Class Comparison · Updated August 2026
Cleric vs Warlock
Warlock deals more damage, while Cleric offers more spellcasting versatility.
Short answer
Pick Cleric for healing, buffs, and divine versatility. Pick Warlock for reliable at-will damage with Eldritch Blast.
At a Glance
| Cleric | Warlock | |
|---|---|---|
| Hit Die | d8 | d8 |
| Primary Ability | WIS | CHA |
| Spellcasting | Yes | Yes |
| Party Role | Support | Blaster |
| Subclasses | 4 | 4 |
| Best Race | Aasimar | Tiefling |
Combat Comparison
Using Human as baseline race for fair comparison.
| Level | Cleric DPR | Warlock DPR | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | 7.8 | 9 | Warlock |
| Level 11 | 10.18 | 12.38 | Warlock |
| Level 17 | 13.2 | 16.5 | Warlock |
When to Choose Cleric
- ♦ Versatile spellcasting options
- ♦ Flexible build with room for customization
When to Choose Warlock
- ♦ Versatile spellcasting options
- ♦ Flexible build with room for customization
Best Builds for Each
Top Cleric Builds
Top Warlock Builds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleric or Warlock better for beginners in D&D 5e?
Both work for a first character. Pick Cleric for healing, buffs, and divine versatility; pick Warlock for reliable at-will damage with Eldritch Blast.
Cleric vs Warlock: which deals more damage?
At level 11 the Warlock deals more baseline damage (about 12.38 vs 10.18 per round before magic items), though party role usually matters more than raw damage.