The ability to blast goblins to smithereens with magic already makes Sorcerers great. Being one of the best social classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 is icing on the top. Not all Sorcerers are created equal, however. While pretty much every build is fun, it takes careful decision-making to create one of the best Sorcerer class builds in the game. Like other great builds, this one keeps its focus narrow to ensure its quality remains high. This Sorcerer build focuses on DPS, smashing enemies with elemental spells while other party members shield you. It’s straightforward, and there’s no arguing with these results.
The Best Sorcerer Class Build In Baldur’s Gate 3
The Sorcerer is one of several squishy spellcasters in Baldur’s Gate 3. Unless you’re multi-classing, you really never want to be on the frontlines as a Sorcerer. This build begins with that premise, focusing on ranged damage to slay from a distance. Thankfully, Larian Studios has given players plenty of options in that area.
Race Choices
The choice of Race isn’t the most vital part of a good Sorcerer build, but it warrants consideration. For this build, we chose Dragonborn. Draconic Ancestry provides the player with Resistance to a damage type based on the player’s chosen type of dragon. Given that Sorcerers are known to toss around Fireballs and other deadly elemental spells, it’s worth planning around whatever type of magic you intend to use. Alternatively, you can always just pick a particularly nasty damage type that you don’t want to suffer. Being Dragonborn also grants the player an elemental Breath Weapon, which provides a good fallback option once the Sorcerer has exhausted their spells.
Best Subclass
Sorcerers get access to three subclasses during character creation. In the early and late game alike, one’s choice of subclass can make a big difference to the build. All three Sorcerer subclasses (Wild Magic, Draconic Bloodline, and Storm Sorcery) are decent options, but this build uses the Draconic Bloodline. At Level 1 this subclass grants Draconic Resilience, improving the character’s survivability in fights. For a glass cannon class like Sorcerer, that’s a big deal. The subclass also grants Draconic Ancestry at Level 1.
Background, Skills, and Other Features
Noble and Sage are two of the best Backgrounds for creating the best Sorcerer class build. Noble is arguably the better of the two since the History and Persuasion skills are such natural fits. With so much Charisma needed anyway to fuel the Sorcerer’s magic, it would be a shame not to get some social value out of the Attribute as well. Speaking of Attributes, the player should take the following distribution:
- Strength: 8
- Dexterity: 13
- Constitution: 15
- Intelligence: 12
- Wisdom: 10
- Charisma: 17
Things really get interesting when it comes to choosing spells. When it comes to Cantrips, the player will want to focus on solid DPS options like Fire Bolt, Ray of Frost, Shocking Grasp, and Bone Chill. Good Level 1 spell options include Burning Hands, Ice Knife, Magic Missile, and Thunderwave. Each has pros and cons in regard to DPS and status effects. If you plan on speccing into one or two elements, now’s the time to start.
Class Progression
With character creation taken care of, it’s time to think about what other choices the player will need to make as their character grows in power. Leveling up brings with it a number of potent options, many of which can radically change how battles play out. The following selection of spells, Feats, and other features ensures this Sorcerer build comes prepared for whatever Baldur’s Gate 3 may throw at them.
- Level 2:
- Metamagic: Heightened Spell
- Metamagic: Quickened Spell
- Level 3:
- Metamagic: Twinned Spell
- Level 4:
- Feat: Ability Improvement (Charisma and Intelligence)
- Level 6:
- Elemental Affinity: Damage
- Elemental Affinity: Resistance
- Level 8:
- Feat: Elemental Adept
- Level 10:
- Metamagic: Extended Spell
- Level 11:
- Mystic Arcanum: Circle of Death
- Fly
- Level 12:
- Feat: War Caster
As for the best spells to choose at each spell level, consider taking the following:
- Level 2: Cloud of Daggers, Scorching Ray, and Web
- Level 3: Fireball, Lightning Bolt, and Counterspell
- Level 4: Banishment, Ice Storm, and Wall of Fire
- Level 5: Cloudkill and Cone of Cold
- Level 6: Chain Lightning and Disintegrate
Equipment
As their starting gear suggestions, Sorcerers are most comfortable with robes and quarterstaves rather than armor and swords. Ideally, the Sorcerer won’t be anywhere near the heat of the action anyway, so heavy protective gear won’t matter. Whereas an easier class like Paladin can count on high AC to see them through, Sorcerers must be more strategic. Pick enchanted gear that will empower your spells and let your Sorcerer do what they do best: incinerating everything in their path.
