Summary
One D&Dhas now been released, and with it has come a slew of revised rules, classes, and races to bring a freshnew face to the classic systemfans know and love. There haven’t been too many radical changes, so that those who know 5e inside and out will still feel right at home, but the tweaks to the classes demand a refresher course.
This, of course, includes thewarlockclass, one of the most popular choices among players. This class allows players to form a pact with a dark patron, imbuing themselves with forbidden power to give them an edge in combat. The patrons can vary wildly, giving warlocks unique flavors from one another.
Updated January 11th, 2025, by Mara Cowley:2025 is now upon us, as is the revised handbook for Dungeons and Dragons, bringing various tweaks and changes to races, spells, rules, and classes beloved by the fans. With this new year, many players are going to be gearing up for their next big adventure, and with it, will need to carefully consider what class to play. This article breaks down which warlock patron among all ones printed in official books, showing the revised versions of those patrons from the handbook. Now warlock players can see which patron is the best fit for their character.
Expanded Spell List for the Archfey
Archfey Subclass Features
Gone in the blink of an eye, theseArchfey Warlockshaven’t gained speed to rival Sonic the Hedgehog—instead, they have been granted magic revolving around teleportation by their patron. While this does reduce the versatility this subclass has, it can be a DM’s worst nightmare as the Warlock keeps removing themselves out of harm’s way, and maybe even deal some damage as a goodbye gift, just like a tricksterfae creaturewould.
Expanded Spell List for the Undying
Undying Subclass Features
Not to be confused with the Undead patron, theUndyingis all about life and death, granting the Warlock a modicum of healing abilities, as well as a spare dying cantrip. Some of their features verge on the weaker side of things, and mostly just seem there for flavor more than practical use. Still, this could make this subclass a popular pick for those who favor flavoring, backstories, and RP over combat.
Expanded Spell List for the Great Old One
Great Old One Subclass Features
The Great Old Onemight be the subclass with the most meat on its bones, and that doesn’t just mean theCthulhu-likeentity that grants this pact. Level 3 and Level 10 each have additional subclass features, so the Warlock gains even more bang for their buck. The telepathic abilities may just seem like utility, but they gain use in combat at later levels, so Warlocks with this patron could easily snowball in higher-level campaigns.
Expanded Spell List for the Fathomless
Fathomless Subclass Features
As aWarlock of the Fathomlessvariety, they will gainaffinity with the water, gaining powers such as the ability to summon Kraken-like tentacles, and also have the handy ability to transport themselves and their buddies out of harm’s way. With a good balance of damage resistance and dealing, the Fathomless is an all-around solid choice for Warlocks who don’t know if they want to harm or help.
Expanded Spell List for the Fiend
Fiend Subclass Features
As one might expect when forging a pact with something of a more infernal persuasion, Warlocks gain fiery benefits and a few other tricks up their sleeve when choosing aFiendas their patron. A bit more of a mixed bag than certain other subclasses, there is more that players can do with this subclass, and as such it mightmake it a better picksimply on the basis of adaptability. Though it may be cliche on paper, creative players can still flavor this class for more unique gameplay and interactions.
Expanded Spell List for the Celestial
Celestial Subclass Features
Most players will know Warlocks as more of a DPS class, famous for their staple cantrip Eldritch Blast. But when the part is missing someone of a more holy persuasion, or needs a healer, players can opt to skip playing Cleric or Paladin, and instead use this original take on a class known for its darker and devious casters. As most of theCelestialpatron’s kit revolves around staving off death, players shouldn’t expect to deal out hefty damage when selecting this patron.
Expanded Spell List for the Genie
Genie Subclass Features
Included inthe supplementary bookTasha’s Cauldron of Everything,theGenieis a new and exciting take on the Warlock class with a wholly creative patron—the wish-granting Genie. Rather than just getting three wishes, the Warlock instead gains access to more spells and other effects determined by the element of their chosen patron. Plenty of versatility, and a handy vessel to escape within, the Genie is a strong subclass.
Gifts From The Restless Undead
Expanded Spell List for the Undead
Introduced inVan Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft, Warlocks can now channel theundeadpowers of creatures such as vampires and demiliches, in turn taking on a twisted vision of their visage that can frighten and bolster health. The highest level feature is one that is unique and could see a lot of fun play in-game, whether scouting or in the midst of combat.
Expanded Spell List for the Hexblade
Hexblade Subclass Features
The age-old question when starting aD&Dcampaign—martial classor caster? It can be a tough question to answer, especially if the party is already balanced and there are no roles that need to be filled. Well, with theHexbladepatron, players no longer need to agonize over this choice. Instead, they can simply pick this subclass and enjoy the best of both worlds. The perfect balance between the two modes of play makes the Hexblade the best current patron inD&D, even withOne D&Dnow on the market.
