Fiend Warlock Guide for Beginners: Mastering the Infernal Pact in D&D 5e

The Fiend Warlock is a spellcaster who draws power from an infernal patron, gaining the ability to unleash devastating fire magic, drain the life force of enemies, and manipulate luck itself. Introduced in the Player’s Handbook, this subclass is perfect for players who want to wield destructive magic while making dark bargains with the forces of hell.

Unlike other Warlocks, Fiend Warlocks are experts in damage-dealing, battlefield control, and survivability, making them one of the best blaster-style Warlock subclasses in D&D 5e. If you love the idea of harnessing demonic power, raining fire upon your foes, and striking dark deals for ultimate power, this subclass is for you!

Why Play a Fiend Warlock?

Key Benefits

• Best Warlock for High-Damage Spells – Fireball, Hurl Through Hell, and extra damage bonuses make this a top-tier blaster.
• Great Survivability & Healing Potential – Gain temporary hit points every time you kill an enemy.
• Superior Spell List for Damage & Control – Access to fire and necrotic magic enhances your destruction.
• Strong Luck Manipulation – Gain advantage on saving throws through Dark One’s Own Luck.
• Perfect for Villainous & Power-Hungry Roleplay – You serve a devilish entity who grants you ever-growing power… for a price.

Compared to other Warlocks, Fiend Warlocks excel at raw destructive power and durability, making them ideal for players who want to maximize magical offense while staying alive.

Core Features

Key Mechanics and Abilities

Expanded Spell List (Fiend Patron Bonus Spells)

• Gain some of the best offensive spells in the game:
  • Burning Hands, Command (3rd)
  • Scorching Ray, Blindness/Deafness (5th)
  • Fireball, Stinking Cloud (9th)
  • Wall of Fire, Fire Shield (13th)
  • Flame Strike, Hallow (17th)
• Example: You gain Fireball early, making you one of the best AoE casters at low levels.

Dark One’s Blessing (Level 1)

• When you reduce a creature to 0 HP, you gain temporary hit points equal to your Charisma modifier + Warlock level.
• Example: Keep yourself alive longer by constantly leeching HP from your fallen enemies.

Dark One’s Own Luck (Level 6)

• Once per short or long rest, add 1d10 to an ability check or saving throw after rolling (but before the DM confirms the outcome).
• Example: Need to pass a crucial saving throw? This ability can save you from disaster.

Fiendish Resilience (Level 10)

• Gain resistance to one damage type of your choice (can change after a short or long rest).
• Example: If fighting a fire-based enemy, pick cold resistance. If facing a necromancer, choose necrotic.

Hurl Through Hell (Level 14)

• Once per long rest, when you hit a creature, banish it to a terrifying infernal dimension:
  • The target vanishes until the end of your next turn.
  • It takes 10d10 psychic damage when it returns.
• Example: Instantly remove a major enemy from combat while dealing massive damage.

These abilities make Fiend Warlocks some of the hardest-hitting and most durable Warlocks, excelling at offense, survivability, and battlefield control.

Suggested Ability Scores

• Primary: Charisma – Powers spellcasting, Eldritch Blast, and Fiend abilities.
• Secondary: Dexterity – Increases AC and initiative for quick spellcasting.
• Tertiary: Constitution – Boosts HP and Concentration saves for maintaining spells.

Recommended Races

Since Fiend Warlocks rely on Charisma, Constitution, and spell efficiency, the best races include:

1. Tiefling (Infernal or Zariel Variant) – Fire resistance, extra spells, and perfect theming.
2. Half-Elf – Charisma bonus and extra skill proficiencies.
3. Aasimar (Fallen or Scourge) – Radiant and necrotic synergy with the Fiend’s power.
4. Variant Human – Start with a feat like Elemental Adept (Fire) or War Caster.
5. Hobgoblin – Great survivability with temporary hit points and tactical teamwork bonuses.

Playing as a Fiend Warlock

Role in a Party

• Primary Blaster & AoE Damage Dealer – Fireball and Scorching Ray give you high burst potential.
• Tactical Spellcaster & Controller – Use Command and Fear to manipulate the battlefield.
• Durable Magic User – Gain temporary hit points and resistances for strong survivability.

Compared to other Warlocks, Fiend Warlocks are the best at magical destruction, making them ideal for players who want to unleash chaos while staying alive.

Tips for New Players

• Use Dark One’s Blessing often – Keep gaining temporary HP by finishing off weak enemies.
• Dark One’s Own Luck is a lifesaver – Use it when making crucial saves.
• Hurl Through Hell is amazing for bosses – Banish an enemy mid-fight for an instant advantage.
• Pick Elemental Adept (Fire) – Ensures your fire spells always deal damage, even against resistant foes.

Gear and Dice Recommendations

Suggested Equipment

Weapons & Arcane Focus

• Rod of the Pact Keeper – Boosts Warlock spells and regains a spell slot.
• Wand of Fireballs – More Fireball casts = more destruction.

Armor & Defensive Items

• Cloak of Protection – Increases AC and saving throws.
• Ring of Fire Resistance – Boosts survivability in fire-heavy fights.

Magic Items

• Amulet of the Devout – Enhances spellcasting effectiveness.
• Pearl of Power – Recover a spell slot in emergencies.
• Infernal Chainmail – Thematic and increases durability.

Dice Recommendations from Runic Dice

Enhance your fiendish warlock's presence with these thematic dice sets:

• Hellfire: For a red and black combination embodying the power of the Fiend, consider the Two-Tone Red & Black Synthetic Gemstone DND Dice Set. Hand-carved from synthetic gemstones, these dice feature a striking contrast of fiery red and enigmatic black, capturing the essence of infernal power.
• Demonic Pact: To symbolize dark bargains with deep crimson and gold tones, the Red and Gold Glitter Liquid Core Resin DND Dice Set is an excellent choice. Each die showcases a captivating swirl of red and gold glitter suspended in a crystal-clear resin core, reflecting the allure and danger of demonic pacts.
• Infernal Wrath: For a fiery orange and black combination perfect for unleashing burning fury upon your foes, the Blood Red Glitter Liquid Core Resin DND Dice Set offers a vibrant red hue with shimmering glitter, embodying the intense heat of infernal wrath.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Optimization Strategies

Best Feats for a Fiend Warlock

1. Elemental Adept (Fire) – Ignores fire resistance, making Fireball deadlier.
2. Metamagic Adept – Gain access to Quickened and Empowered Spell.
3. Lucky – Reroll crucial attack rolls, ability checks, or saving throws.
4. Resilient (Constitution) – Boosts Concentration checks for long-duration spells.
5. War Caster – Maintains Concentration while casting spells in combat.

Best Multiclass Options

1. Fiend Warlock 5 / Sorcerer (Draconic – Red) 15 – The Firelord

   • Best for: Maximizing fire-based spell damage.
   • Strategy: Quickened Fireball for massive AoE destruction.

2. Fiend Warlock 6 / Fighter (Eldritch Knight) 14 – The Infernal Blademaster

   • Best for: Mixing melee combat with fire magic.
   • Strategy: Warlock invocations + Fighter’s durability = excellent synergy.

3. Fiend Warlock 10 / Bard (College of Swords) 10 – The Diabolic Troubadour

   • Best for: Enhancing battlefield control and charisma-based abilities.
   • Strategy: Use Bardic Inspiration alongside fire spells for tactical advantages.

The Fiend Warlock is one of the most powerful, high-damage, and durable Warlock subclasses in D&D 5e, excelling at fire magic, battlefield control, and survivability.