Exploring Baldur's Gate 3: Ranking the Sorcerer Subclasses

The Sorcerer class in Baldur's Gate 3 is a powerful option for players, whether they choose the Dark Urge or not. There are different ways to customize a Sorcerer in the game, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. When creating a Sorcerer, players can choose from three unique subclasses that offer distinct playstyles.

Choosing the right subclass is crucial as it will influence the gameplay experience in Baldur's Gate 3. Players should carefully consider their options to select the subclass that best complements their character's strengths. Whether they prefer more roleplay opportunities or dealing massive damage, the choice of subclass will have a significant impact on gameplay. Here is a ranking of the Baldur's Gate 3 sorcerer subclasses.

Storm Sorcery

The Newest Sorcerer Subclass Underwhelms

Baldur's Gate 3 Dragonborn Sorcerer - The Newest Sorcerer Subclass Underwhelms - Storm Sorcery

The Storm Sorcery subclass is the latest Sorcerer subclass in Baldur's Gate 3. It was not available during early access but was added when the game was officially released. While it does offer some strategic advantages in battles, this subclass is generally considered to be a weaker option compared to the other available choices.

At the first level, the Storm Sorcery subclass gives Storm Sorcerers the Tempestuous Magic feature. This allows them to fly as a bonus action after casting a spell of first level or higher, without worrying about opportunity attacks. It's a great way to quickly move around enemies and strategize at lower levels. However, as Sorcerers level up, the usefulness of this feature diminishes. Especially since Sorcerers will likely be using quickened metamagic at higher levels, allowing them to cast a spell as a bonus action by spending three Sorcery points. This means that the Tempestuous Magic feature may not be the best use of a Sorcerer's bonus action in the later stages of the game.

At the sixth level, Storm Sorcerers unlock the Heart of The Storm ability. This ability creates a small storm that deals either lightning or thunder damage to enemies within 6 meters when a spell that deals lightning or thunder damage is cast. Unfortunately, the damage dealt is a flat 3 points, instead of being determined by dice rolls. By the time this ability is unlocked, it may not be very powerful. On the bright side, at this level, Storm Sorcerers also gain the benefit of having any lightning and thunder damage they take halved. While this is a nice advantage, it may not fully make up for some of the other shortcomings of this subclass.

The most exciting bonus for Sorcerers comes at level six. They will learn powerful spells like Call Lightning, Thunderwave, Create/Destroy Water, Gust of Wind, and Sleet Storm. Despite a couple of lesser spells, this upgrade is fantastic for Sorcerers, especially Call Lightning and Thunderwave. These spells are essential for Sorcerers, who often have a limited selection of spells. This feature helps expand their spell list effectively.

At level 11, a Storm Sorcerer will gain the Storm's Fury feature. This ability allows them to retaliate against melee attacks without using any action resources. It inflicts 11 lightning damage on the attacker and can even push them back. While it's a nice bonus for helping Sorcerers withstand martial attacks better, it may be somewhat disappointing as a feature learned at the second-to-last level in Baldur's Gate 3.

Draconic Bloodline

Infuse A Sorcerer With Ancient Draconic Magic

Baldur's Gate 3, Kith'rak Voss's Red Dragon In Flight - Infuse A Sorcerer With Ancient Draconic Magic - Draconic Bloodline

The Draconic Bloodline subclass is a great choice in Baldur's Gate 3, just like in Dungeons and Dragons. When you first choose this subclass, you'll get a bonus to your HP. You'll gain an extra hit point for every level you have as a Sorcerer, up to a maximum of 12. This may not seem like much, but it gives the typically fragile Sorcerer some extra protection in fights. Additionally, you'll receive Draconic Resilience, which boosts your base Armor Class to 13.

Players have the option to choose from 10 different Dragon Ancestors, each offering unique skills like Grease, Burning Hands, Feather Fall, or Fog Cloud. Each ancestor is associated with a specific type of damage: Red Dragons for fire, Bronze Dragons for lightning, and Green Dragons for poison. At level six, players unlock a boost to the damage of spells matching their ancestor's damage type, adding the Charisma modifier to damage rolls. Spending 1 sorcery point also grants resistance to that type of damage, enhancing survivability throughout the game.

At level eleven, players gain the ability to fly up to 18m in a turn without using a spell slot or action. While similar to Storm Sorcery's Tempestuous Magic feature, this ability offers better action economy and maneuverability on the battlefield, making it a valuable asset for Sorcerers.

Wild Magic

This subclass is perfect for Sorcerers, who are usually quite fragile, to withstand more damage. It provides a small boost to a Sorcerer's spells and brings a fun twist to roleplaying.

The Tides Of Chaos Bring Strong Buffs And Embrace Randomness

the-dark-urge - The Tides Of Chaos Bring Strong Buffs And Embrace Randomness - Wild Magic

The Wild Magic class is considered the strongest Sorcerer subclass available. Embracing chaos and rewriting history can be incredibly powerful in the right circumstances. While not the most popular choice in table-top games, Wild Magic Sorcerers shine in Baldur's Gate 3. Their features may seem subtle compared to other options, but they offer significant combat advantages and the ability to support allies using sorcery points.

At the first level, Wild Magic Sorcerers unlock the Tides of Chaos & Wild Magic features. The Wild Magic feature triggers a random effect when casting a spell, potentially changing the course of battle. While this can lead to unexpected outcomes like turning into a sheep or summoning water, it can also enhance weapons, boost Armor Class, or provide extra actions. The unpredictability adds excitement and unpredictability to the game.

The Tides of Chaos ability is a powerful feature for Sorcerers. It lets them gain advantage on an attack roll, saving throw, or ability check whenever they want. This feature does affect the wild magic abilities of a Wild Magic sorcerer, making a Wild Magic Surge about 40% more likely. But that just adds to the excitement of playing this class.

At level six, Wild Magic Sorcerers unlock the Bend Luck ability. By spending two sorcery points and rolling 1d4, they can add or subtract the number rolled as a bonus or penalty to attack rolls, ability checks, or saving throws made by themselves or others. This ability can come in handy for saving against powerful spells or landing a crucial blow on a tough opponent.

At level eleven, Wild Magic Sorcerers can use their chaotic magic to affect enemies. Spellcasting enemies who cast spells near a Wild Magic Sorcerer may experience a Wild Magic surge, which could result in unexpected outcomes like turning all enemies into sheep. This feature makes Wild Magic Sorcerers the most powerful and enjoyable subclass for Sorcerers in Baldur's Gate 3.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a thorough analysis of the Sorcerer subclasses in Baldur's Gate 3, offering valuable insights for players seeking to optimize their character builds. The ranking of subclasses is well-reasoned, with each subclass's strengths and weaknesses clearly outlined. The detailed descriptions of each subclass's abilities and features, along with the examples of their usage in combat, help readers make informed decisions when creating their Sorcerer character.

While the article effectively highlights the unique playstyles and strategic advantages of each subclass, it could benefit from additional discussion on the synergies between subclasses and other character elements. Exploring how different subclasses complement specific backgrounds, races, or spell choices would provide a more comprehensive analysis and help readers further customize their Sorcerer characters to suit their desired playstyle.