Eldritch Blast

The Eldritch Blast Warlock uses Area of Effect pulsing to deal high amounts of magic damage around himself while using the life and mana spell steal to stay alive. This is a very unique style build that requires a bit of gear and plus skills to really start popping off.

• 20 points to Eldritch Blast – The main skill of the build.

• 20 points to Cleave – The best skill to probably hex all enemies in Eldritch Blast range. May only need enough to hit 20 soft points, just need full 360 degree arc.

• 20 points to Hex: Purge – A Synergy for Eldritch Blast and adds an AoE Hex. Great for more damage and explosions nearby.

• 20 points to Blade Warp – A Synergy for Eldritch Blast plus if used releases damage on landing that hexes nearby monsters.

• X points to Psychic Ward – Synergy for Eldritch Blast. Prevents Damage and Stuns Melee attackers.

• X points to Hex: Bane – Alternative to Psychic Ward if wanting more Synergy damage for Hex: Purge.

• 1 point to Bind Demon – Powerful to grab a tank to help along the way.

• 1 point to Blood Oath – Improve defensiveness of self and bound demon.

• 1 point to Levitation Mastery – Increases Damage, Attack Rating, Critical Strike, and lowers Weapon Requirements. Probably used for Weapon Requirements.

• 1 point to Hex: Siphon – Potentially useful to lower enemy damage if things are too unsafe.

• 1 point to Summon Defiler – Useful for consume to increase Eldritch Blast Damage.

• Rest of points to Consume – Used to Consume Defiler for added Magic Damage.

The following section discusses how many attribute points should be allocated to each of the primary stats.

How much Strength Does an Eldritch Blast Warlock Need?

Enough for gear — However, remember that Levitation Mastery will reduce the requirements of your gear by a substantial amount. So always make sure to place one point there first before adding in your stats.

How much Dexterity Does an Eldritch Blast Warlock Need?

Enough for Gear — Dexterity is great for increasing Block Chance, particularly with Stormshield, but if you are not planning on investing points to max that out, it is often not worth taking any additional Dexterity, as the return on Defense is very low. This character could be a decent candidate for max block though with the right shield.

How much Vitality Does an Eldritch Blast Warlock Need?

Everything else into Vitality — 250+ points. Every excess attribute point should be allocated to Vitality, as long as you can meet the Strength and Dexterity requirements of your items by the time you wish to equip them. Not only does this increase your Life total, but this also increases the chance for Healing Potions to crit, doubling their healing output. Further, additional Life reduces the chance that you will be put into hit recovery.

How much Energy Does an Eldritch Blast Warlock Need?

Nothing — Allocating attribute points to Energy in a final build is universally considered sub-par for almost every character due to the widespread availability of Mana Potions. While leveling, if you find yourself struggling with Mana you can allocate a few points to Energy that you can then remove with a respec later on.

The best Mercenary for this build will probably be a Defensive Holy Freeze Act 2 Mercenary to help slow enemies nearby, as you will be getting into very close range and need to survive while your blasts go off.

• Weapon: Ethereal Insight or The Reaper's Toll

• Body Armor: Ethereal Fortitude

• Helm: Andariel's Visage socketed with a Ral Rune

For more comprehensive leveling advice, please refer to our Warlock Fastest Leveling Build.