The Sorcerer. A spellcaster wields arcane power that erupts from their very being. Unlike Wizards, Sorcerers do not learn their magic from a dusty tome or sell their soul to a Warlock patron. Their magical essence IS who they are – it’s in their blood. But with such raw magic coursing through their veins, choosing a path can be...well, overwhelming.
The Sorcerer's Sorcerous Origin, the fancy term for their subclass, determines the very nature of your magic – adding even more complexity! Do you channel the might of dragons, wield the fury of storms, or tap into the enigmatic power of the aberrant?
This guide will be your lifeline as you navigate through the series of options. We will break down each Sorcerous Origin, explore its strengths and weaknesses, in order to give you the best information to make a decision. So, take a deep breath, and let's unlock the secrets of your bloodline!
Side note: While I am ranking these from worst to best, there is no such thing as a terrible class. Each one has strengths and weaknesses and different roleplay abilities. While I will mention some of those, this list will explore their min-max potential to determine which one is objectively the best class (however, sometimes the fun in D&D is making terrible choices).
Let's start with the OK subclasses
7) Wild Magic
Wild Magic Sorcerers, while undeniably fun with their unpredictable surges of chaotic power, can be a less than ideal choice for those seeking consistency – making this one of the weakest choices.
Their reliance on the Wild Magic Surge table and a DM comfortable with randomness can lead to frustrating situations where you harm yourself or your allies instead of your enemies. Additionally, some of their later features, while beneficial, are outshined by the more reliable power offered by other subclasses.
However, on the plus side, the thrill of the unpredictable and the potential for hilarious or game-changing moments still make this subclass a compelling choice for those who crave a touch of pandemonium in their spellcasting.
Choose Wild Magic if:
- You don’t mind being inconsistent. . In D&D, having a plan of attack and knowing what can happen is huge in tough fights. The Wild Magic Sorcerer throws that out the window and takes a ‘winging it’ mentality.
- You don’t mind being a nuisance to your fellow party members. The chaotic magic table can be beneficial or detrimental to your party, i.e you could roll well and see invisible creatures, or you could roll poorly and cast fireball on yourself, targeting anyone around you in the process.
- You don't mind potentially challenging your DM with randomness. While random and improv are a fundamental aspect of D&D, it can be a lot for a DM who isn’t prepared for it. Always talk to the DM first!
- You don’t mind the long wait. It takes a while to gain control of the Wild Magic – I’m talking level 14. Most D&D campaigns may not even get that high and the payoff isn’t worth it, when compared to other classes.
- You really like chaos. If everything I’ve said up to this point sounds great to you, then by all means pick this class. It is heavy on chaos and if that chaos appeals to you, go for it! You’ll still have a ton of fun.
6) Storm Sorcery
This subclass is a little bit tricky when compared to the others. While the lightning theme and powers can be seen as fun, this subclass has a lot more cons than pros. With its weaker early levels, a riskier playstyle, and limited spell options, this subclass heavily underperforms in combat.
While most classes have hard times at early levels, especially spellcasters, the Storm Sorcerer’s struggle is real. One of the few abilities that you receive, Tempestuous Magic sounds great on paper. Being able to fly an additional ten feet as a bonus action sounds great for maneuverability, however, a 1st level lightning or thunder spell must be cast first.
The lack of early 1st level lightning or thunder spells is severely felt as well. It’s as if the mechanics are designed for a high-risk, high reward play style. This is countered by the lack of additional protection offered by the other subclasses – and the squishy nature of sorcerers.
Choose Storm Sorcery if:
- You really like lightning abilities. This is a good multiclass option with a storm sorcerer cleric, but you have to be careful as you’ll lose out on certain late game abilities from both classes.
- You like the slow burn. This class does take a long while until it starts to take off and is not recommended for new sorcerers.
- You like high-risk, high-reward styles. Getting into close range can be scary, and with lightning grasp as your primary option means you have to think a few moves ahead and have great planning. Running in, casting Lightning Grasp at level 1, and then using tempestuous magic to fly away is a viable strategy.
- You want to look cool with the wind. Tempestuous Magic does add a bit of dramatic flare which might appeal to you (it does with me!).
- You know you're going to get into a lightning based campaign. Having those elemental resistances will feel nice.
5) Draconic Bloodline
The Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer seems like it would be an amazing class for Dungeons & Dragons! It should make you feel like an awe-inspiring dragon, and being a Dragonborn should synergize extremely well both in roleplay and combat, however, that is not the case and becomes really lackluster.
One of the primary draws to this subclass is the ability, Draconic Resilience. Having a base AC score for 13 + your Dexterity modifier is nice, but the one bonus and lack of origin spells feels rather limiting, especially when there are ways to increase AC further, like with the spell Mage Armor.
While there are some cool things about the subclass, the Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer subclass offers limited customization options. Unlike other subclasses, it doesn't grant any additional spells known, which restricts spell versatility. One of the greatest strengths the sorcerer class possesses is the range and versatility in spells and functions. This can be a major drawback in campaigns requiring a wide range of magical abilities.
Speaking of campaign drawbacks, Draconic Bloodline Sorcerers are heavily reliant on elemental damage, which can be a significant weakness against enemies with resistances or immunities. To overcome this, players often need to invest in feats and metamagic options, feeling like a necessary burden and micromanaging.
The subclass's capstone ability, Draconic Presence (which is granted at level 18) is often considered disappointing. Compared to early options, the lower levels can feel really lackluster. The lack of origin spells and a truly dragon-like experience contribute to a feeling of thematic and mechanical disconnect.
Choose Draconic Bloodline if…
- You want a little more AC. At level 1 you do get Draconic Resilience which uses your scale-skin like armor at a base of 13 + your Dexterity modifier.
- You want to micromanage with feats and metamagic. Metamagic is a fun requirement for playing a sorcerer, but you shouldn’t be locked into specific ones as a necessity. .
- You only want situational abilities. Draconic Presence is cool, don’t get me wrong, but at the cost of 5 sorcery points the fear effect only works in certain situations, meaning you might hold back on actually using it.
- You don’t mind Elemental Limitations. When picking your ancestry, you’ll have a strong affinity for a specific kind of element. If you are playing a campaign that only features against-type enemies, then you're going to find that your abilities and spells pack way less of a punch.
- You want to ignore everything I said and live as a Dragon! If you have heard the things I said and still want to give it a try, absolutely go for it.
Lower MIddle Tier:
4) Shadow Magic
Shadow Magic always sounds epic. Becoming one with the shadows, moving through them, and living in the darkness has always had a strong appeal – it’s probably why Batman exists! The Shadow Magic Subclass for Sorcerer, however, doesn’t live up to the full potential of its own hype.
The subclass is often considered a mid-tier subclass choice in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. While it offers unique abilities like summoning the Hound of Ill Omen and the powerful Shadow Walk (more on those in a second), many of its features are situational and don't provide the same broad utility as other subclasses. The lack of extra spells known compared to other sorcerer options limits character versatility. Resource management is another hurdle, as key abilities rely on precious sorcery points.
Despite these drawbacks, the Shadow Magic Sorcerer does possess a modicum of strengths. The ability to teleport with Shadow Walk at higher levels offers significant tactical advantages, and the Hound of Ill Omen can be a potent tool for disrupting enemies (plus you get a sick shadow dog companion!). However, the hound is also very limited as it can only be around for 5 minutes – meaning use out of combat is extremely limited.
Choose Shadow Magic if…
- You love the shadowy aesthetic. If you're drawn to the mysterious and dark, the Shadow Magic Sorcerer offers a rich thematic experience.
- You prioritize mobility and battlefield control. The Shadow Walk ability, available at higher levels, provides incredible mobility, and the Hound of Ill Omen can disrupt enemies effectively.
- You're willing to manage resources carefully. Since sorcery points are crucial for the Shadow Magic Sorcerer's abilities, efficient resource management is essential. l.
- You enjoy a challenging playstyle: This subclass requires careful planning and adaptation to maximize its potential.
- You're looking for a unique and flavorful character. The Shadow Magic Sorcerer offers a distinctive playstyle that stands out from other sorcerer subclasses.
Upper Middle Tier
3) Divine Soul
The Divine Soul Sorcerer takes on a different approach, making it one of the few truly unique subclasses in D&D's hefty roster. The Divine Soul is a support class and should be played that way. Access to both Sorcerer and Cleric spell lists provides unparalleled flexibility in combat and utility. Features like Favored by the Gods and Empowered Healing offer significant advantages.
However, the subclass is not without its challenges. Resource management can be demanding, as effective use of Divine Soul’s abilities requires careful planning. Additionally, the lack of armor proficiency compared to Clerics makes Divine Soul Sorcerers more vulnerable in combat. While the subclass offers immense potential, some of its most impactful abilities become available only at higher levels.
The combination of arcane and divine magic creates a compelling character concept. With careful planning and optimization, this subclass can excel in a lot of diverse roles that really depend on the player. While it might not be the perfect choice for every player or campaign, its versatility and power make it a strong contender.
Choose Divine Soul if…
- You desire versatility. Access to both Sorcerer and Cleric spell lists provides a wide range of options for any situation.
- You value powerful support abilities. Features like Favored by the Gods and Empowered Healing make you an invaluable party member and your friends will love you forever as you heal them.
- You enjoy balancing offensive and supportive roles . The Divine Soul Sorcerer can effectively deal damage while also healing and buffing allies.
- You want to explore a character with a divine connection. This subclass offers a strong thematic focus on a character's bond with a deity that’s not an armored tank also known as a cleric.
- You are willing to invest time in resource management. If you like spreadsheets, then this is for you. Maximizing the potential of the Divine Soul Sorcerer requires careful planning and quick decision-making – I strongly recommend making a flow chart of different situations and what to do in them before sessions (then again, I am a spreadsheet nerd.)
2) Clock Soul
The Clockwork Soul Sorcerer is widely considered an upper-tier subclass in Dungeons & Dragons, which is well-earned due to its exceptional spellcasting capabilities. Unlike standard sorcerers, Clockwork Soul Sorcerers have access to an expanded spell list, focusing on abjuration and transmutation magic. These additional spells don't count against the number of spells known, significantly boosting the sorcerer's versatility and power.
Beyond its expanded spell list, the Clockwork Soul Sorcerer boasts impressive features that enhance its effectiveness. Abilities like Restore Balance and Trance of Order provide crucial tactical advantages, while also excelling in defense, increasing survivability and not being so squishy.
Often considered on par with or even superior to the Aberrant Mind sorcerer, the Clockwork Soul offers a well-rounded and powerful playstyle while maintaining a very fun, steampunk fantasy aesthetic.
Choose Clock Soul if…
- You prioritize a versatile spellcaster. The expanded spell list offers a wide range of options for both offense and support.
- You value defensive capabilities. The subclass provides strong defensive options, like Bastion of Law, making you and your party more resilient.
- You want a reliable and consistent character. Features like Trance of Order ensure consistent performance in combat.
- You enjoy tactical gameplay. The ability to manipulate the battlefield with spells like Aid and Wall of Force offers strategic depth.
- You prefer a well-rounded character. The Clockwork Soul Sorcerer excels in both offense, defense, as well as utility, making it a strong choice for many playstyles – and really fun!
Best
1) Aberrant Mind
The Aberrant Mind sorcerer is renowned as a top-tier subclass in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. The subclass grants access to a significant number of additional Psionic Spells, nearly doubling a sorcerer’s spell list. This expansion, combined with the ability to swap Psionic Spells for other divination or enchantment spells, provides unparalleled versatility and customization.
Beyond its impressive spell list, the Aberrant Mind excels in other areas. The subclass offers strong utility options and powerful high-level abilities. Additionally, the synergy between Psionic Spells and sorcerer metamagic creates devastating combinations. This versatility makes the Aberrant Mind adept in combat, exploration, and social interactions – telepathy is insanely fun and will surely annoy your DM.
In the realm of D&D, the Aberrant Mind sorcerer has a very strong place with a lot less weakness than some of the other subclasses. While it does suffer from some of the same weaknesses as the others, which are inherent with the parent class, it does offer a unique experience.
Choose Aberrant Mind if…
- You crave versatility. The expanded spell list and ability to swap spells offer unmatched flexibility.
- You enjoy a unique playstyle. Psionic abilities offer a distinct and powerful approach to magic.
- You want a powerful spellcaster. The combination of spells and abilities makes for a formidable character.
- You value utility. Strong utility options beyond combat enhance gameplay.
- You appreciate thematic depth. The psionic theme provides rich roleplaying opportunities.
You may also be interested in:
