As an avid D&D player with over 200 hours logged running spellcasters, I‘m thrilled by the depth Baldur‘s Gate 3 offers for showcasing 5e‘s iconic magic classes. After extensive playtesting, I want to provide my insights on three of the most complex yet rewarding arcane options available in Early Access – Sorcerers, Warlocks, and Wizards.
Each brings uniquely potent yet challenging playstyles to master. Let‘s explore why you might favor one over others based on party needs, personal preference, and desired mechanics.
Evaluating Primary Spellcasters
New Baldur‘s Gate 3 players often struggle evaluating full spellcaster roles. Unlike martial classes who attack consistently, magic relies on limited daily resources. Understanding these tradeoffs helps assess where Sorcerers, Warlocks and Wizards each excel – and falter.
Let‘s examine key metrics like:
- Spell slots per day
- Spells known/prepared
- Recovery (short vs long rest)
- Damage output
- Crowd Control options
- Durability & AC
Sorcerer Stats
| Level | Cantrips | Spells Known | 1st Level Slots | 2nd Level Slots | Metamagic Known | Sorcery Points | AC | Hit Points | Hit Dice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | – | – | – | 11 | 6 | 1d6 |
| 5 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 27 | 1d6 |
| 10 | 5 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 11 | 75 | 1d6 |
Sorcerers have the fewest spells known but most malleable casting with metamagic enhancements. Their bloodline powers offset modest defenses with extra utility. I suggest Wild Magic for unpredictability or Draconic Resilience for durability.
Warlock Stats
| Level | Cantrips | Spells Known | Spell Slots | Slot Level | Invocations Known | AC | Hit Points | Hit Dice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1st | – | 11 | 10 | 1d8 |
| 5 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 3rd | 3 | 11 | 38 | 1d8 |
| 10 | 4 | 10 | 2 | 5th | 5 | 11 | 89 | 1d8 |
Pact Magic means Warlocks regain all slots on short rests. Combined with at-will damage from Agonizing Blast, they offer reliable output. Customize them heavily through invocations and boons like Pact of the Tome or Chain.
Wizard Stats
| Level | Cantrips | Spells Prepared | 1st Level Slots | 2nd Level Slots | AC | Hit Points | Hit Dice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | – | 10 | 8 | 1d6 |
| 5 | 4 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 34 | 1d6 |
| 10 | 5 | 18 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 71 | 1d6 |
Wizards know the most spells overall and prepare daily from their expanding books. Specialize schools to unlock bonuses when casting or scribing those spells into your grimoire. Expect to deal damage, banish creatures, and reshape battlefields through blistering area control options.
Let‘s analyze what these attribute differences mean regarding playstyle…
Crowd Control and Damage Roles
Wizards boast the largest spell selections for hindering foes, from grease and web lowering movement to hypnotic pattern rendering targets unconscious. Their evocation subclass also buffs damage and makes spell explosions safe for friends.
Sorcerers lag in daily spells known but stretch options through metamagic. Careful Spell prevents fireball detonations hurting allies. Heightened metamagic imposes disadvantage on crucial save rolls too. Their bloodlines provide extra blasting capabilities as well.
Warlocks rely on Eldritch Blast for consistent damage, enhanced through invocations. Create watery tentacles via Liquid Luck to restrain groups. Entangle with Plant Growth slows victim mobility. Customize spell options and invocations to suit your battlefront role.
For pure crowd control: Wizard first, Sorcerer second
For consistent damage: Warlock first, Sorcerer/Wizard behind
Versatile Support Options
Sorcerers and Wizards learn few healing or restoration spells. However, sorcerers subtly influence social interactions through magic. A well timed Suggestion or Charm Person wins many battles before they start. Heighten metamagic also forces failed saves on demand.
Warlocks gain several support invocations boosting skills or perception, like Eyes of the Runekeeper (read all writing) or Mask of Many Faces (disguise self freely). The Great Old One patron also offers potent telepathic options.
Wizards support through sheer utility – create shelter, food, tools or distractions anywhere. Scribe scrolls to share one use spells with less magically-inclined allies too. Transmutation alters the environment itself, creating difficult terrain for enemies to hamper their efforts.
For social manipulation: Sorcerer first, Warlock close second
For utility spells: Wizard first, Warlock second
Best Defenses
Despite larger health pools than wizards, warlocks remain vulnerable relying on Eldritch Armor invocations for base AC 12 – easily hit by dangerous enemies. Some weaponpact warlocks wear light armor and off-tank when needed, but most stay ranged.
Draconic sorcerers avoid such risks, gaining 13+Dex AC to start. Their extra HP makes them the toughest full caster in base 5E. They later gain wings and damage resistances through their dragon heritage. Wild sorcerers are riskier with random surges however.
Wizards survive via positioning and control spells rather than durability. Abjuration specialists gain bonuses to counterspell attempts and extra temp HP shields though, increasing their resilience. Bladesingers can temporarily improve AC but remain less durable than other options still.
For raw toughness: Draconic Sorcerer first by far, Blade Pact Warlock distant second
For avoidance: Wizard First, Other Sorcerer Second
Best Primary Spellcaster
Ultimately class choice depends on party composition and personal preference. Sorcerers manipulate magic freely, making few spells do more things. Wizards have spells for every occasion even if they take more forethought. Warlocks unrelentingly make what magic they have count – and recover it quickly.
I suggest these roles for first time arcane casters:
Raw Beginner? Tome Warlock, for Eldritch Blast damage, utility invocations, and ritual casting from books.
Prefer Slaying Foes? Any Warlock excels here with Agonizing Blast and short rest spell recovery.
Enjoy Strategic Play? Conjuration/Evocation Wizard using battle shaping control spells.
Like Modifying Abilities? Wild Magic Sorcerer swirling the tides of fate.
Wish to Push Limits? Blade Pact Warlocks wade into melee using weapons and spells.
With the right selection, mastering these classes provides hundreds of hours of magical excitement and challenge through every new adventure! Now stop reading and start playing!