The question of whether you can twin Eldritch Blast is a common point of discussion among Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition players, particularly concerning the Sorcerer's Metamagic feature. While the interaction can be complex, understanding the rules for both the spell and the Metamagic clarifies its application.
A Sorcerer's Metamagic can be incredibly useful, allowing them to enhance their spells in various ways. For example, Eldritch Blast can be cast as a bonus action using Quickened Spell, offering a powerful offensive option. When it comes to Twinned Spell, some interpretations and guides suggest its viability for Eldritch Blast, but the specific conditions are crucial.
Understanding Twinned Spell Metamagic
The core rule for the Twinned Spell Metamagic states:
"When you cast a spell that targets only one creature and doesn't have a range of self, you can spend a number of sorcery points equal to the spell's level to target a second creature in range with the same spell."
The key phrase here is "targets only one creature."
Eldritch Blast's Scaling and Interaction
Eldritch Blast is a unique cantrip because its power scales with your character level, not the spell slot level. This scaling directly impacts its potential for being twinned:
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Character Levels 1-4: At these levels, Eldritch Blast fires a single beam. Since the spell, at this stage, explicitly targets only one creature, it can be twinned. You would spend 1 sorcery point (as cantrips are considered level 0 for Metamagic cost, though some DMs might rule 1 sorcery point if they consider it level 1 for costing purposes, per the example in the PHB for Twinned Spell). Twinned Spell would allow you to fire a second beam at a different creature.
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Character Levels 5 and Higher: At character level 5, 11, and 17, Eldritch Blast generates additional beams (two at 5th, three at 11th, and four at 17th). Each of these beams can target the same creature or different creatures. This is where the general consensus among players and official rulings concludes that Eldritch Blast cannot be twinned. Even though each individual beam targets one creature, the spell as a whole now has the capacity to target multiple creatures. Therefore, it no longer satisfies the "targets only one creature" requirement of Twinned Spell.
Other Metamagic Interactions with Eldritch Blast
While Twinned Spell has limitations, other Metamagic options work seamlessly with Eldritch Blast:
- Quickened Spell: This Metamagic allows you to cast Eldritch Blast as a bonus action, costing 2 sorcery points. This is an incredibly popular and potent combination for Sorcerer/Warlock multiclass characters (often called "Sorlocks"), enabling them to cast Eldritch Blast and another leveled spell (or multiple Eldritch Blasts if they have Action Surge) in a single turn.
- Distant Spell: This Metamagic doubles the range of Eldritch Blast, useful for sniping targets from afar.
- Subtle Spell: This Metamagic allows you to cast Eldritch Blast without any somatic or verbal components, making it ideal for stealth or social situations where you don't want to reveal your spellcasting.
Summary of Twinned Eldritch Blast
| Character Level | Eldritch Blast Beams | Can it be Twinned? | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 1 | Yes | The spell targets only one creature. |
| 5-10 | 2 | Generally No | The spell can target multiple creatures with its multiple beams. |
| 11-16 | 3 | Generally No | The spell can target multiple creatures with its multiple beams. |
| 17-20 | 4 | Generally No | The spell can target multiple creatures with its multiple beams. |
In conclusion, you can typically twin Eldritch Blast only at character levels 1-4 when it fires a single beam. Once it gains multiple beams at higher levels, it usually no longer qualifies for the Twinned Spell Metamagic.
