D&D 5e (2014) Class GuideSorcerer Guide: Build, Spells and Ratings

Overview

The sorcerer is a full caster whose magic is in the blood. You know far fewer spells than a wizard, but MetamagicMetamagicLevel 3 featureAt 3rd level, you gain the ability to twist your spells to suit your needs. You gain two of the following Metamagic options of your choice. You gain another one at 10th and 17th level. You can use only one Metamagic option on a spell when you cast it, unless otherwise noted. bends the ones you have: cast two spells in a turn, hit two targets with one spell, or cast without anyone noticing. The Draconic Bloodline adds natural armor, extra hit points and bonus damage with one element.

Ability Scores

Charisma, then Constitution, then Dexterity. Charisma powers your spells. Constitution adds hit points to a fragile class. Dexterity adds to your Draconic Resilience armor class. In the 2014 rules your race gives the ability score increases. With the standard array and a Half-Elf (+2 Charisma, +1 Constitution, +1 Dexterity), you start with:

That gives 15 AC with no armor. Put your level 4 Ability Score Improvement into Charisma (+1 to 18, +1 to Constitution) or take a feat. Reach 20 Charisma by level 8.

Best Races for a Sorcerer

Half-Elf

+2 Charisma and +1 to Constitution and Dexterity. Two extra skills fill the sorcerer's short skill list.

Legendary

Tiefling

+2 Charisma, fire resistance and free spells from Infernal Legacy. The +1 Intelligence does little.

Epic

Halfling (Lightfoot)

+2 Dexterity and +1 Charisma. Lucky rerolls 1s on saves and attack rolls, and you can hide behind the party fighter.

Rare

Human

+1 to every score. If your table allows the variant human from the Player's Handbook, it becomes Legendary: War Caster at level 1.

Rare

Dragonborn

+1 Charisma and a breath weapon. Fits the bloodline perfectly, but the +2 Strength is wasted.

Uncommon

Dwarf (Hill Dwarf)

+2 Constitution and another hit point per level on top of Draconic Resilience. No Charisma.

Uncommon

Gnome (Rock Gnome)

Advantage on mental saves against magic and +1 Constitution. The Intelligence is wasted.

Uncommon

Elf (High Elf)

+2 Dexterity helps AC, but the bonus wizard cantrip uses Intelligence, not Charisma.

Common

Half-Orc

Strength and Constitution. Relentless Endurance is the only part a sorcerer uses.

Common

Best Feats

Feats are optional in the 2014 rules and only one is in the free SRD, so these come from the Player's Handbook. Ask your DM before you plan around one. Skip Resilient (Constitution): you already have Constitution saves.

Subclass: Draconic Bloodline

The Draconic Bloodline is the sorcerous origin in the free 2014 rules. You choose it at level 1, along with the kind of dragon in your family tree.

Draconic ResilienceLEVEL 1

+1 hit point per sorcerer level, and AC 13 + Dexterity modifier without armor.

D

Dragon AncestorLEVEL 1

Your dragon sets your element. Red, gold and brass give fire, which most of the best blasting spells use. You also speak Draconic.

Elemental AffinityLEVEL 6

Add your Charisma modifier to one damage roll of a spell that deals your element's damage. Spend 1 sorcery point to gain resistance to that element for an hour.

Dragon WingsLEVEL 14

A bonus action gives you a flying speed equal to your walking speed. Not through armor, unless it was made for wings.

D

Draconic PresenceLEVEL 18

Spend 5 sorcery points for an aura of awe or fear around you, as long as you concentrate.

Metamagic Options

You learn two Metamagic options at level 3, one more at 10 and another at 17. Only one option can go on each spell, except Empowered Spell. Sorcery points come from Font of MagicFont of MagicLevel 2 featureAt 2nd level, you tap into a deep wellspring of magic within yourself. This wellspring is represented by sorcery points, which allow you to create a variety of magical effects.: one per sorcerer level from level 2.

Best Sorcerer Spells

You can swap one spell known each time you level up, so early picks are not forever. Ratings assume a fire Draconic sorcerer in a party of three to five.

Fire BoltEvocation cantripCastingActionRange120 feetDurationInstantaneousDamage1d10 FireYou hurl a mote of fire at a creature or object within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d10 fire damage. A flammable object hit by this spell ignites if it isn't being worn or carried.

Fire BoltFire BoltEvocation cantripCastingActionRange120 feetDurationInstantaneousDamage1d10 FireYou hurl a mote of fire at a creature or object within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d10 fire damage. A flammable object hit by this spell ignites if it isn't being worn or carried. Fire damage, and Elemental Affinity from 6

Minor IllusionIllusion cantripCastingActionRange30 feetDuration1 minuteYou create a sound or an image of an object within range that lasts for the duration. The illusion also ends if you dismiss it as an action or cast this spell again. If you create a sound, its volume can range from a whisper to a scream.

Minor IllusionMinor IllusionIllusion cantripCastingActionRange30 feetDuration1 minuteYou create a sound or an image of an object within range that lasts for the duration. The illusion also ends if you dismiss it as an action or cast this spell again. If you create a sound, its volume can range from a whisper to a scream. Cover, distractions, lures

Shocking GraspEvocation cantripCastingActionRangeTouchDurationInstantaneousDamage1d8 LightningLightning springs from your hand to deliver a shock to a creature you try to touch. Make a melee spell attack against the target. You have advantage on the attack roll if the target is wearing armor made of metal.

Shocking GraspShocking GraspEvocation cantripCastingActionRangeTouchDurationInstantaneousDamage1d8 LightningLightning springs from your hand to deliver a shock to a creature you try to touch. Make a melee spell attack against the target. You have advantage on the attack roll if the target is wearing armor made of metal. Escape: the target loses its reaction

Ray of FrostEvocation cantripCastingActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousDamage1d8 ColdA frigid beam of blue-white light streaks toward a creature within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, it takes 1d8 cold damage, and its speed is reduced by 10 feet until the start of your next turn.

Ray of FrostRay of FrostEvocation cantripCastingActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousDamage1d8 ColdA frigid beam of blue-white light streaks toward a creature within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, it takes 1d8 cold damage, and its speed is reduced by 10 feet until the start of your next turn. Slows a charging enemy

Mage HandConjuration cantripCastingActionRange30 feetDuration1 minuteA spectral, floating hand appears at a point you choose within range. The hand lasts for the duration or until you dismiss it as an action. The hand vanishes if it is ever more than 30 feet away from you or if you cast this spell again.

Mage HandMage HandConjuration cantripCastingActionRange30 feetDuration1 minuteA spectral, floating hand appears at a point you choose within range. The hand lasts for the duration or until you dismiss it as an action. The hand vanishes if it is ever more than 30 feet away from you or if you cast this spell again. Pull levers from a safe distance

Shield1st-level AbjurationCastingReactionRangeSelfDuration1 roundAn invisible barrier of magical force appears and protects you. Until the start of your next turn, you have a +5 bonus to AC, including against the triggering attack, and you take no damage from magic missile.

ShieldShield1st-level AbjurationCastingReactionRangeSelfDuration1 roundAn invisible barrier of magical force appears and protects you. Until the start of your next turn, you have a +5 bonus to AC, including against the triggering attack, and you take no damage from magic missile. Keeps you alive

Sleep1st-level EnchantmentCastingActionRange90 feetDuration1 minuteThis spell sends creatures into a magical slumber. Roll 5d8; the total is how many hit points of creatures this spell can affect.

SleepSleep1st-level EnchantmentCastingActionRange90 feetDuration1 minuteThis spell sends creatures into a magical slumber. Roll 5d8; the total is how many hit points of creatures this spell can affect. No save. Ends level 1 fights

Magic Missile1st-level EvocationCastingActionRange120 feetDurationInstantaneousYou create three glowing darts of magical force. Each dart hits a creature of your choice that you can see within range. A dart deals 1d4 + 1 force damage to its target. The darts all strike simultaneously, and you can direct them to hit one creature or several.

Magic MissileMagic Missile1st-level EvocationCastingActionRange120 feetDurationInstantaneousYou create three glowing darts of magical force. Each dart hits a creature of your choice that you can see within range. A dart deals 1d4 + 1 force damage to its target. The darts all strike simultaneously, and you can direct them to hit one creature or several. Never misses

Burning Hands1st-level EvocationCastingActionRangeSelfDurationInstantaneousSaveDexterityDamage3d6 FireAs you hold your hands with thumbs touching and fingers spread, a thin sheet of flames shoots forth from your outstretched fingertips. Each creature in a 15-foot cone must make a dexterity saving throw.

Burning HandsBurning Hands1st-level EvocationCastingActionRangeSelfDurationInstantaneousSaveDexterityDamage3d6 FireAs you hold your hands with thumbs touching and fingers spread, a thin sheet of flames shoots forth from your outstretched fingertips. Each creature in a 15-foot cone must make a dexterity saving throw. Fire cone for crowds next to you

Mage Armor1st-level AbjurationCastingActionRangeTouchDuration8 hoursYou touch a willing creature who isn't wearing armor, and a protective magical force surrounds it until the spell ends. The target's base AC becomes 13 + its Dexterity modifier. The spell ends if the target dons armor or if you dismiss the spell as an action.

Mage ArmorMage Armor1st-level AbjurationCastingActionRangeTouchDuration8 hoursYou touch a willing creature who isn't wearing armor, and a protective magical force surrounds it until the spell ends. The target's base AC becomes 13 + its Dexterity modifier. The spell ends if the target dons armor or if you dismiss the spell as an action. Draconic Resilience already does this

Misty Step2nd-level ConjurationCastingBonus ActionRangeSelfDurationInstantaneousBriefly surrounded by silvery mist, you teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space that you can see.

Misty StepMisty Step2nd-level ConjurationCastingBonus ActionRangeSelfDurationInstantaneousBriefly surrounded by silvery mist, you teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space that you can see. Escape any grab

Hold Person2nd-level EnchantmentConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomChoose a humanoid that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a wisdom saving throw or be paralyzed for the duration. At the end of each of its turns, the target can make another wisdom saving throw. On a success, the spell ends on the target.

Hold PersonHold Person2nd-level EnchantmentConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomChoose a humanoid that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a wisdom saving throw or be paralyzed for the duration. At the end of each of its turns, the target can make another wisdom saving throw. On a success, the spell ends on the target. Twin it for two paralyzed humanoids

Scorching Ray2nd-level EvocationCastingActionRange120 feetDurationInstantaneousDamage2d6 FireYou create three rays of fire and hurl them at targets within range. You can hurl them at one target or several. Make a ranged spell attack for each ray. On a hit, the target takes 2d6 fire damage.

Scorching RayScorching Ray2nd-level EvocationCastingActionRange120 feetDurationInstantaneousDamage2d6 FireYou create three rays of fire and hurl them at targets within range. You can hurl them at one target or several. Make a ranged spell attack for each ray. On a hit, the target takes 2d6 fire damage. Three fire rays, spread as you like

Web2nd-level ConjurationConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration1 hourSaveDexterityYou conjure a mass of thick, sticky webbing at a point of your choice within range. The webs fill a 20-foot cube from that point for the duration. The webs are difficult terrain and lightly obscure their area.

WebWeb2nd-level ConjurationConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration1 hourSaveDexterityYou conjure a mass of thick, sticky webbing at a point of your choice within range. The webs fill a 20-foot cube from that point for the duration. The webs are difficult terrain and lightly obscure their area. Holds a whole doorway

Fireball3rd-level EvocationCastingActionRange150 feetDurationInstantaneousSaveDexterityDamage8d6 FireA bright streak flashes from your pointing finger to a point you choose within range and then blossoms with a low roar into an explosion of flame. Each creature in a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on that point must make a dexterity saving throw.

FireballFireball3rd-level EvocationCastingActionRange150 feetDurationInstantaneousSaveDexterityDamage8d6 FireA bright streak flashes from your pointing finger to a point you choose within range and then blossoms with a low roar into an explosion of flame. Each creature in a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on that point must make a dexterity saving throw. Your element at its best

Haste3rd-level TransmutationConcentrationCastingActionRange30 feetDuration1 minuteSaveDexterityChoose a willing creature that you can see within range. Until the spell ends, the target's speed is doubled, it gains a +2 bonus to AC, it has advantage on dexterity saving throws, and it gains an additional action on each of its turns.

HasteHaste3rd-level TransmutationConcentrationCastingActionRange30 feetDuration1 minuteSaveDexterityChoose a willing creature that you can see within range. Until the spell ends, the target's speed is doubled, it gains a +2 bonus to AC, it has advantage on dexterity saving throws, and it gains an additional action on each of its turns. Twin it on two fighters

Counterspell3rd-level AbjurationCastingReactionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousYou attempt to interrupt a creature in the process of casting a spell. If the creature is casting a spell of 3rd level or lower, its spell fails and has no effect. If it is casting a spell of 4th level or higher, make an ability check using your spellcasting ability.

CounterspellCounterspell3rd-level AbjurationCastingReactionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousYou attempt to interrupt a creature in the process of casting a spell. If the creature is casting a spell of 3rd level or lower, its spell fails and has no effect. If it is casting a spell of 4th level or higher, make an ability check using your spellcasting ability. Stops the enemy caster

Hypnotic Pattern3rd-level IllusionConcentrationCastingActionRange120 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomYou create a twisting pattern of colors that weaves through the air inside a 30-foot cube within range. The pattern appears for a moment and vanishes. Each creature in the area who sees the pattern must make a wisdom saving throw.

Hypnotic PatternHypnotic Pattern3rd-level IllusionConcentrationCastingActionRange120 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomYou create a twisting pattern of colors that weaves through the air inside a 30-foot cube within range. The pattern appears for a moment and vanishes. Each creature in the area who sees the pattern must make a wisdom saving throw. Takes half a fight out at once

Sorcerer Builds

Beginner friendlyThe Half-Elf Red Dragon

Race

Half-Elf

Subclass

Draconic Bloodline (Red)

First spells

ShieldShield1st-level AbjurationCastingReactionRangeSelfDuration1 roundAn invisible barrier of magical force appears and protects you. Until the start of your next turn, you have a +5 bonus to AC, including against the triggering attack, and you take no damage from magic missile., SleepSleep1st-level EnchantmentCastingActionRange90 feetDuration1 minuteThis spell sends creatures into a magical slumber. Roll 5d8; the total is how many hit points of creatures this spell can affect.

Metamagic

Twinned, Quickened

8STR

14DEX

15CON

10INT

12WIS

17CHA

15 AC without armor and more hit points than a wizard. Fire Bolt every turn, Fireball from level 5, and Haste on two allies once you can twin it.

Build this sorcerer

Free to start. No card needed.

DamageThe Tiefling Hellfire

Race

Tiefling

Subclass

Draconic Bloodline (Gold)

First spells

ShieldShield1st-level AbjurationCastingReactionRangeSelfDuration1 roundAn invisible barrier of magical force appears and protects you. Until the start of your next turn, you have a +5 bonus to AC, including against the triggering attack, and you take no damage from magic missile., Burning HandsBurning Hands1st-level EvocationCastingActionRangeSelfDurationInstantaneousSaveDexterityDamage3d6 FireAs you hold your hands with thumbs touching and fingers spread, a thin sheet of flames shoots forth from your outstretched fingertips. Each creature in a 15-foot cone must make a dexterity saving throw.

Metamagic

Quickened, Careful

8STR

14DEX

13CON

11INT

12WIS

17CHA

Fire spells, fire resistance and Hellish Rebuke from your heritage. Drops Fireball on the front line with Careful Spell to spare the fighter.

Build this sorcerer

Free to start. No card needed.

Sorcerer Features by Level

Lvl	PB	Features	Cantrips Known	Sorcery Points	Spells Known	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
1	+2	Sorcerous OriginSorcerous OriginLevel 1 featureChoose a sorcerous origin, which describes the source of your innate magical power: Draconic Bloodline or Wild Magic, both detailed at the end of the class description. Your choice grants you features when you choose it at 1st level and again at 6th, 14th, and 18th level. SpellcastingSpellcastingLevel 1 featureAn event in your past, or in the life of a parent or ancestor, left an indelible mark on you, infusing you with arcane magic. This font of magic, whatever its origin, fuels your spells. Cantrips At 1st level, you know four cantrips of your choice from the sorcerer spell list. Draconic ResilienceDraconic ResilienceLevel 1 featureAs magic flows through your body, it causes physical traits of your dragon ancestors to emerge. At 1st level, your hit point maximum increases by 1 and increases by 1 again whenever you gain a level in this class. Dragon AncestorDragon AncestorLevel 1 featureAt 1st level, you choose one type of dragon as your ancestor. The damage type associated with each dragon is used by features you gain later. Draconic Ancestry (table) You can speak, read, and write Draconic.	4	–	2	2	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
2	+2	Font of MagicFont of MagicLevel 2 featureAt 2nd level, you tap into a deep wellspring of magic within yourself. This wellspring is represented by sorcery points, which allow you to create a variety of magical effects.	4	2	3	3	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
3	+2	MetamagicMetamagicLevel 3 featureAt 3rd level, you gain the ability to twist your spells to suit your needs. You gain two of the following Metamagic options of your choice. You gain another one at 10th and 17th level. You can use only one Metamagic option on a spell when you cast it, unless otherwise noted.	4	3	4	4	2	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
4	+2	Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureWhen you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature.	5	4	5	4	3	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
5	+3		5	5	6	4	3	2	–	–	–	–	–	–
6	+3	Elemental AffinityElemental AffinityLevel 6 featureStarting at 6th level, when you cast a spell that deals damage of the type associated with your draconic ancestry, you can add your Charisma modifier to one damage roll of that spell.	5	6	7	4	3	3	–	–	–	–	–	–
7	+3		5	7	8	4	3	3	1	–	–	–	–	–
8	+3	Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureWhen you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature.	5	8	9	4	3	3	2	–	–	–	–	–
9	+4		5	9	10	4	3	3	3	1	–	–	–	–
10	+4	MetamagicMetamagicLevel 3 featureAt 3rd level, you gain the ability to twist your spells to suit your needs. You gain two of the following Metamagic options of your choice. You gain another one at 10th and 17th level. You can use only one Metamagic option on a spell when you cast it, unless otherwise noted.	6	10	11	4	3	3	3	2	–	–	–	–
11	+4		6	11	12	4	3	3	3	2	1	–	–	–
12	+4	Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureWhen you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature.	6	12	12	4	3	3	3	2	1	–	–	–
13	+5		6	13	13	4	3	3	3	2	1	1	–	–
14	+5	Dragon WingsDragon WingsLevel 14 featureAt 14th level, you gain the ability to sprout a pair of dragon wings from your back, gaining a flying speed equal to your current speed. You can create these wings as a bonus action on your turn. They last until you dismiss them as a bonus action on your turn.	6	14	13	4	3	3	3	2	1	1	–	–
15	+5		6	15	14	4	3	3	3	2	1	1	1	–
16	+5	Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureWhen you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature.	6	16	14	4	3	3	3	2	1	1	1	–
17	+6	MetamagicMetamagicLevel 3 featureAt 3rd level, you gain the ability to twist your spells to suit your needs. You gain two of the following Metamagic options of your choice. You gain another one at 10th and 17th level. You can use only one Metamagic option on a spell when you cast it, unless otherwise noted.	6	17	15	4	3	3	3	2	1	1	1	1
18	+6	Draconic PresenceDraconic PresenceLevel 18 featureBeginning at 18th level, you can channel the dread presence of your dragon ancestor, causing those around you to become awestruck or frightened.	6	18	15	4	3	3	3	3	1	1	1	1
19	+6	Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureWhen you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature.	6	19	15	4	3	3	3	3	2	1	1	1
20	+6	Sorcerous RestorationSorcerous RestorationLevel 20 featureAt 20th level, you regain 4 expended sorcery points whenever you finish a short rest.	6	20	15	4	3	3	3	3	2	2	1	1

Leveling Your Sorcerer, 1 to 20

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