Hexblade Warlock Guide for Beginners: Mastering the Cursed Warrior in D&D 5e

The Hexblade Warlock is a deadly fusion of spellcasting and melee combat, drawing power from a mysterious sentient weapon forged in the Shadowfell. Introduced in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, this subclass is perfect for players who want to play a magical warrior with supernatural resilience, high burst damage, and the ability to curse foes.

Unlike other Warlocks, Hexblades can wield weapons with devastating effectiveness, using Charisma instead of Strength or Dexterity for attacks, making them one of the most powerful and flexible Warlock subclasses in D&D 5e. If you love the idea of a cursed warrior who strikes down enemies with dark magic while wielding a shadowy blade, this subclass is for you!

Why Play a Hexblade Warlock?

Key Benefits

• Best Warlock for Melee Combat – Use Charisma for weapon attacks instead of Strength or Dexterity.
• Hexblade’s Curse Boosts Damage & Survivability – Gain bonus damage, critical hit chances, and healing.
• Armor & Weapon Proficiency – Wear medium armor and use shields, unlike other Warlocks.
• Excellent for Solo & Party Play – Strong frontline capabilities while maintaining powerful spellcasting.
• Incredibly Strong Multiclassing Potential – Pairs exceptionally well with Paladin, Fighter, and Sorcerer.

Compared to other Warlocks, Hexblades can stand toe-to-toe with martial classes while still casting powerful Eldritch invocations and spells.

Core Features

Key Mechanics and Abilities

Hexblade’s Curse (Level 1)

• As a bonus action, curse an enemy:
  • Gain bonus damage equal to your proficiency bonus on attacks against them.
  • Crit on a roll of 19 or 20.
  • Heal when they die.
• Example: Curse a boss, crit more often, deal bonus damage, and regain HP when you slay them.

Hex Warrior (Level 1)

• Use Charisma for melee weapon attacks instead of Strength or Dexterity.
• Gain proficiency in medium armor, shields, and martial weapons.
• Example: Wield a longsword or rapier while wearing armor, making you a durable and deadly fighter.

Accursed Specter (Level 6)

• When you kill a humanoid, you can raise its spirit as a specter under your control.
• The specter lasts until your next long rest and gains temporary hit points.
• Example: Turn fallen enemies into ghostly servants to fight for you.

Armor of Hexes (Level 10)

• Your Hexblade’s Curse makes your target’s attacks against you have a 50% chance to miss.
• Example: If an enemy tries to strike you, there's a 50/50 chance they miss entirely.

Master of Hexes (Level 14)

• When the target of your Hexblade’s Curse dies, you can move the curse to another creature instead of waiting for a short or long rest.
• Example: Chain curse multiple enemies in a single battle, maintaining a steady damage boost.

These abilities make Hexblade Warlocks the most durable and melee-capable Warlocks, blending frontline combat with devastating eldritch power.

Suggested Ability Scores

• Primary: Charisma – Powers spellcasting, Hexblade abilities, and melee attacks.
• Secondary: Constitution – Increases HP and Concentration saves for spells.
• Tertiary: Dexterity (for AC) or Strength (if using a heavy weapon).

Recommended Races

Since Hexblade Warlocks rely on Charisma, Constitution, and weapon combat, the best races include:

1. Half-Elf – Boosts Charisma and grants extra skills.
2. Tiefling (Zariel or Levistus) – Fire resistance and Charisma bonus.
3. Aasimar (Scourge or Fallen) – Great synergy with radiant or necrotic damage.
4. Variant Human – Start with a feat like Polearm Master or War Caster.
5. Tabaxi – Extra mobility helps position for melee combat.

Playing as a Hexblade Warlock

Role in a Party

• Primary Melee Damage Dealer & Frontline Fighter – Use weapons and Eldritch Smite to deal devastating blows.
• Tanky Spellcaster – Medium armor and shields let you survive longer in combat.
• Excellent Debuffer & Battlefield Controller – Hex, Eldritch Blast, and control spells make you deadly at all ranges.

Compared to other Warlocks, Hexblades are the most combat-focused, excelling in both melee and ranged magical attacks.

Tips for New Players

• Always use Hexblade’s Curse on tough enemies – It boosts damage and helps you heal.
• Pick Eldritch Smite for extra burst damage – Convert spell slots into massive melee damage.
• Take Armor of Shadows Invocation – Gain free Mage Armor for even better defense.
• Use medium armor and a shield for better survivability – You’re much tankier than other Warlocks.

Gear and Dice Recommendations

Suggested Equipment

Weapons & Arcane Focus

• Pact of the Blade (Hexblade Exclusive) – Summon a weapon and make it magical.
• Greatsword / Longsword – Best for Strength-based Hexblades.
• Rapier + Shield – Best for Dexterity-based Hexblades.

Armor & Defensive Items

• Half-Plate Armor – Maximize AC while staying mobile.
• Cloak of Protection – Boost AC and saving throws.

Magic Items

• Rod of the Pact Keeper – Boosts Warlock spellcasting and regains spell slots.
• Bracers of Defense – Great if using Mage Armor instead of heavy armor.
• Hexblade’s Fang – Enhances your Pact Weapon’s power.

Dice Recommendations from Runic Dice

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

• Shadow Knight Dice Set: For dark metallic tones embodying the Hexblade's cursed power, consider the Black Gemstone Eagle Eye DND Dice Set. Handcrafted from genuine eagle eye gemstone, these dice feature deep, dark hues with a polished finish, capturing the essence of a shadow-infused warrior.
• Doombringer Dice Set: To represent sinister forces with red and black tones, the Blood Red Glitter Liquid Core Resin DND Dice Set is an excellent choice. This set showcases a vibrant red hue with shimmering glitter suspended in a clear resin core, reflecting the malevolent energy of a Doombringer.
• Eldritch Fury Dice Set: For deep blues and greens channeling mystical energies, the Labradorite Gemstone DND Dice Set offers a captivating play of colors, symbolizing the arcane power bestowed by your Hexblade patron.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Optimization Strategies

Best Feats for a Hexblade Warlock

1. Polearm Master – Extra attacks with a glaive or spear.
2. Great Weapon Master – Boosts melee damage significantly.
3. War Caster – Maintains Concentration on spells in melee combat.
4. Shield Master – Increases defense and allows pushing enemies.
5. Lucky – Reroll crucial attack rolls or saving throws.

Best Multiclass Options

1. Hexblade Warlock 6 / Paladin (Oath of Vengeance) 14 – The Dark Crusader

   • Best for: Massive Divine Smite synergy and sustained melee combat.
   • Strategy: Hexblade’s Curse + Divine Smite = Ridiculous burst damage.

2. Hexblade Warlock 5 / Sorcerer (Divine Soul) 15 – The Shadow Sorcerer

   • Best for: Spell versatility and Metamagic-enhanced combat.
   • Strategy: Quickened Spell for devastating combos with Eldritch Blast.

3. Hexblade Warlock 9 / Fighter (Echo Knight) 11 – The Shadow Duelist

   • Best for: Tactical battlefield control and extra melee attacks.
   • Strategy: Use your Echo to attack from multiple positions while Hexblade’s Curse enhances your damage.

The Hexblade Warlock is one of the most powerful, versatile, and deadly Warlock subclasses in D&D 5e, excelling at melee combat, spellcasting, and survivability.