Dungeons & Dragons: Overpowered Sorcerer Builds

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As a seasoned adventurer with a knack for the arcane, allow me to present you with three captivating builds for the Sorcerer class that I’ve encountered during my travels through the mystical realms. Each of these builds showcases the versatility and power of the Sorcerer class, catering to different playstyles and preferences.

The magic users of the universe come in a few different forms. Although they often have other roles besides throwing spells, the Sorcerer class is overwhelmingly a damage dealer. This is their most common role, but creative players can also make overpowered Sorcerers that can heal, remove curses, and buff existing abilities. There’s always a way to make a class overpowered, and it starts from the moment players roll the ability scores. Then there’s the choice of a Background, Feats, Skills, and gear to make that Sorcerer a force to be reckoned with as the party’s magical damage dealer.

It’s crucial for every Sorcerer to focus on maximizing their Charisma score first, especially when considering multi-classing. This stat determines their spellcasting modifier and should ideally be the highest Ability Score. However, it can potentially tie with another depending on the character build. If a situation arises where the Sorcerer ends up in melee combat, Constitution becomes the second most important attribute to prioritize.

In the past, each Sorcerer possessed a Draconic Ancestry that granted them an additional breath weapon and specific resistance to certain elemental damage. Nowadays, this feature is known as the Draconic Bloodline subclass, not all Sorcerers can benefit from it.

4. The Fire Avatar

Burn It All Down

  • Ability Scores: Other than Charisma, this build needs extra Constitution or Dexterity.

For a sorcerer, the ideal pick for someone who inflicts significant harm and leaves a lasting impact is one who excels in dealing Fire damage. Those opting for this setup should consider including a few spells and abilities that deal Lightning damage, as there may be scenarios such as a volcanic environment where Fire damage could prove ineffective.

Races

  • Githyanki. Innate racial abilities include spells like Misty Step and Mage Hand, which can help with mobility issues when it comes to AoE or melee damage.
  • Drow Elf. A Charisma boost and innate spellcasting make the Drow an ideal Sorcerer.
  • Fire Genasi. Get +2 in any ability score and +1 in two others, or +1 in three. Knows the Produce Flame cantrip and the Burning Hands and Flame Blade spell.

Subclass: Dragon Bloodline

To begin, opt for the Draconic Bloodline as your subclass selection. This choice grants you a connection with fire, offering additional talents and resistance. Fire is generally considered one of the most advantageous options, boasting a robust assortment of spells and cantrips.

Another option here is Pyromancy, but this subclass is only available in the Plane Shift – Kaladesh campaign module.

Backgrounds

  • City Watch. This indicates that this character is from a city where they learned Athletics and Insight. It’s similar to the Soldier, but with less military and more investigation.
  • Wildspacer. This brave Sorcerer was traveled through planes, which taught them athletics and survival.
  • Folk Hero. This Sorcerer knows Animal Handling and Survival thanks to an event that made them a local hero.

Feats

  • Elemental Adept. Choose any element and make it impossible for targets to resist the Sorcerer’s spells. Fire is obvious for this build.
  • Resilient. Choose to increase Constitution or Charisma, and gain proficiency in the saving throws for that choice.
  • Gift of the Chromatic Dragon. Gives the Sorcerer two extra abilities, Chromatic Infusion and Reactive Resistance. The former allows them to infuse a weapon with an elemental type of damage ability, which would be Fire in this case. The latter gives them extra elemental resistance in the form of a reaction.

Recommended Gear

  • Eldritch Staff. Grants the wielder the ability of Eldritch Escape, which ports them anywhere 60 feet from their present location. The charges are limited, but are restored every sunrise.
  • Ring Of Spell Storing. Asl the description implies, this gives the Sorcerer a few extra spell slots, which are especially handy at lower levels.
  • Tome of Leadership and Influence. Read this book over the course of 6 days and gain +2 Charisma.

3. The Party Face

Get Further With Charisma

  • Ability Scores: This is one of the best builds for multiclassing, so focus on Charisma and either Strength or Dexterity

This character wouldn’t just be responsible for dishing out damage, but would also take on the role of the group’s social spokesperson in interpersonal scenarios. Characters with these traits typically align with classes such as Paladins, Bards, or Warlocks, which all rely on Charisma for spellcasting. These characters tend to employ arcane spells rather than focusing on damage from specific elements.

Race

  • Astral Elf. Get +2 in any ability score and +1 in two others, or +1 in three. Fey Ancestry means resistance against the Charmed condition, and Astral Fire grants an extra cantrip.
  • Scourge Aasamir. +2 to Charisma, +1 to Constitution, the Light cantrip, Darkvision, and the Healing Hands ability.
  • Satyr. This Fey-touched race has extra spellcasting abilities along with boosts to both Dexterity and Charisma.

Subclass: Clockwork Soul

The Clockwork Soul, a subclass for Sorcerers from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, is intrinsically linked to the clockwork city of Nirvana in Mechanus – a city in the Forgotten Realms that thrives on precision and order. This connection grants the Sorcerer additional spells at each level, many of which are supportive in nature such as Restoration and Freedom of Movement. The spells they can choose from are restricted to those within the Abjuration or Conjuration schools.

Background

  • Soldier. Use a 1d8 to determine the Sorcerer’s military rank. Skill proficiencies are Athletics and Intimidation.
  • Noble. Gives the Sorcerer History and Persuasion, along with a set backstory of an upper-class upbringing.
  • Entertainer. Acrobatics and Performance are the Proficiency skills for this Background, which also combines well with a multiclass character.

Feats

  • Alert. Can’t be surprised, +5 to Initiative, creatures that the Sorcerer can’t see don’t gain Advantage against them.
  • Gift Of The Metallic Dragon. The Draconic Healing ability gives this Sorcerer the Cure Wounds spell and Protective Wings to protect both themselves and their allies.
  • Polearm Master. This Sorcerer might find themselves in melee combat or as a multiclass character. This Feat gives them proficiency with a weapon that has a long reach.

Recommended Gear

  • Ioun Stone Of Leadership. Increases the Sorcerer’s charisma score by +2 and gives them the benefit of their choice regarding a Metamagic focus.
  • Ring of Protection. The classic +1 to AC ring that appears in virtually every campaign.
  • Elven Chain. Give this dangerous Sorcerer extra AC with the medium Elven Chain, which gives every warrior proficiency in medium armor.

2. The Cool Sorcerer

Powerful, Dangerous, Cold

  • Ability Scores: Extra Dexterity is better than Consitution as this build’s secondary stat thanks to more crowd-control and armor options.

This particular type of Sorcerer, known as an Ice Sorcerer or Waterbender, specializes in inflicting cold damage and controlling water elements rather than using fire. They also delve into illusions and spellcasting for managing crowds, which allows them to slow down or even freeze their adversaries.

Race

  • Triton. Get +2 in any ability score and +1 in two others, or +1 in three. These Sorcerers can cast Gust of Wind, Water Walk, and Fog Cloud.
  • Tiefling, Bloodline of Levistus. Darkvision, Fire resistance, an innate flying ability, +1 to Constitution, and the ability to cast Ray of Frost and the Armor of Agathys.
  • Water Gensai. Can cast Create or Destroy Water, Acid Splash, and Water Walk. Also gets +2 in any ability score and +1 in two others or +1 in three.

Subclass: Draconic Bloodline

For sorcerers in an elemental-focused construction, consider selecting either the Silver or White dragon as your ancestor this time. These dragons are known for their icy abilities, which encompass a breath weapon and resistance to magic. Like their kin, they possess Draconic Resilience and Dragon Wings.

Background

  • Outlander. Good for a class that needs Athletics and Survival, these Sorcerers use several 1d6 rolls to determine their origin and personality traits.
  • Far Traveler. Use a 1d6 to determine where this Sorcerer has been, where they’re from, and why they’re dedicated to the road. Skills are Insight and Perception.
  • Shipwright. History and Perception, along with the ability to fix water-going vehicles. Use 1d6 to determine how life at sea shaped the Sorcerer’s personality.

Feats

  • Eldritch Adept. Choose a spell from the Warlock class. Armor of Agathys is the best choice if the character doesn’t already have it.
  • Elemental Adept. This time, Cold is the element to choose.
  • Shadow Touched. The Sorcerer learns one spell from either the Illusion or Necromancy schools.

Recommended Gear

  • Wand of Magic Detection. Has three charges of Detect Magic that are restored every sunrise. It’s a handy way to save your spell slots for something else.
  • Barrier Tattoo. Improves the Sorcerer’s AC depending on their Dexterity modifier. Levels may vary depending on item quality.
  • Elemental Essence Shard. Use a 1d4 to choose the elemental property of this item. A 1 allows the Sorcerer to fly up to 60 feet in the air, while a 4 gives them the power of AoE water damage.

1. The Electric Caster

A Sorcerer With Stunning Power

  • Ability Scores: Spells that use Lightning damage are often of an AoE nature, so this Sorcerer needs more Constitution, similar to the Fire Avatar build.

Another decent choice for a multiclass Sorcerer, this build works well with an Artificer or Storm Cleric. The power of Lightning can overlap with Acid, another corrosive type of damage, and Thunder, which knocks enemies Prone or makes them miss a turn. These Sorcerers also have improved mobility options.

Race

  • Air Gensai. Unending Breath, Lightning Resistance, the Shocking Grasp cantrip, and the spells Feather Fall and Levitate.
  • Tiefling: Bloodline of Glasya. +1 to Dexterity, Darkvision, the Minor Illusion cantrip, and the spells Disguise Self and Invisibility.
  • Harengon. An ideal choice for players that want extra movement, like Lucky Footwork and Rabbit Hop. Get +2 in any ability score and +1 in two others, or +1 in three.

Subclass: Storm Sorcery

For the Storm-loving Sorcerer, this is the optimal pick. With abilities such as Tempestuous Magic, Heart of the Tempest, and Guide of the Storm, you’ll find a blend of protective and aggressive talents focused on mastering lightning, wind, or water. At level 18, the Sorcerer acquires Wind Soul, granting immunity to any damage caused by Lightning and Thunder.

Background

  • Giant Foundling. This Sorcerer doesn’t have to be a giant, just be raised by them. The skills are Survival and Intimidation.
  • Sailor. A Sorcerer benefits from Athletics and Perception, and provides some great material for a water-based backstory.
  • Urban Bounty Hunter. Choose two of four skills. In this case, Insight is essential. The Ear to The Ground ability keeps the Sorcerer in touch with a network of other bounty hunters outside of their adventuring party, which is handy in any setting.

Feats

  • Elemental Adept. Choose Lightning, and if you decide to take the Feat again, Thunder.
  • Gift of the Gem Dragon. +1 to Charisma and the ability Telekinetic Reprisal, which allows the Sorcerer to use a Reaction to blast enemies in front of them with telekinetic energy.
  • Strike of the Giants. Either requires the Martial Weapon Proficiency, or added automatically with the Giant Foundling Background. Choose Cloud Strike or Storm Strike for this build. This makes another Feat available, Soul of the Storm Giant, which gives the Sorcerer +1 Charisma and some deadly AoE powers.

Recommended Gear

  • Cloak of Displacement. Creates the illusion that the wearer is standing a few feet to the right or left of their actual location. Enemies have Disadvantage on attack rolls.
  • Wand Of Paralysis. This wand gives the target the Paralyzed condition. It has seven charges that recharge every sunrise.
  • Illusionist Bracers. Gives the wearer the power to create several illusions at once. When they cast a cantrip, they can use a cantrip to cast another one in the same turn.

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2024-12-20 11:04