D&D 5E Is Hex actually that great?

[Tanaka Chris]

First up, I'm approaching this spell from the Warlock class only, meaning no multiclassing or other variable factors.

I see the Warlock as a class with very limited spell slots, and Hex is great at lower levels for the damage output it adds.
But as the Warlock levels up and gains access to stronger spells, as well as higher level spell slots, does Hex still make sense?

3rd &4th Level Hex grants 8 hours duration. 5th Level grants 24 hours duration... assuming the Warlock maintains concentration.

Is expending such a high level slot viable for extra damage per hit? Rather than just a higher level spell that deals direct damage? Shatter spell comes to mind.
Pure damage without the messy need to maintain Concentration.

Arguably the Warlock could maintain Concentration and pepper the monster from afar using Eldritch Blast, but what enemy is going to stand there without attempting to swat that Warlock?
So again, higher level Warlocks, is Hex really that great? Should casting it at higher slots give it more benefits than just longer duration? Which I feel is a huge negative since it requires Concentration rendering the Warlock unable to short or long rest anyway.

 

[Bera]

Hex also "levels up" when Eldritch Blast does as more attacks means more damage. Its maybe not always going to be the best possible spell, especially given different party composition and enemies, but it seems like a good pick. And unlike some other good picks (the fey patron's Faerie Fire), Hex does at least level a bit in terms of duration.

 

[Celtavian]

Hex is extremely valuable. A no save disadvantage on an ability check of choice 1st level spell that also does an extra 1d6 damage whenever you hit something is an amazing spell. I've done disadvantage on strength or wisdom ability checks many times making it extremely difficult for an opponent to avoid grapples or detect anything using their Perception ability. It's a great spell with good tactical uses.

 

[Mirtek]

I have removed it from my known spells. I just don't get why everyone thinks it's so great.

If a fight takes four rounds in average and a polearm master blade lock gets bis max attacks out if it, that's 11 attacks assuming he never needs to shift hex or fails concentration.

So 11d6 for hex under ideal conditions, imho you can do Vetter with your slots, especially once they hit level 5

 

[JackOfAllTirades]

With only 2 spells per combat (er, short rest) my bladelock usually has better options than Hex. But I got myself a Pact Bearer's rod so once in a while I can replace a spell slot and use Hex anyway. Just made it to 11th level and going forward I've got 3 spell slots, so now Hex is definitely back in the mix; with the Pact Bearer's rod I'll have an extra spell slot once a day. Good times ahead.

Edited to add: I also considered putting Hex in a Ring of Spell Storing, but the only one I came across so far was intelligent and nearly exactly opposite my character's alignment, so... bad idea?

 

[Celtavian]

I have removed it from my known spells. I just don't get why everyone thinks it's so great.

If a fight takes four rounds in average and a polearm master blade lock gets bis max attacks out if it, that's 11 attacks assuming he never needs to shift hex or fails concentration.

So 11d6 for hex under ideal conditions, imho you can do Vetter with your slots, especially once they hit level 5

How exactly can you do better over the life of the spell with other spells? An eight hour concentration spell lasts for nearly the entire adventuring day. You can short rest and get all your warlock spell slots back and still have hex active at higher level. The disadvantage on ability checks is huge for party synergies. If you are grappling creatures or have a shield master knocking them down, disadvantage on a strength check becomes huge against a strong, powerful creature. If you have a rogue using hide, disadvantage on Perception checks becomes huge with them getting a -5 on their passive perception and disadvantage on active checks. If they are creature that tries to grapple, disadvantage on their checks is helpful.

If all you're looking for is maximum burst damage and you don't know how to use hex tactically to help your group, then I imagine you can find a better spell for burst damage. If you play taking advantage of party synergy with eldritch blast focused build, not much better than hex for the resource investment.

 

[Mirtek]

How exactly can you do better over the life of the spell with other spells? An eight hour concentration spell lasts for nearly the entire adventuring day.

A fireball for 10d6 against 2 targets will do it already. For a bladelock it's not even likely to have hex last a single combat let alone 8h

And that's just the plain damage view. Saving your slot for a counterspell can be even more valuable than using it to deal damage

 

[Celtavian]

A fireball for 10d6 against 2 targets will do it already. For a bladelock it's not even likely to have hex last a single combat let alone 8hh

And that's just the plain damage few. Saving your slot for a counterspell can be even more valuable than using it to deal damage

hex probably not as good for bladelock. If you're in melee battle absent feats as the OP seems to be indicating, hex isn't so good. It's pretty great for an eldritch blast lock that can stay out of battle and avoid concentration checks. I've found tons of uses for the disadvantage on ability checks, especially when combined with Devilsight and darkness in general. Hex a creature, disadvantage on Wisdom ability checks reducing their passive perception, move after firing, let them figure out where you are. Good fun.

 

[Tanaka Chris]

How exactly can you do better over the life of the spell with other spells? An eight hour concentration spell lasts for nearly the entire adventuring day. You can short rest and get all your warlock spell slots back and still have hex active at higher level.

Oh are you allowed to Short/Long Rest and maintain Concentration? It's part of Spellcasting and is considered taxing mentally, so our games rule no benefits from rests if you are maintaining a spell.

 

[Baumi]

But with that houserule you make the high level functions of Hex useless.

The Problem for me is not about damage but that that it needs Concentration, where you have much more important Spells that could occupy it like Invisibility, Hold Person, Suggestion, etc.