Sorcerer 5e: Class Guide for the 2024 Rules

What does a sorcerer do in D&D 5e?

A sorcerer is a full spellcaster whose magic comes from inside: a dragon ancestor, an aberrant mind, the order of a clockwork plane, or raw chaos. Mechanically that means fewer spells than a wizard, but more control over each one. You decide, every cast, whether a spell becomes a bonus action, hits two targets, or goes off without anyone seeing you cast it.

• Hit die: d6. Level 1 hit points are 6 + your Constitution modifier. A level 5 sorcerer with +2 Con has 32 HP using fixed averages; check other levels with the HP calculator.
• Primary ability: Charisma. Your spell save DC is 8 + proficiency bonus + Charisma modifier, so 13 at level 1 with a 16.
• Saving throws: Constitution and Charisma. Constitution proficiency makes the sorcerer the best class at holding concentration.
• Armor and weapons: no armor, simple weapons.
• Skills: choose 2 from Arcana, Deception, Insight, Intimidation, Persuasion and Religion.

What are the sorcerer's features by level?

This follows the 2024 Player's Handbook. "Prepared spells" is how many level 1+ spells you have ready; "Highest slot" is the biggest spell slot you have at that level.

Spell slots are the same as the wizard, cleric and druid: 2 first-level slots at level 1, 3rd-level spells such as Fireball at level 5, and one 9th-level slot at level 17. The complete list of spells you can pick from is on the sorcerer spell list.

How do Sorcery Points and Font of Magic work?

At level 2 you get Sorcery Points equal to your sorcerer level. They pay for Metamagic, and you can trade them with spell slots in both directions:

• Slot to points: spend a spell slot and gain points equal to its level. No action in 2024 (a bonus action in 2014).
• Points to slot: as a bonus action, turn points into a slot of level 5 or lower. A created slot disappears when you finish a long rest.

Converting is a loss trade: a 3rd-level slot becomes 3 points, but buying it back costs 5. Use it to turn leftover 1st-level slots into points for Metamagic, not the other way round. From level 5, Sorcerous Restoration gives back up to half your sorcerer level in points (2 at level 5) after a short rest, once per long rest.

Which Metamagic options are best?

You learn two options at level 2, two more at level 10 and two more at level 17. Normally only one option applies per spell.

One trap: Quickened Spell does not let you cast two slot-using spells in one turn. The 2024 rules allow only one spell slot per turn, so Quickened Fireball plus an action Fire Bolt works; Quickened Fireball plus an action Fireball does not.

What is Innate Sorcery?

New in 2024. Twice per long rest, a bonus action wakes up your magic for 1 minute: your sorcerer spell save DC rises by 1 and you have advantage on sorcerer spell attack rolls. Pop it before a big turn. At level 7 (Sorcery Incarnate) you can pay 2 Sorcery Points to use it again and apply two Metamagic options to each spell while it runs, and at 20 (Arcane Apotheosis) one Metamagic per turn is free while it is active.

Which sorcerer subclass should you pick?

• Draconic Sorcery: +3 hit points at level 3 and +1 per level after, AC 10 + Dex + Cha without armor, and at level 6 resistance to one damage type plus your Charisma modifier added to that type's spell damage. The sturdiest choice and the one in the free SRD.
• Wild Magic: casting can trigger a random surge, rolled on the d100 table. Our wild magic table roller handles the roll. Best for groups that enjoy chaos.
• Aberrant Sorcery: telepathy and psionic spells; strong control.
• Clockwork Sorcery: cancels advantage and disadvantage and adds protective wards; a support pick.

How do you build a sorcerer? (quick build)

1. Scores: 15 Charisma, 14 Constitution, 13 Dexterity, 12 Wisdom, 10 Intelligence, 8 Strength, then put background bonuses into Charisma and Constitution.
2. Cantrips: Sorcerous Burst or Fire Bolt for damage, plus Prestidigitation, Light or Mage Hand.
3. Level 1 spells: Shield and Magic Missile or Chromatic Orb. Add Misty Step at level 3 and Fireball or Haste at level 5.
4. Metamagic: Quickened and Twinned at level 2; Subtle at level 10 for Counterspell duels.

The character generator can roll a ready level 1 sorcerer, and the character sheet tracks your Sorcery Points between sessions.

What changed for the sorcerer in 2024 vs 2014?

• Subclass: level 1 in 2014, level 3 in 2024.
• Spells: 2014 sorcerers have a short "spells known" list; 2024 sorcerers prepare a larger number (up to 22) and still swap one when they level up. Each subclass also grants always-prepared spells in 2024.
• Metamagic: 2014 gives two options at level 3 and one more at 10 and 17; 2024 gives two at level 2, 10 and 17. Heightened costs 3 points in 2014, 2 in 2024. Twinned costs the spell's level in 2014 (1 for a cantrip) and works on any single-target spell, including Haste; in 2024 it costs 1 point but only works on spells that gain a target when upcast, which rules out Haste and Polymorph.
• New in 2024: Innate Sorcery, Sorcery Incarnate and Arcane Apotheosis. Sorcerous Restoration moves from level 20 (4 points) to level 5.

FAQ

What is the difference between a sorcerer and a wizard?

A sorcerer's magic is innate and runs on Charisma; a wizard learns magic from a spellbook and runs on Intelligence. Wizards can prepare more spells and change them after every long rest. Sorcerers prepare fewer and swap them only on level up, but Metamagic and Sorcery Points let them alter each spell.

Is the sorcerer good for beginners?

It is a fair pick if you like blasting, since a short spell list is easier to learn than a wizard's spellbook. The low d6 hit die punishes standing in melee, so new players should stay at range and take Shield or Mage Armor early.

How many Sorcery Points does a sorcerer get?

One per sorcerer level, starting at level 2: 2 points at level 2, 5 at level 5, 10 at level 10 and 20 at level 20. You regain them on a long rest, and from level 5 you also get back up to half your level in points once per long rest after a short rest.

What is the best Metamagic in 5e?

Quickened Spell (2 points) for casting a leveled spell as a bonus action and Twinned Spell (1 point in 2024) for adding a second target to spells that gain targets when upcast, such as Hold Person or Banishment. Subtle Spell is the best non-combat pick because it removes verbal and somatic components.

When does a sorcerer get its subclass?

At level 3 in the 2024 rules. In the 2014 rules the sorcerer picked its Sorcerous Origin at level 1.

Related

• DnD Character Generator
• Sorcerer Spell List 5e
• Wild Magic Surge Table
• Fireball 5e