LogFAQs > #955967219

sounds like we're metagaming here in 5th edition dnd. it will depend on the player, the warlock, and the warlock's level

Zap: a warlock's charisma should be higher than their strength or dexterity, so zap is more likely to hit

Stab: however, the enemy has surprised them and is within 5 feet. ranged attacks have disadvantage. so stab is actually more likely to hit

Zap: however, once you hit a certain level, zap does dramatically more damage, so depending on whether the enemy can die in one stab, you might zap anyway

if we're roleplaying, there are more considerations.

In the 5th edition rules, ranged attacks never accidentally hit an ally. you can shoot your arrows down a short, narrow corridor past your entire team and will never hit anyone in front of or behind your target, even if you miss or roll a natural 1

In-universe, though? Your palpatine lightning is probably going to miss and fry your friends or the surrounding furniture. If your warlock cares about that at all they'll lean towards stab.

Last thing to consider is how much the warlock cares about society. In the fluff as written, warlocks, tieflings, etc are shunned and persecuted because they're related to and/or make pacts with demons/devils. No DM i've ever known cares about this at all, but if this is being roleplayed, the warlock might instinctively avoid going full sith

zap is also more like a gun. if you're startled, are you more likely to shoot the person who startled you or whack them away? if you're in a dungeon and expecting to fight for your life at any moment, you might shoot. if you are looking for people to rescue, or the rogue might be returning from scouting, you might whack.

Your friend might be remembering that warlocks have more hit points than wizards. They also might be remembering the 3rd edition version of the class, which had rogue/cleric base attack bonus progression, and both of those classes would default to stabbing/clubbing

---

You did indeed stab me in the back. However, you are only level one, whilst I am level 50. That means I should remain uninjured.