlefield. Whether you need to make an escape, get allies to safety, or move enemies into hazardous areas, Scatter will get the job done.

For your prepared spell, I like picking up Fly right now as, any time you cast this, will target three people which is a pretty effective use of your spell slot.

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Level 12

Feat: Charisma to 20

Class Feature: Gift of the Protectors

Spell Change Log: None

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Eldritch Blast
Cantrip	Guidance (Tome)
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Shape Water (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Armor of Agathys
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Dissonant Whispers (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (Chain)
1st Level Spell	Hex (Eldritch Hex)
1st Level Spell	Hideous Laughter (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Detect Thoughts (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Invisibility
2nd Level Spell	Levitate (Ascendant Step)
2nd Level Spell	Phantasmal Force (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Clairvoyance (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Fly
3rd Level Spell	Hunger of Hadar (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern
4th Level Spell	Arcane Eye (Visions of Distant Realms)
4th Level Spell	Banishment
4th Level Spell	Confusion (GOO)
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door
4th Level Spell	Shadow of Moil
4th Level Spell	Summon Aberration (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Contact Other Plane (Contact Patron)
5th Level Spell	Modify Memory (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Storm of Radiance
5th Level Spell	Telekinesis (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Teleportation Circle
6th Level Spell	Scatter (Mystic Arcanum)

Your next feat is here, and while you could opt for more feats at this point, I think maxing out Charisma for the best possible spells makes the most sense at this point.

Level 12 brings an additional Eldritch Invocation as well, and you get the powerful Gift of the Protectors. Once per day, you can save an ally from going down which won’t always be that high impact, but could be fight winning in the right circumstances. Not having the choice of when it happens isn’t ideal, but the ability is strong enough that it’s hard to complain.

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Level 13

Class Features: Mystic Arcanum (7th level)

Spell Change Log: + Synaptic Static + Crown of Stars (Mystic Arcanum)

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Eldritch Blast
Cantrip	Guidance (Tome)
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Shape Water (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Armor of Agathys
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Dissonant Whispers (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (Chain)
1st Level Spell	Hex (Eldritch Hex)
1st Level Spell	Hideous Laughter (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Detect Thoughts (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Invisibility
2nd Level Spell	Levitate (Ascendant Step)
2nd Level Spell	Phantasmal Force (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Clairvoyance (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Fly
3rd Level Spell	Hunger of Hadar (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern
4th Level Spell	Arcane Eye (Visions of Distant Realms)
4th Level Spell	Banishment
4th Level Spell	Confusion (GOO)
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door
4th Level Spell	Shadow of Moil
4th Level Spell	Summon Aberration (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Contact Other Plane (Contact Patron)
5th Level Spell	Modify Memory (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Storm of Radiance
5th Level Spell	Synaptic Static
5th Level Spell	Telekinesis (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Teleportation Circle
6th Level Spell	Scatter (Mystic Arcanum)
7th Level Spell	Crown of Stars (mystic Arcanum)

Level 13 brings a new spell and your seventh level Mystic Arcanum.

For your Mystic Arcanum you should pick up the best seventh level spell available to Warlocks – Crown of Stars. This spell is easy to set up, only costs you a bonus action to use, and can even last through multiple combats if you’re lucky.

For your spell choice, I like picking up Synaptic Static. This is a nice blast spell that doesn’t deal the most damage, but makes up for it by tacking on a little bit of CC on top of it. Not a bad spell and a nice alternative if Storm of Radiance wouldn’t be as helpful in a particular encounter.

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Level 14

Class Features: Create Thrall

Spell Change Log: None

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Eldritch Blast
Cantrip	Guidance (Tome)
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Shape Water (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Armor of Agathys
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Dissonant Whispers (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (Chain)
1st Level Spell	Hex (Eldritch Hex)
1st Level Spell	Hideous Laughter (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Detect Thoughts (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Invisibility
2nd Level Spell	Levitate (Ascendant Step)
2nd Level Spell	Phantasmal Force (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Clairvoyance (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Fly
3rd Level Spell	Hunger of Hadar (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern
4th Level Spell	Arcane Eye (Visions of Distant Realms)
4th Level Spell	Banishment
4th Level Spell	Confusion (GOO)
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door
4th Level Spell	Shadow of Moil
4th Level Spell	Summon Aberration (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Contact Other Plane (Contact Patron)
5th Level Spell	Modify Memory (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Storm of Radiance
5th Level Spell	Synaptic Static
5th Level Spell	Telekinesis (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Teleportation Circle
6th Level Spell	Scatter (Mystic Arcanum)
7th Level Spell	Crown of Stars (mystic Arcanum)

While no new spells this level, you get your final subclass ability with Create Thrall.

Now when you cast your Summon Aberration, you can instead juice it up with extra health and no need for concentration which is really nice. It does have synergy with Hex which does make it a bit more appealing if you’re looking to work that angle.

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Level 15

Class Features: Mystic Arcanum (8th Level), Lessons of the First Ones (Alarm)

Spell Change Log: + Hold Monster + Dominate Monster (Mystic Arcanum)

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Eldritch Blast
Cantrip	Guidance (Tome)
Cantrip	Light (Aasimar)
Cantrip	Mage Hand
Cantrip	Minor Illusion
Cantrip	Prestidigitation
Cantrip	Shape Water (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Armor of Agathys
1st Level Spell	Comprehend Languages (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (Tome)
1st Level Spell	Dissonant Whispers (GOO)
1st Level Spell	Find Familiar (Chain)
1st Level Spell	Hex (Eldritch Hex)
1st Level Spell	Hideous Laughter (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Detect Thoughts (GOO)
2nd Level Spell	Invisibility
2nd Level Spell	Levitate (Ascendant Step)
2nd Level Spell	Phantasmal Force (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Clairvoyance (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Counterspell
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Fly
3rd Level Spell	Hunger of Hadar (GOO)
3rd Level Spell	Hypnotic Pattern
4th Level Spell	Arcane Eye (Visions of Distant Realms)
4th Level Spell	Banishment
4th Level Spell	Confusion (GOO)
4th Level Spell	Dimension Door
4th Level Spell	Shadow of Moil
4th Level Spell	Summon Aberration (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Contact Other Plane (Contact Patron)
5th Level Spell	Hold Monster
5th Level Spell	Modify Memory (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Storm of Radiance
5th Level Spell	Synaptic Static
5th Level Spell	Telekinesis (GOO)
5th Level Spell	Teleportation Circle
6th Level Spell	Scatter (Mystic Arcanum)
7th Level Spell	Crown of Stars (mystic Arcanum)
8th Level Spell	Dominate Monster (Mystic Arcanum)

Your next Eldritch Invocation, your next Mystic Arcanum, and another prepared spell is here!

For Eldritch Invocation, this is a great time to pick up Lessons of the First Ones. While grabbing an origin feat now may seem crazy, Alarm is really good at every level so getting access to that is very nice.

For your Mystic Arcanum, there isn’t as obvious of a pick, but I still think there’s a clear winner with Dominate Monster. As I mention frequently, save or suck spells are a scary proposition, especially when you only have one shot per day, but if this hits, this is devastating. Taking control of a tough monsters will not only trivialize this combat, but potentially the next ones as well as long as the spell is holding. You do have to be mindful of Legendary Resistances at this point in the campaign, but as long as you do, this has a good chance of being a powerhouse.

For your spell choice, I like picking up Hold Monster. While “save or suck” spells can be really risky as using one of your few spell slots to get nothing is brutal, the upside is extremely high. If the target fails their saving throw, your martial allies can absolutely feast on them which will likely end them very quickly.