Dungeons & Dragons fifth edition offers Warlock players a choice between many different patrons. But how can players know which one is the best for them and their character? Figuring out which Warlock patron is the best can be tricky so having details about each is critical.
There are a few different kinds of magic users in Dungeons & Dragons, with each type gaining their magic from various sources. Some, like Sorcerers, are born with natural gifts, while Wizards study for years to master the arcane arts. Druids gain power from their deep connection to nature, and deities grant Clerics and Paladins their magic. Then there are those individuals who make a deal. Whether players call it a pact, contract, or agreement, Warlocks get their powers from otherworldly beings.
Which patron a D&D player chooses changes the Warlock character's abilities in 5e, so a player's choice of patron matters. The player can make choices depending on character background, for roleplaying reasons, or if the player wants the best options for damage dealing. Whatever the reason behind the choice, here are the best patrons for players.
The Fiend Is A Classic Warlock Patron In D&D 5e
The Fiend is found in the Player's Handbook and is a Warlock patron classic. Whether the player wants to be a fun evil D&D character, morally grey, or a good person duped into a contract, the Fiend patron is versatile for roleplaying. Players can choose a patron from evil beings like demon lords or archdevils, make a deal, and venture forth.
In terms of game mechanics, the Fiend has some solid defensive options and decent fire damage spells. At first level, players will have access to Burning Hands, an excellent first-level D&D spell with reasonable AOE damage. Hurl Through Hell at 14th level is a fun ability that when an attack hits a creature, it is banished to the lower planes; if the target is not a fiend, they take 10d10 psychic damage when they return.
The Genie Is A Newer Warlock Patron In D&D 5e
Introduced in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, the Genie is a versatile patron for Warlocks. Dungeons & Dragons Warlock players can choose between four Genies: Dao, Djinni, Efreeti, and Marid. Each option is linked to one of the four elements and what spells become available to the play depends on the Genie chosen.
The Genie is great for creative players who like to approach things a little differently. With each Genie offering something distinct, each helps the player create a Warlock individual to them. One of the best perks offered by a Genie patron is the Genie's Vessel which gives a little hideaway in the Genie's lamp or container called Bottled Respite. Players can use this for a short rest or to store things, which makes it become even more helpful at level 10, when a player can take up to five willing creatures in too.
The Great Old One Is A Terrifying Warlock Patron Option In D&D
Another Warlock classic found in the Player's Handbook, The Great Old One, is a terrifying patron option. Choosing from ancient, enigmatic beings like Tharizdun or Cthulhu and then owing them a debt should send a chill down anyone's spine. There are many spells on the expanded spell list and new features based on the theme of forbidden knowledge. These include good D&D utility spells like Telekinesis which give players options other than just damage dealing. The biggest boon a Great Old One patron offers is the ability to communicate telepathically with others which is very useful for when the party inevitably gets split up.
The Hexblade D&D Warlock Patron
A favorite subclass of many Dungeons & Dragons players, the Hexblade can be found in Xanathar's Guide to Everything. Hexblade Warlocks differ as the bond or pact formed is with a weapon or artifact rather than an entity. This option also changes the way the Warlock is used in combat compared to the other patron available.
Starting at level one, Hexblade's Curse means players can crit on a 19 and 20, drastically increasing the potential damage done. Also available immediately, Hex Warrior allows the player to add charisma modifier to weapon attacks and damage instead of strength or dex. Hex Warrior also grants the Warlock access to better armor and shields, which increases the characters AC. These abilities turn the Warlock from a squishy spellcaster into a decent melee fighter.
The Undead Warlock Patron For Dungeons & Dragons 5e
The Undead patron can be found in Van Richten's Guide To Ravenloft and is very similar to The Undying D&D patron. The Undead patron is more necromancy-focused, although many spells on the expanded list are shared again with The Undying. However, The Undead patron is the better version of the two patrons. At sixth level, players get the ability Grave Touched, which means the Warlock no longer needs to eat, drink or breathe. This ability is strikingly similar to The Undying patron's Undying Nature but four levels sooner. Necrotic Husk at 10th level gives resistance to necrotic damage, and when using Form of Dread, players are entirely immune to necrotic damage.
The Archfey D&D 5e Patron For Warlocks
Found in the D&D 5e Player's Handbook, The Archfey is a fun but limited option. Choosing a Lord or Lady of the fey as one's patron means that much of the roleplay element is focused on tricks and deception. Most of the abilities for this patron are focused on charming others or avoiding being charmed, which had limited use for battles.
The Celestial Is A Fun Roleplaying Patron For D&D Warlocks
The Celestial is a patron option found in Xanathar's Guide to Everything and is the least morally grey for a patron. The Celestial is good if the player wants to play a different flavor of Warlock and is a fun roleplaying opportunity in D&D. The Celestial gives the Warlock access to Cleric spells like Cure Wounds, Guardian of Faith, and Revivify. However, there are better options for damage dealing as a Warlock, and for players who want to heal, the better option is to play a cleric.
The Fathomless Is A Fun Warlock Patron For Underwater D&D Campaigns
The second Warlock patron introduced in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, The Fathomless is good for underwater campaigns but not much else. There are a lot of tentacle-themed spells, and honestly, no one needs this many tentacle spells. There are good abilities The Fathomless offers to players, such as a boost to swim speed, underwater breathing, and resistance to cold damage, which is helpful in a water-heavy D&D campaign but otherwise pretty useless.
The Undying Is A Great D&D Patron For Warlocks In 5e
In the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide for D&D, The Undying patron is all about beating death and everlasting life. Excellent for roleplaying, but not great for those who want to be the damage dealer of the party. Some good utility spells are available, like Death Ward, and the ability Undying Nature means that players can hold their breath indefinitely and don't require food, water, or sleep. However, the best ability is Among the Dead, which gives players access to Spare the Dying and later makes Warlocks almost invulnerable to undead attacks. Good fo campaigns with many undead enemies like Tomb of Annihilation or Curse of Strahd but otherwise of limited use.
Warlock is a versatile class that can fulfill many different roles within an adventuring party, from damage dealer to support functions. Dungeons & Dragons offers so many different options that players are spoilt for choice when customizing their characters. Ultimately who a player chooses for their Warlock's patron depends entirely on what sort of Warlock that player wants to create.