Comment from discussion How did the team come to settle on the first level features for the Hexblade and Celestial warlock patrons in Xanathar’s? They both get two features at 1st level compared to one for the patrons in the PHB, and they are more potent besides. The Hexblade in particular gets a lot of meat at first level. And when designing the Hexblade, was it considered a problem that it would defacto outclass other patrons as a melee-focused subclass, even if Pact of the Blade is chosen?
mikemearls10 points21 days ago
No, the hexblade is there to make a melee warlock easier to play. It was a concept that you could make work, but in a more convoluted way than we intend for 5e. AMA: Mike Mearls, D&D Creative Director