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The Sorcerer is one of the most volatile Classes in all ofBaldur’s Gate 3thanks to their wild spells and ability to use Metamagic to enhance their spellcasting skills.Sorcerers are at their bestwhen they put all of their effort into maximizing their damage output, which the Draconic Bloodline subclass offers in spades.
Unlike Dragonborn, Sorcerers under the Draconic Bloodline don’t get a Breath-type spell based on the color chosen. Instead, Draconic Sorcerers get a spell related to their color – in the case of this best Sorcerer build, players can expect to cast a cone of fire or a puddle of Grease. Those arefar from the only great spellsSorcerers have inBG3, though.
Updated Jun 06, 2025 by Erik Petrovich:With the release of ofPatch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3, Sorcerer builds have gained another subclass option to choose from: Shadow Magic. Though this new subclass offers a new way to play this class, the best BG3 Sorcerer build that takes advantage of the class' strengths the most uses the Draconic Bloodline subclass. As you journey through Baldur’s Gate 3, the best Sorcerer builds can benefit greatly from picking up a few permanent buffs. Though these often require you to go out of your way, the best permanent buffs can grant powerful stat upgrades and new abilities that push the best Sorcerer build to its limits. This guide has been updated to include brief information on the new Shadow Magic Sorcerer subclass, as well as a new section that covers the best Sorcerer permanent buffs and stat upgrades that are worth hunting down.
Sorcerer Class Introduction & Overview
The Baldur’s Gate 3 Sorcerer Class, Explained
“Sorcerers are natural spellcasters, drawing on inherent magic from a gift or bloodline.”
Sorcerer Playstyle & Signature Abilities
The Sorcerer is one of the few Spellcasting-only classes, one that is nearly impossible to build into a melee fighter without multi-classing. Like the Wizard, Sorcerers can access amassive variety of useful spellsthat range from devastatingly damaging to enraging environmental effects.
Unlike Wizards, Sorcerers cannot prepare new spells at will, and they use Charisma as the main spellcasting stat instead of Intelligence.
These may all sound like downsides, but Sorcerers make up for their lack of versatility for sheer power.
Each Sorcerer subclass, and build option, gains incredibly powerful benefits like more AC and HP, compared to other spellcasters, the unique ability to Fly as a Bonus Action, and even completely random effects from Wild Magic.
No matter which way one takes a Sorcerer, though, they all have theability to use Metamagic, and Sorcery Points, to influence their spells. Metamagic can twin spells, make them more likely to hit, change their range, and even allow Sorcerers to cast spells while Silenced.
Base Sorcerer Class Proficiencies: Armor, Weapons, Saving Throws, & Skill Choices
When you first start creating your Sorcerer Build, BG3 offers a selection of basic Class Proficiencies, and a choice of two Sorcerer Skill Proficiencies.
In addition to Armor, Weapon, and Saving Throw proficiencies that vary for each class, the pool of Skills you’re able to choose from are different for each class.
These cannot be changed once you get past character creation without resetting your build.
All Sorcerer Subclasses
There are a total of threeBG3subclasses Sorcerer players can try out, each of which focuses on different aspects of the class, and offers a selection of unique skills, proficiencies, and other features. As you level up in one of theseBG3Sorcerer subclasses, you will gain more abilities that are unique to your subclass choice.
Your choice of Sorcerer subclass can be changed by speaking with Withers, but you will start at Level 1 and have to make your BG3 Sorcerer build from scratch.
Though this chart displays information for all subclasses, if you want to make best Sorcerer buildBG3has to offer, you should go for the Draconic Bloodline.
(new with Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8)
Sorcerer Class Features – Level By Level
The max level inBaldur’s Gate 3is Level 12, and most of the time, each level you gain will grant something new for your Sorcerer build. On character creation you gain the basics for the Sorcerer class, then steadily gain Feat Choices, new spells and abilities, subclass features, and increase your Proficiency Bonus.
This chart displays everything you can expect to get at each Level-Up as a Sorcerer in yourBaldur’s Gate 3journey.
+2
+3
+4
2
4
–
3
5
6
7
8
1
SorcererLvl 8
9
10
11
12
13
BG3 Sorcerer Subclass Choice – Draconic Bloodline
Overview Of BG3 Sorcerer Dragonic Bloodline Subclass
“Your veins carry draconic magic, the result of a powerful dragon ancestor.”
What Makes Draconic Bloodline the Best BG3 Sorcerer Subclass?
The Fly ability granted by Storm Sorcery subclass is indeed powerful, thoughWild Magichas a tendency to cause chaos and go wrong in all the worst (and funniest) ways.
Draconic Bloodline Sorcerers are able to not only more easily control The Weave than Wild Magic users, but they also havebetter survivability than the Storm Sorcery subclassthanks to the extra HP and Draconic Resilience passive, which boosts Armor when not wearing any (aside from robes).
Though Sorcerers might think they should stay away from combat, a Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer performs just as well up close as they do at a range. Their higher AC and HP compared to other casters is really noticeable, and the class' use of Metamagic skills to amplify the effects of their spellcasting just makes close-range and AoE spells hit more often, or hit harder.
Draconic Bloodline Sorcerers can choose a color of their Draconic Ancestry, which offers both a visual change to a character’s model as well as a new ability.
Of the eight choicesof Ancestry, Red and Black are arguably the most useful. TheRed Ancestry grants Burning Hands, a short-range cleaving spell with Fire damage, while the Black Ancestry grants the Grease spell, which can be ignited with any source of Fire and has a good chance to knock enemies Prone.
Draconic Bloodline Subclass Features – Level By Level
In addition to everything you unlock while leveling as a Sorcerer, your Subclass also determines what you unlock at certain levels. As a Sorcerer, you may select a subclass at Level 1, in the character creation menu.
For the purposes of this guide to theBG3best Sorcerer build, choose the Draconic Bloodline when prompted to choose a Subclass.
BG3 Sorcerer Build Race, Background, Proficiency, Feats, & Stat Choices
Best BG3 Sorcerer Race: Drow, or Wood Half Elf
TheDrow are one of the most versatile, role-filling Races inBaldur’s Gate 3for a few important reasons. Their enhanced Darkvision is not to be sneered at, especially when one considers that it helps spells hit their targets in the dark. Plus,Drow have Advantage on Perceptionthrough Keen Senses.
The additional proficiency in Rapiers, Shortswords, and Hand Crossbows can come in handy sometimes, though Sorcerers tend to stick with a Quarterstaff for their main weapon.
The three Drow cantrips – Dancing Lights, Faerie Fire, and Darkness – are all situationally useful, too. Faerie Fire, granted at Level 3, is the most useful as it grants Advantage on all attacks against affected targets.
The Wood Half-Elf is another very strong choice for the best Sorcerer BG3 race because of its improved movement. Though the Wood Half Elf doesn’t have any notable spells like the Drow race, this extra 1.5m movement distance is a bigger benefit than it might seem, and all Half-Elf subraces get immunity to Sleep as well as Advantage against being Charmed from Fey Ancestry.
TheDrow is the more powerful race, but Half-Elf can be better for Sorcerers who have difficulty navigating combat before unlocking spells like Misty Step.
Best Sorcerer Backgrounds in BG3: Noble or Sage
The Sorcererpairs best with the Noble or Sage Backgroundsbecause they will naturally trigger Inspiration moments more often. Nobles get proficiency in History and Persuasion, and tend to trigger inspiration when performing noble, heroic acts (or literally engaging with the nobility of Baldur’s Gate and beyond).
Sages, on the other hand, gain proficiency in Arcana and History, and tend to trigger Inspiration when engaging with the mystical and magical elements of the world, like uncovering a lost book, or figuring out the historical background of a statue.
Either way, Sorcerers will have plenty of ways to get Inspiration from these two backgrounds. However, they do remove some choices from the starting Skill Proficiency list for the class.
Best BG3 Sorcerer Skill Proficiency Choices: Persuasion and Deception
Sorcerers can choose two skills from a list of six, but depending on the background you choose, one will not be an option (as it will already be taken). The Noble background gives proficiency on History and Persuasion, which removes one choice from the Sorcerer’s relatively brief list of six skill proficiencies.
The Sage gives both Arcana and History proficiency, once again leaving Sorcerers with five remaining options.
No matter which Sorcerer background you choose,make sure to get the Persuasion proficiency. Both Deception and Insight serve as equally viable backups for the sake of unlocking dialogue options, but Deception tends to come up more often. If you get Persuasion through the Noble background, pick up Insight or Intimidation instead.
Best Sorcerer Ability Scores & Stat Distribution
To create the bestBG3Sorcerer build, we recommend putting the majority of points into your Dexterity and Charisma, followed by Constitution.
The primary stat for most Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer spells and abilities inBG3is Charisma, but Dexterity should follow closely behind, with a little put into Constitution.
Wisdom, Strength, and Intelligence are not essential for the Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer build.
16
14
-1
Best BG3 Sorcerer Leveling Choices
Best Sorcerer Spells, Feats, & Other Choices At Every Level
InBaldur’s Gate 3, most classes have something to choose from with almost every level up. Some melee-oriented classes, like the Monk or Rogue, don’t have anything to pick at certain levels. But thanks to its heavy reliance on spells, and the Metamagic system unique to the class, thisBG3Sorcerer build has quite a lot to consider every time it levels.
This table displays recommendedBG3Sorcerer build choices for every level, including recommended spells you should add to your Spellbook while leveling. These spells synergize well with theBG3Draconic Sorcerer build, and include a variety of single-target and AoE damage abilities as well as ways to boost your damage and options in combat with the right Metamagic choices.
Cleric
Support
Difficult to CC (Charm & Sleep), hybrid Damage and Support spells
Fighter
Melee Tank
Great for drawing attention away from other party members while holding her own
Rogue
Melee Damage/Utility
Lockpicking is incredibly useful outside of Combat, and Sneak Attacks can be deadly
The best Sorcerer companions inBG3are Shadowheart as your primary Support party member, Lae’Zel as a Fighter in melee range tanking blows, and Astarion as a sneaky melee party member who can be useful out of combat too.
Though you may change the class and specialization of any of your companions, these three come with strong pre-determined class and spec combos to balance out your Sorcerer party composition.
If you are dead set on including a character in your party, simply talk to Withers to respec them to one of the optimal Sorcerer companion classes listed above. This way, you won’t miss out on that character’s questline, and you won’t have to suffer from an improperly balanced party.
Get The Best BG3 Sorcerer Gear In All Three Acts
This section covers the best equipment for Draconic Sorcerers in BG3 across all three Acts. Some pieces from early Acts may still be powerful in later ones, though, and will remain equipped through several Acts.
Sold by Omeluum, after completing his brief questline
Deathstalker Mantle
Only available to Dark Urge origin characters, after Alfira joins the camp
Looted from the secret vault of the Druid Grove
Looted in the hidden cellar of the Blighted Village
Drops from guards just outside Creche Y’llek in Rosymorn Monastery
Bracers of Defence
Looted in the hidden cellar of the Blighted Village (Act 1)
Drops from True Soul Nere in the Grymforge (Act 1)
Found in a chest in the House in Deep Shadows
Killer’s Sweetheart
Found on the ground after the Self-Same Trial in the Gauntlet of Shar
Hood of the Weave
Cloak of the Weave
Purchased from Helsik in the Devil’s Fee, in the Lower City
Robe of the Weave
Found in an ultra-secret part of Ramazity’s Tower, below the normally-accessible area
Quickspell Gloves
Purchased from front desk projection at Sorcerous Sundries in Lower City of Baldur’s Gate
Magic Amulet
Reunite Sarin’s skull with her skeleton near the Undercity Ruins Waypoint in the Baldur’s Gate 3 sewers
Ring of Mental Inhibition
Found in a chest in the House in Deep Shadows (Act 2)
Found on the ground after the Self-Same Trial in the Gauntlet of Shar (Act 2)
Markoheshkir
Reach the lower level of Ramazith’s Tower – where players meet Lorroakan – and interact with the “Below” symbol
N/A
Best BG3 Sorcerer Build Consumables & Permanent Buffs
InBaldur’s Gate 3, Sorcerer builds can be enhanced further with the use of specific consumables. Certain potions, like the Ellixir of Battlemage’s Power, will grant combat-oriented bonuses for this best Sorcerer build, while others, like the Potion of Angelic Reprieve, will make it easier to cast more spells more often by restoring Spell Slots.
If you spot any of these useful Sorcerer consumables as world loot or enemy loot, in trader inventories, or otherwise, be sure to pick them up and store them in a bag for later use.
Consumable Effects
Potion of Angelic Reprieve
Equivalent to a Short Rest, and restores all Level 1 and 2 Spell Slots. Must sleep for two turns to activate the effect.
Potion of Angelic Slumber
Equivalent to a Long Rest, and restores all Spell Slots. Must sleep for two turns to activate the effect.
Elixirs of Arcane Cultivation
Four types, each granting an additional Level 1 (standard), Level 2 (Greater), Level 3 (Superior), or Level 4 (Supreme) Spell Slot.
Elixir of Battlemage’s Power
Grants Arcane Acuity for 3 turns, increasing your chance to hit with spell attack rolls by +3, +3, then +1 each active turn (or until you take damage)
Potion of Speed
Grants Hastened for 3 turns, increasing AC by 2 and granting Advantage on DEX saving throws and an additional Action, and increases movement by 30ft.
Best BG3 Sorcerer Build Permanent Buffs
ThroughoutBG3you will find numerous ways to permanently increase your stats, gain permanent passive bonuses, or otherwise grant your character a permanent buff. To push the bestBG3Sorcerer Draconic Bloodline builds to the next level, keep an eye out for these five best Sorcerer permanent buffs as you adventure through the Sword Coast and beyond:
Auntie Ethel’s Hair
Grants +1 to any Ability Score of your choice
Must complete Mayrina’s quest in Act 1, but don’t kill Auntie Ethel. When she reaches low HP, she will offer to be spared. Accept her deal and you will gain Auntie Ethel’s Hair.
Awakened
All Illithid Powers now cost 1 Bonus Action instead of an Action
You must succeed all three Saving Throws inside the Githyanki Creche’s Zaith’isk to get this buff.
You may also absorb this skill when playing as Laezel by passing a DC 30 Arcana check (which will usually require a nat 20 roll) to take the power for your own.
The Tharchiate Codex
Once per Long Rest, gain 20 Temporary HP
Find and read “The Tharchiate Codex” within the Sorcerous Vault, which can only be accessed via Sorcerous Sundries in Baldur’s Gate City. You must use the Remove Curse spell to read it.
Mirror of Loss
Grants +2 to one Ability Score of your choice
Find the Mirror of Loss in the Cloister of Sombre Embrace within the House of Grief, found toward the end of Act 2.
Either offer the Necromancy of Thay (and the buff it grants) or pass a DC 25 Religion check to get +2 to any ability score of your choice.
Forbidden Knowledge
+1 to Wisdom checks and Saving Throws
You must find the Necromancy of Thay and successfully complete all three Wisdom checks to decipher its first page to get this buff.
Best BG3 Sorcerer Multiclass Choices
Maximize Your BG3 Sorcerer Build With Complimentary Sorcerer Multiclass Options
Players can choose to Multiclass beginning at Level 2. Look for the “Add Class” button on the top right of the level up overview menu – this will open up a new menu where players can choose one of any other class inBaldur’s Gate 3when selected.
Warlock Multiclass – Sorcerer 10/Warlock 2
The Sorcerer and Warlock multiclass build is one of themost popular inBG3because of high damage potential, both class' reliance on Charisma, and the added bonuses that the Warlock class can provide to a Sorcerer, like armor proficiency.
With just two points invested in Warlock (after around level 5), players gain access to the most powerful Cantrip inBG3and modifiers that further enhance its damage.
At Level 2, a Warlock can choose two Eldritch Invocations, like Repelling Blast and Agonizing Blast, and gain two Level 1 spell slots that refresh with each short rest. With spells like Haste, as well as the Sorcerer’s Metamagic options like Quickened Spell, this simple cantrip becomes one that can strike an enormous number of enemies at once.
By investing further in Warlock, players can hit even more times with Eldritch Blast andgain Pact Boons,but this of course comes at the cost of late-game Sorcerer abilities.
Wizard Multiclass – Sorcerer 11/Wizard 1
The Sorcerer class is pretty powerful on its own, and the Warlock is the only option that adds meaningful damage to the class' already-powerful toolkit. However, by speccing into the Wizard class, the Sorcerer gains theability to learn spells from Scrolls, vastly expanding its repertoire of options.
Sorcerers are not prepared spellcasters, and must select their available spells from their known spells when they level up.
It’s important to optimize a Sorcerer’s spell list with each level up and cut some abilities to make room for new ones – putting one level into Wizard early gives you more options to choose from, though it becomes a bit useless at max level, when Sorcerers can no longer swap spells.
Consider goingdown to Sorcerer 10and putting two levels in Wizard to unlock the Evocation subclass. This comes with the Sculpt Spells passive, negating the negative effects of your spells on allies in their area of effect (like Fireball).
