The "Coffeelock" build exploits mechanics to gain endless spell slots. This Baldur‘s Gate 3 guide explains the Sorcerer/Warlock multiclass and offers optimization tips.
Understanding the Infamous Coffelock
By combining a few key class features, Coffelocks produce a nuclear magical chain reaction granting obscene bursts of power. Here‘s how it works at its core:
Font of Magic (Sorcerer): Convert spell slots into sorcery points and vice versa
Pact Magic (Warlock): Regain all expended Warlock spell slots whenever you take a short rest
Metamagic: Quickened Spell: Cast spells as a bonus action
This enables an indefinite cycle allowing enormous Nova potential. It‘s game-breakingly strong but requires careful mastery…
The Appeal of Going Nuclear
So what motivates one to walk the path of the Coffelock? Here are a few reasons:
- Delete enemies with insane Nova bursts
- Seize absolute control over the battlefield
- Experience ridiculous multicasting potential
- Revel in the power high of breaking systems
- Theorycraft the ultimate min/maxed build
By endlessly fueling your magic, you transcend petty spell limits and unleash godly destruction! Now let‘s break down how to construct this mechanic-bending masterpiece…
Choosing the Best Sorcerer/Warlock Split
Most Coffelock builds use either a Sorcerer 5/Warlock 3 or Sorcerer 7/Warlock 3 level split.
Sorcerer 5 has 3rd-level spells like Fireball while Sorcerer 7 unlocks Polymorph. But Warlock 3 offers two extra level 2 spell slots to convert into sorcery points.
Here‘s a comparison:
| Level Split | Sorcery Points | Spell Slots | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sorcerer 5/Warlock 3 | 20 base + 7 conversions = 27 points | Four 3rd-level slots | Fireball access |
| Sorcerer 7/Warlock 3 | 28 base + 4 conversions = 32 points | One 4th-level slot | Polymorph access |
As you can see, Sorcerer 7 edges out slightly ahead in the long run. But some prefer rushing Sorcerer 5 first for that all important Fireball spell.
Optimizing Your Warlock Patron and Spells
The Fiend patron works best for several reasons:
- THP sustains you between rests
- Fire resistance complements Pyromancy
- Awesome lower level spells like Burning Hands
Eldritch Blast is also mandatory – it‘s your go-to damage cantrip. Back it up with Armor of Agathys, Hellish Rebuke, and Invisibility for survival and control.
For invocations, snag Agonizing Blast first then Fiendish Vigor or Ascendant Step.
Race, Stats, and Feats
Race – Githanki Pact Weaver
While any race suffices, Githanki make exceptional blasters with boosts to Int and innate medium armor. Their racial spells Jump and Misty Step add mobility too.
Playing a githzerai or Githyanki lets you lean on their unique lore and dialog options as well.
Some solid rolled stats:
- Constitution: 14+ (concentration checks)
- Dexterity: 14 (AC, initiative)
- Charisma: 16+ (spellcasting focus)
- Intelligence: 12+ (boosts psychic spells)
Feats – Metamagic Adept & War Caster
Grab Metamagic Adept at 4th level Sorcerer for more Sorcery Points fueling your combos.
War Caster is also great, enabling somatic components with weapons/shields drawn plus critical Concentration saves.
Gear & Magic Items
Headband of Intellect (Very Rare) boosts Intelligence to 19, improving psychic spell saves and skills.
Luminous Armor +1 (Very Rare) blinds enemies, enabling easy crit fishing with Eldritch Blast.
Psychic Spark Formula (Epic) adds Psychic damage to all damage rolls for insane bonus output.
Coruscation (Very Rare) ring grants bonus Radiant damage to further multiplier potential.
Staff of Power (Very Rare) offers a heap of charges powering spells like Shield, Misty Step, and Invisibility while boosting saves.
Spellwrought Tattoo (Uncommon) grants a free 1st-level spell like Shield without using spell slots.
Nuclear Spell Combos & Metamagic
You can cast numerous spells per turn using Metamagic, primarily Quickening them as bonus actions.
Decimating Groups
- Quickened Shatter into empowered Fireball
- Distant Thunderwave pushing enemies into a Quickened Hunger of Hadar
- Familiar Help action > Quickened Eldritch Blast with advantage
Deleting Tough Foes
- Quicken Polymorph enemy + normal Inflict Wounds
- Banishment on the healer + Disintegrate the tank
- Careful Hypnotic Pattern control + auto-crit held foes with Inflict Wounds
Buffing Allies
- Quicken Haste on your Gale/Wyll/fighter
- Twinned Enlarge on martials before they wade into melee
Metamagic options are limitless – Quicken spell combos to erase encounters rapidly!
Playing The Coffelock In Action
Magicka management is vital to handling the ebbs and flows of this playstyle. Follow these tips:
Slot Conservation
- Initially only drain lower slots first into Sorc points
- Retain a few 1st level slots always for Absorb Elements/Shield reactions
- If desperate, convert Sorc point reservoirs back into slots
Resting Rhythm
- Push hard during early adventuring days before rests
- Mix in Short Rests when resources run low
- Take Long Rests judiciously when party is seriously drained
- Camp with multiple Song of Rest allies
With practice, you‘ll master balancing output pace. My first Coffelock attempt failed by burning too hot! Patience pays off.
Combat Gameplan
- Rapidly dump highest slots in Nova opener to erase priority threats
- Transition to lower slots sustaining efficient Evocation damage
- Sprinkle in battlefield control like Web or Hypnotic Pattern when needed
- Clean up stragglers via Cantrips or weapon attacks
- Do NOT hoard high slots for some "future perfect moment" – leverage them decisively now in the heat of battle! You can always recycle spell points between fights.
Exploration & Social Encounters
Sure, while pure devastation excels in combat, Coffelocks still thrive outside slaying:
- Maintain mobility boosts like Expeditious Retreat, Jump or Fly
- Leverage rituals like Detect Magic or Identify
- Subtle Spell-empowered Enchantments, Illusions, and Transmutations influencing social battles without notice
- Craft scrolls with excess slots to activate later without preparation
Similar principles apply – manage resources diligently, unleash spells decisively at key moments, recycle slots between scenes. Conserve magic only when danger seems absent.
Comparison To Other Power Builds
Coffeelock stands toe-to-toe with other notorious multiclassed spellcasters like Sorcadins and HexSorcadins when played optimally. Let‘s compare them:
Sorcadin (Sorcerer/Paladin)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Nova Smite bursts | Limited by spell slot supply |
| Heavy armor proficiencies | Limited Metamagic options |
| Paladin sustain auras | Can‘t recycle magic resources endlessly |
HexSorcadin (Sorcerer/Warlock/Paladin)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete Nova grenade build | Extremely MAD (requires high Cha, Con and Str/Dex) |
| Quickened Spell combos | No high level and/or 5th level spell progression |
While Sorcadins and HexSorcadins have tremendous benefits, the Coffelock uniquely exploits mechanics enabling endless spell slot generation unparalleled by any build…if you can leverage rests properly.
Conclusion
In summary, the Coffelock enables ludicrous power but balances on a knife‘s edge, demanding strict resource discipline. The playstyle certainly won‘t suit everyone.
Yet for devoted fans of optimizing mechanics and weaving complex combos, it promises godly strength. Wield the Coffelock‘s gamebreaking capacity with wisdom and restraint, unleashing the endless magical armageddon righteously!
Now brew that ultimate magical potion and embrace the waiting power high. But pray the DM has patience and a sense of humor…