Sorcerer 5e
Innate spellcasters who manipulate magic through sorcery points and metamagic. Sorcerers trade spell versatility for the ability to enhance and modify their limited spell list.
At a Glance
Hit Die
d6
Primary Ability
Charisma
Saving Throws
Constitution, Charisma
Armor
None
Weapons
Daggers, darts, slings, quarterstaffs, light crossbows
Spellcasting
Full caster (Charisma)
Key Features
| Feature | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sorcerous Origin | 1st | Source of magic granting bonus spells and unique abilities. |
| Font of Magic | 2nd | Sorcery points equal to sorcerer level. Convert between spell slots and points or fuel metamagic. |
| Metamagic | 3rd | Learn 2 metamagic options (4 total by 17th). Spend sorcery points to modify spells: Quicken, Twin, Subtle, etc. |
| Sorcerous Restoration | 20th | Regain 4 sorcery points on short rest. |
Subclasses
| Subclass | Source | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Draconic Bloodline | Player's Handbook | Dragon ancestry granting AC bonus, CHA damage to elemental spells, and wings at 14th |
| Wild Magic | Player's Handbook | Unpredictable surges, Tides of Chaos advantage then trigger surge, Bend Luck to alter rolls |
| Divine Soul | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Cleric spell list access for healing and support |
| Shadow Magic | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Darkness spell, summon hound of ill omen, teleport via shadows, immune to death at 0 HP once |
| Storm Sorcery | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Fly 10ft after casting spells, storm guide controls weather, lightning/thunder damage resistance |
| Aberrant Mind | Tasha's Cauldron of Everything | Psionic spells cast subtly and telepathy |
| Clockwork Soul | Tasha's Cauldron of Everything | Order magic with advantage/disadvantage negation and defensive spells |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Not converting spell slots to sorcery points between combats - Font of Magic is flexible, use it
Common Mistake
Forgetting Twinned Spell only works on spells that target one creature and can't target multiple - no Twinned Fireball
Common Mistake
Not realizing Subtle Spell lets you cast in Silence and without being seen - it's incredible for stealth casting
Common Mistake
Quickened Spell confusion - if you cast a bonus action spell, you can only cast cantrips with your action that turn
Common Mistake
Choosing too many blast spells - sorcerers know very few spells, pick versatile options
DM Tips
DM Tip
Wild Magic surges should happen regularly - roll on the table, it's fun chaos
DM Tip
Sorcerers burn through spell slots converting to sorcery points - multiple encounters tax them heavily
DM Tip
Subtle Spell bypasses Counterspell - remember NPCs can't counter what they can't see
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Sorcerer — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD class text
- Sorcerer — D&D Beyond — Official class reference
- Sorcerer Guide — RPGBOT — Class optimization guide