Best Vengeance Sorcadin build - Sorcerer Paladin - Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)

Sorcadin Build - Paladin Sorcerer Multiclass Overview

Sorcadin is a multiclass between the Sorcerer and Paladin classes. Why would you go this way? It empowers Paladin, allowing it to reach the versatility that you cannot get by going only with just a monoclass.

Sorcerer brings level 4 spell slots, unlocking higher damage potential. However, this is not all as your total number of spell slots will increase, allowing for longer combat before needing a Long Rest.

Another aspect is metamagic, which allows some neat tricks. You can use Sorcery points to utilize Metamagic: Twinned Spell​ and cast a single spell on two targets. This greatly diminishes the negative aspect of sacrificing two attacks. With some items, this will even be improved further.

Sorcadin also includes the benefits of Paladin, as you can still use their spells to control, support, and heal. And of course, the most important part of all of this - sustained use of Divine Smites.

Leveling Overview

Here is a concise table with all the main picks during your levelling progression. For more detailed reasoning, I go further in the article. Also, do not forget to check the recommended gear, as it is crucial.

Level	Class	Selection
1	Paladin 1	Subclass: Oath of Vengeance
		Abilities: STR - 8, DEX - 16, CON - 14, INT - 8, WIS - 10, CHA - 17
		Skills: Intimidation, Persuasion, Athletics
2	Paladin 2	Fighting Style: Defence​
3	Paladin 3	-
4	Paladin 4	Feat: Great Weapon Master: All In​
5	Paladin 5	-
6	Paladin 6	-
7	Sorcerer 1	Cantrips: Booming Blade, Friends​, Light, any
		Spells: Shield​, Enhance Leap​
		Subclass: Draconic Bloodline
		Dragon Ancestor: Lightning or Fire
8	Sorcerer 2	Spells: Enhance Leap​
		Metamagic: Metamagic: Twinned Spell, Metamagic: Extended Spell​
9	Sorcerer 3	Spells: Mirror Image​ or Shadow Blade​
		Metamagic: Metamagic: Quickened Spell​
10	Sorcerer 4	Cantrips: any
		Spells: any
		Feat: Savage Attacker​
11	Sorcerer 5	Spells: Lightning Bolt​ or Fireball​
12	Sorcerer 6	Spells: Counterspell​

The Natural Strength Setup

Level	Class	Selection
1	Paladin 1	Subclass: Oath of Vengeance
		Abilities: STR - 17, DEX - 14, CON - 10, INT - 8, WIS - 8, CHA - 16
		Skills: Intimidation, Persuasion, Athletics
2	Paladin 2	Fighting Style: Defence​
3	Paladin 3	-
4	Paladin 4	Feat: Great Weapon Master: All In​
5	Paladin 5	-
6	Paladin 6	-
7	Sorcerer 1	Cantrips: Booming Blade, Friends​, Light, any
		Spells: Shield​, Enhance Leap​
		Subclass: Draconic Bloodline
		Dragon Ancestor: Lightning or Fire
8	Sorcerer 2	Spells: Enhance Leap​
		Metamagic: Metamagic: Twinned Spell, Metamagic: Extended Spell​
9	Sorcerer 3	Spells: Mirror Image​ or Shadow Blade​
		Metamagic: Metamagic: Quickened Spell​
10	Sorcerer 4	Cantrips: any
		Spells: any
		Feat: Ability Improvement - +2 Strength
11	Sorcerer 5	Spells: Lightning Bolt​ or Fireball​
12	Sorcerer 6	Spells: Counterspell​

Build Variations

Here are some variations that work similarly and utilize the same classes at their core.

Starting the Game - Level 1

This section covers the creation screen and what would go into the best Races, Abilities, and Skills for the Vengeance Sorcadin build. If you have already started playing, feel free to do a respec at Withers and follow along. This will make it easy to follow the build step by step.

Races

Picking a race provides various benefits - abilities, dialogue options, looks, etc. Because Paladin gets Heavy Armor proficiency, you have many more options for what to choose.

Race	Features	Description
Zariel Tiefling	Darkvision Hellish Resistance Thaumaturgy​	A very versatile race that has Darkvision​ and good fire resistance. Moreover, thanks to Thaumaturgy, they can further utilize high Paladin's Charisma.
Half-Orc	Darkvision Relentless Endurance Savage Attacks	Half-Orcs shine as Paladins. They can resurrect in case they die and get an additional die roll on a critical hit. This gives a big damage boost if you are using something like Polearm or Greataxe with a 1d10 or 1d12 damage roll.
Dwarf Duergar	Dwarven Combat Training​ Superior Darkvision​ Duergar Resilience​	This subrace comes with an Enlarge spell, that gives bonus damage. It does not take a concentration slot, making it the perfect choice to improve damage.
Halfling	Halfling Luck Brave	This race has a unique effect where they can reroll dice that roll 1. This results in better chances for critical hits, fewer missed attacks, and dialogue success.
Wood Half-Elf	Fleet of Foot - your base walking speed is 10.5 meters. Darkvision Civil Militia Fey Ancestry	What makes these special is their increased moving distance. I think this is valuable as once you start taking out enemies one by one with Smites, this will prove advantageous. Overall the same applies to Wood Elf.

Class

Overview
Paladin
Features
Lay on Hands​	Use your blessed touch to heal a creature or cure it of all diseases and poisons.
Divine Sense​	Gain Advantage on Attack Rolls against celestials, fiends, and undead.
Channel Oath Charges	You gain the ability to channel the power contained in your Paladin Oath, which you can use to fuel certain actions.

Subclass

For the Sorcadin build, we can go with any Paladin class. Each of them provides different bonuses. For this build, I will be going with Oath of Vengeance, as I would like to stop Paladin leveling at level 6 and continue with Sorcerer after that.

Overview
Oath of Vengeance
Features
Inquisitor's Might​	You or an ally's weapon attacks deal additional Radiant damage equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of 1) and can Daze enemies for 2 turns.
Oath of Vengeance Tenets​	Oath of Vengeance paladins abide by the following tenets: Fight the Greater Evil. Exerting your wisdom, identify the higher morality in any given instance, and fight for it. No Mercy for the Wicked. Chasten those who dole out their villainy by wiping their blight from the world forever.

Background

Backgrounds are mostly for role-playing and you can pick whatever you prefer. Paladin mainly benefits from Strength and charisma-related skills.

Abilities

Now, let's take a look at the abilities of the Sorcadin build. Correct allocation will allow you to maximize the early gameplay and get good modifier bonuses.

You have two options for setting up your ability scores. I will leave it for you to decide how you want to approach:

Abilities	Description
Strength Elixir Setup: Strength - 8 Dexterity - 16 (15+1) Constitution - 14 Intelligence - 8 Wisdom - 10 Charisma - 17 (15+2)	This option is for those who would like to minmax the ability scores from the start. It allows you to have all the core abilities at very high values - Dexterity, Charisma, and Strength. It does limit your weapon options to Finesse for the early areas. Once you reach Druid's Grove, you can start using Elixir of Hill Giant Strength. This allows you to use better Two Handers. Later in Act 3, you can obtain Gauntlets of Frost Giant Strength to get fixed strength value and open up other elixirs like Elixir of Bloodlust.
Natural Strength: Strength - 17 (15 +2) Dexterity - 14 Constitution - 10 Intelligence - 8 Wisdom - 8 Charisma - 16 (15+1)	This is more of a natural setup that enables you to freely use any weapon in the early parts of the game, namely Nautiloid and Ravaged beach. Once you reach Druid's Grove, you can either switch to the ability allocation above or continue with this one to keep elixir slot free. The setup can go 14 Dexterity, 10 Constitution, or vice versa depending on your priorities. These stat allocations are not perfect, but still viable to play. As you progress, you can reach 24 natural strength and use various gears like Gloves of Dexterity or Amulet of Greater Health to dump other stats.

Skills and Expertise

Overall, the skills should be impacted by your roleplaying and background decisions. However, you would still want those that will give you the best benefits. My recommendations are to pick those at which you have a high ability modifier

Strength:

• Athletics

Charisma:

• Persuasion
• Intimidation

Leveling Progression

Here is the detailed progression for the Sorcadin build to get you started. You can use it as a guideline because early games can be daunting and overwhelming. Later on, once you get a feel for the class, you can start picking your options.

Level 2

By this time, you should have landed on the Ravaged beach already.

Action	Description
Divine Smite​	A very powerful action unique to Paladins. It will allow you to empower weapon attacks at the cost of spell slots. Use it when you need high damage to take out a foe as fast as possible or land a critical hit. Using higher-level spell slots will improve Divine Smite​ damage.

Fighting Style

Style	Description
Defence​	Gives +1 Armour Class, which results in a decent increase in survivability. I would say this is the only pick that has a significant impact on the build performance.

Prepared Spells

Spell	Description
Thunderous Smite​	Deals decent damage and gives use for Bonus Action early in the game, when you might not have a use yet. Also, making an enemy Prone​ will make it easier to hit for allies or the next attack.
Shield of Faith​	Gives +2 Armour Class as long as you can maintain concentration. Lasts until a long rest.
Command​	Can command the creature to drop a weapon, run away, come close, etc. It can be useful in some encounters, especially against low Wisdom enemies.
Divine Favour​	An easy way to boost damage with a bonus action.

Stocking on Strength Elixirs

Early in Act 1, after you reach the first settlement - Druid's Grove, you can stock up on some powerful potions for Acts 1 and 2 - Elixir of Hill Giant Strength.

What do they do? They increase the Strength to 21 until a Long rest. More or less, this negates any need to have an investment in Strength if you plan to use it till the late game. This enables using various two-handed weapons, not just Finesse ones, and maximizes combat potential in the early game.

Later, you will have an option to obtain Gauntlets of Frost Giant Strength to increase strength by more and open up an elixir Slot.

This is pretty easy, and you can stock up on these in a few minutes. Here is a guide to stock up on Elixir of Hill Giant Strength.

Level 3

We continue levelling Paladin. Level 3 brings features both for class and subclass. First, the class benefits:

Feature	Description
Divine Health	Prevents diseases from affecting the Paladin.

In addition, you get subclass actions:

Action	Description
Abjure Enemy​	Although the ability is pretty good, it has a Wisdom save, and also costs a full action. Might be worthwhile early on, but once you get Extra Attack​ it's very expensive to use.
Vow of Enmity​	This is a pretty good Channel ability. It costs a bonus action and gives easy advantage against the enemy. You should use this on stronger foes, where you will hit them multiple times. This makes it easier to use Great Weapon Master: All In.

In addition, we get subclass-specific spells:

Spells	Description
Bane​	Pretty expensive ability, especially as there are items that can do that - Harold.
Hunter's Mark​	This spell uses bonus action and enables you to slightly improve your damage with each hit. Moreover, if you can maintain concentration, the spell can be reused on the next enemy. This works until the Long Rest.

Level 4

Level 4 brings a new feat, slightly improving the build capabilities

Feat

Feat	Description
Great Weapon Master: All In​	One of the best feats for two-handed weapons. First, it gives a bonus attack using a bonus action if you kill an enemy or land a critical hit. Second, it gives a big 10 damage boost, which comes with a -5 penalty to attack rolls. I recommend checking my guide on Attack Roll Increase, to get ideas on how to easily overcome this penalty.

Level 5

Finally, level 2 spells are unlocked, new Oath spells, and you get a new and powerful class feature:

Feature	Description
Extra Attack	Can make an additional free attack after making an unarmed or weapon attack.

Always ready spells:

Spell	Description
Misty Step​	Excellent mobility action, to enable you to reach enemies, in case movement speed does not allow. It can also be used to flee.
Hold Person​	A pretty good spell, which can help with disabling foes and landing guaranteed critical hits. To best utilise it, later in Act 3, be sure to get Band of the Mystic Scoundrel, which would allow you to cast it with just bonus action.

Level 2 Spells for Prepared list

As level 2 spells are unlocked, here are some considerations to include in your build:

Spell	Description
Magic Weapon​	This spell can empower your weapons with bonus damage rolls and attack rolls. The higher the spell slot you use, the bigger the bonus. Another thing is that the bonus may seem low, but it will boost your success on hitting while having Great Weapon Master: All In​ active.
Lesser Restoration​	Can heal disease, poison, paralysis, and some other negative effects. Not mandatory, but good to have if the situation arises.
Aid​	This can be a useful spell if you don't have another source of it. Still, Paladin is limited with spell slots, so I would use this sparingly or rely on Cleric for this.

Level 6

Another important level for the build, as you will get access to an Aura.

Feature	Description
Aura of Protection​	Gives a bonus to saving throws, making Paladin an excellent option for resisting spells and maintaining concentration with spells.

Level 7 - Lv 1 Sorcerer

Here is the first level where you will take Sorcerer. At first, it won't be much, but in a few levels, you will be able to fully unlock the spellcasting potential of the build.

Class

Overview
Sorcerer
Features
Spell Slots	These can be used to cast spells and are restored each long rest.

Cantrips

Taking the Sorcerer class gives some useful cantrips, especially outside of combat. Here are my recommendations:

Cantrips	Description
Booming Blade​	The almighty cantrip for melee weapon users. It is free to use and gives a solid damage boost via Thunder Damage Rider.
Friends​	Can help with dialogue checks. Be careful not to cancel it near the targeted NPC, as they will attack you.
Light​	It can help light an area, especially useful in Act 2.
Any	The other cantrip options are not relevant.

Spells

As a Sorcerer, we are also able to pick level 1 spells. Here are my recommendations for the first two

Spell	Description
Shield​	This is a very powerful spell that can be used with a level 1 spell. It increases your Armour Class by 5 for the turn. This means you can avoid most of the attacks, especially if you have a shield equipped.
Enhance Leap​	A decent utility spell to help with exploration.

Subclass

Overview
Draconic Bloodline
Features
Draconic Resilience​	Not that relevant for the build
Draconic Resilience: Hit Points	Additional health bonus for a slight survivability boost.

Dragon Ancestor

As a Draconic Bloodline, you can choose one of the ancestors. These unlock a level 1 spell and later on, some unique effects based on the element you choose.

I see two main choices: either going with Fire-related ancestry or Lightning. This way, you can utilize Fireball or Lightning Bolt spells at level 5 Sorcerer.

• Lightning-related - Draconic Ancestry: Blue (Lightning), Draconic Ancestry: Bronze (Lightning)​ will give bonus damage with the Lightning Bolt​ spell. Moreover, this is a more powerful option in terms of spellcasting, as you can double damage on Wet​ enemies.
• Fire-related - Draconic Ancestry: Red (Fire), Draconic Ancestry: Gold (Fire), Draconic Ancestry: Brass (Fire)​ will give bonus damage to fire spells - Fireball. Moreover, it provides fire resistance, a valuable attribute that is abundant throughout the game.

Ancestry	Description
Draconic Ancestry: Blue (Lightning)​	Lightning is a very powerful option, giving a significant boost to your lightning spells.

Level 8 - Sorcerer Lv 2

The second level unlocks a few important features:

Actions	Description
Create Sorcery Points​	Spend Spell Slots to gain Sorcery Points. Once you get some more metamagic options, you could sacrifice spell slots to cast two spells in one turn or increase your range.
Create Spell Slot​	Spend Sorcery Points to unlock a Spell Slot. You could create a higher-tier spell slot to increase the damage over what you can at the current level

Spells

Take any spell; they have minimal impact at this level, we will switch it out later.

Metamagic

Metamagic	Description
Metamagic: Twinned Spell	Spells that only target 1 creature can target an additional creature. This can be useful for something like Drakethroat Glaive to boost 2 weapons or casting single-target spells.
Metamagic: Extended Spell​	This is especially useful if you will cast spells with short durations like Hypnotic Pattern. It would extend their effect period.

Level 9 - Sorcerer Lv 3

Spells

Spells	Description
Mirror Image​	This spell increases your armor class by 9 points. This can then hold off three attacks, slowly draining it. This is a very powerful frontline tool.

Replace Spell

Remove Spell	Add Spell	Description
The utility spell that you picked at level 1-2	Shadow Blade​	Take this spell if you would like to use Shadow Blade as a one-handed weapon option.

Metamagic

To be honest, I think there is only one passive that the Sorcerer Paladin build needs, and it will allow the creation of some very strong combos:

Passives	Description
Metamagic: Quickened Spell​	By consuming 3 Sorcery points, a spell can be cast using a bonus action. You can use something like Hold Person, Lightning Bolt, etc., to change the tide of battle.

Level 10 - Sorcerer Lv 4

Cantrips

Take any; they have minimal impact on the build now.

Spells

I think most of the level 2 spells are already obtained. You can take the one that looks the most relevant - Enhance Ability, Enlarge, etc.

Feat

Now this is our last Feat, and we have plenty of options to choose from based on how you plan to optimize the build.

Feat	Description
Savage Attacker​	A powerful option, especially if you decide to use Shadow Blade
Ability Improvement - +2 Strength	For a natural strength setup, this is a great pick to further enhance the main ability.
Ability Improvement - +2 Charisma	This is a safe option pick, which improves both spell success chance and damage via the Arcane Synergy​ effect. Moreover, it slightly boosts the dice rolls of the dialogues.
Alert​	A decent option if you want to guarantee going first in most of the game encounters.

Level 11 - Sorcerer Lv 5

This is a big step for Sorcadin Build. A lot of good spells are unlocked, and the build enters the final stage. Let's go through how you should optimise it.

Spells

Spell	Description
Lightning Bolt​	My go-to pick, especially if you went with lightning ancestry. In general, this is a very powerful spell if you have a way to apply Wet.
Fireball​	A fire-themed spell, offering a perfect choice for fire ancestry pick.

See what you can do with some setup:

Replace Spell

Overall, if you use all the spells, then there is nothing to change. However, you could get Counterspell​ now instead of next level, which will be extremely useful in multiple late-game encounters.

Level 12 - Sorcerer Lv 6

We reached the final level of Sorcadin build and level 6 for the Sorcerer. By taking the Sorcerer, we now get access to a level 5 spell slot. This can be used to upcast some of the spells that you have access to like Hold Monster​ or Command,​ for very powerful control. Moreover, we unlock new subclass features based on the draconic bloodline:

Features	Description
Elemental Affinity: Damage​	When you cast a spell that deals damage of the type associated with your draconic ancestry, you add your Charisma Modifier to the damage.
Elemental Affinity: Resistance​	When you cast a spell that deals damage of the type associated with your draconic ancestry, you can spend 1 Sorcery point to gain Resistance to that damage type.

Spells and Replace Spell

Now, as a last spell, there are a few good options that you can pick to further optimize the build

Spell	Description
Counterspell​	A very powerful spell that can disable enemy spells, specifically control ones, making it easier in the hard fights.
Hypnotic Pattern​	Extremely useful control spell for disabling groups of enemies.

Maximizing Ability Scores

Now, as the build progression is covered, there are a few aspects and important decisions you will have to make throughout the game. These will decide your final score for abilities.

Strength - natural strength setup

So this ability score is quite important, and as we talked already, there are a few main ways to maximize it:

1. 17 Strength - the base from character creation.
2. Act 1 - Auntie Ethel Hair - you will want to get +1 Strength if you pick this choice.
3. Feat - Ability Improvement - +2 Strength.
4. Act 2 - Potion of Everlasting Vigour - +2 Strength.
5. Act 3 - Mirror of Loss - pick +2 Strength.

This results in 24 Strength, with a +7 modifier

Charisma - if running strength elixirs

If running a strength elixir setup (later moving to Gauntlets of Frost Giant Strength), you can allocate more points into spellcasting modifier, which helps to improve damage via Arcane Synergy and spellcasting success. 

1. 17 Charisma - the base for character creation.
2. Act 1 - You can take Auntie Ethel Hair for +1 Charisma. However, there is another option to get Charisma +1 later in Act 3, via Patriar's Memory. I leave this up to you.
3. Act 3 - Mirror of Loss - pick +2 Charisma.
4. Act 3 - Mirror of Loss - Patriar's Memory - +1 Charisma if did not take Auntie Ethel Hair.

With all of these bonuses, you will have +5 damage via Arcane Synergy, which is quite significant.

Illithid Powers

This special mechanic in Baldur's Gate 3 allows you to consume tadpoles and unlock special Illithid Powers.

At first, you can only use the base powers. As you move to Act 3, you will be able to unlock the outer ring powers, also called Elite.

Illithid Power	Type	Description
Favourable Beginnings	Base	Beneficial power to take as it does not have any costs, and provides only benefits on the first hits with attack rolls.
Luck of the Far Realms​	Base	It's an easy way to ensure you land critical hits, especially good with Divine Smite.
Cull the Weak​	Base	It can help to kill an enemy faster if it is left with a few HP.
Psionic Backlash​​	Base	Excellent way to deal additional damage with reaction, early and mid game.
Ability Drain​	Base	Decreases enemy's ability score.
Shield of Thralls​	Base	Excellent option for bonus temporary HP. It can also apply Stunned on foes after it is destroyed.
Illithid Expertise​	Elite	It can be used to maximize the effectiveness of charisma-based skills, especially those relevant to the main character.
Black Hole​	Elite	Potent spell that can be used to pull enemies together. You can then follow up with area-of-effect spells or attacks. In general, it is a very effective action in the hands of any character.
Psionic Dominance​	Elite	It can be used to save yourself from a deadly spell.
Freecast​	Elite	Allows for freely casting a spell without resource limitation.

Equipment Recommendations

Now I would like to go through some gear recommendations to maximize the Stars Lore bard Build. Items are especially important as they take the build to the next level thanks to their unique effects.

Act 1

For Act 1 you play as a standard Paladin

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (Two-Handed)	Unseen Menace	These weapons are go-to picks if you want other options, especially for more damage. You either need high strength or Elixir of Hill Giant Strength to utilise the weapons effectively.
	Svartlebee's Woundseeker
	Sword of Justice
	Phalar Aluve	An excellent weapon that can be used with both dexterity and strength. It also comes with Phalar Aluve: Melody​ to apply buffs/debuffs depending on what you need in a combat situation.
	Larethian's Wrath	Similar to Phalar Aluve, it can be used effectively with high Dexterity or Strength and comes with a unique area attack.
	+1 Weapon	Purchase any +1 weapon in Druid's Grove like Greataxe +1, Greatsword +1, etc.
Ranged	Bow of Awareness	Gives bonus initiative, allowing one to go earlier in combat.
	Gandrel's Aspiration	Gives easy Advantage against monstrosities, for all weapon attacks.
Head	Diadem of Arcane Synergy	The best option in terms of bonus damage for Act 1 and Act 2.
	Grymskull Helm	Gives resistance to critical hits and allows the use of Hunter's Mark, for additional single-target damage.
	Haste Helm	Provides increased speed at the start of the combat.
Cloak	The Deathstalker Mantle	The only option in Act 1 that is okay, is by providing once-per-turn invisibility. Only available to Dark Urge origin.
Armor	Adamantine Splint Armour	Another powerful armor from Grymforge, which is a solid contender till Act 3.
	Adamantine Scale Mail	This is a medium armor version, which has slightly smaller bonuses. Still, it is a viable option.
	Chain Mail +1	Early armor, once you get a few levels up, comes with 17 Armour Class.
	Githyanki Half Plate	This can be equipped when starting the game by taking it from Lae'zel. Perfect option with a high Armour Class.
Gloves	Gloves of the Growling Underdog	Gives easy advantage on attacks, making it an easy choice to counteract the effects of Great Weapon Master: All In​ penalty to attack rolls.
	Gloves of Dexterity	One of the best picks for Natural Strength setup. This allows for maintaining high investment in Strength, Charisma, and Dexterity.
	Gloves of Baneful Striking	Applies the Baneful Strike​ effect, which weakens foe saving throws, making them perfect targets for control actions or spells. This can make many bosses easier, as you can now land spells with a higher chance. For example, you can use this to make Control Undead​ or Command​ easier to land.
	Luminous Gloves	It can be used together with Divine Smite​ to weaken enemies.
Boots	Disintegrating Night Walkers	Avoids slipping on various terrains and, most importantly, unlocks Misty Step each short rest. These boots can last till Act 3, as walking on icy surfaces can be deadly for a melee build. The item removes this problem.
	Boots of Genial Striding	Excellent boots to help move through Difficult Terrain.
Amulet	Broodmother's Revenge	If you can acquire it, this can be the best amulet option for most of the game.
	Amulet of Branding	Excellent amulet that gives an easy vulnerability source for the main damage types.
	Amulet of Misty Step	Gives a free Misty Step,​ which greatly improves your mobility.
Rings	Strange Conduit Ring	The best ring for now in terms of damage boost.
	Ring of Protection	Bonus armour for survivability.
	Caustic Band	Improves damage on each hit.
	Crusher's Ring	Movement speed boost, which is especially important in some big area fights in Act 1.

Act 2 - mid-game

Shadow Blade setup

At level 9, you can choose to get the Shadow Blade​ spell via Sorcerer, and use it to obtain a very powerful weapon. Later in Act 2, you can get Resonance Stone, which doubles the summoned weapon's psychic damage.

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (Two-Handed)	Shadow Blade	The core item of this build, that you obtain at level 8 Eldritch Knight by learning the Shadow Blade​ spell. It is the strongest one-handed weapon, and with some optimisations, can reach ridiculous damage numbers.
	Drakethroat Glaive	Can be used to apply the Draconic Elemental Weapon​ for an additional damage rider.
Melee (Off-Handed)	Knife of the Undermountain King	Off-hand weapon option, which improves the critical rolls range and slightly improves overall weapon damage.
Shield	Adamantine Shield	A very powerful shield that enables critical attack immunity.
	Sentinel Shield	A decent shield with a good boost to initiative.

Two Handed Setup

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (Two-Handed)	Shar's Spear of Evening	Depending on your decision on Nightsong, you will obtain one of these. The Shar's Spear of Evening is considerably stronger in Act 3, when also using Bhaalist Armour.
	Selûne's Spear of Night
	Halberd of Vigilance	One of the first weapons with +2 enchantment and comes with a Force damage rider.
	Drakethroat Glaive	Can be used to apply the Draconic Elemental Weapon​ for additional damage rider.

Other Items

Slot	Item	Description
Ranged	Bow of Awareness	The higher initiative bonus will allow you to start your turn earlier.
	Darkfire Shortbow	Can be used to cast Haste on yourself before combat if possible.
Head	Helmet of Arcane Acuity	Amazing helmet, that allows you to stack Arcane Acuity​ for increased spell success chance. If you are okay with a bit less damage, but guaranteed spell success like Hold Person, this item is the best one. I would still delay equipping this one until equipping Band of the Mystic Scoundrel.
Cloak	Cloak of Protection	Improves survivability and Saving Throw success.
	Fleshmelter Cloak	Reflect 1d4 acid damage if somebody hits you in melee range.
Armor	Reaper's Embrace	A very Oathbreaker-themed armor is available in late Act 2. Feel free to use it.
	Yuan-ti Scale Mail	The medium armor gives a full dexterity armour class bonus. Moreover, the good thing is that if you use this, you can respec to Sorcerer from level 7, and enjoy Constitution Saving Throw bonuses very early, instead of waiting for Act 3 gear options.
	Dwarven Splintmail	Very good heavy armor with good stats and replaces Adamantine Splint Armour.
Gloves	Gloves of the Automaton	Similar to the option below, these provide an Advantage on attacks but require Bonus Action to activate the effect. It would be best if you did that before combat starts. Once you get Risky Ring, drop them.
	Flawed Helldusk Gloves	Provides bonus fire damage, however, only use it once you get Risky Ring.
	Dark Justiciar Gauntlets	A solid option as it gives a bonus 1d4 necrotic damage. But only use it after you get Risky Ring.
Boots	Evasive Shoes	Bonus armor class for higher survivability.
	Disintegrating Night Walkers	The boots are still a good option in Act 2.
Amulet	Broodmother's Revenge	Still, the best amulet as it provides a substantial damage boost if healed - a cleric can do this easily.
	Surgeon's Subjugation Amulet	Not a perfect amulet, but could be useful once you have Risky Ring and other options are taken
Rings	Killer's Sweetheart	Allows dealing guaranteed critical hit per long rest. After this, you can just unequip it. Moreover, it can change an attack that misses and turns it into critical.
	Risky Ring	Provides an Advantage on attack rolls. This is a mandatory ring as it will both guarantee more hits and a higher chance of critical hits.
	Callous Glow Ring	The bonus damage can easily stack from multiple sources. For example paladin base attack + Divine Smite.
	Caustic Band	2 Acid damage on any kind of attack. With multiple attacks you do the bonus is substantial.
	Strange Conduit Ring	As you have multiple cheap spells to enable concentration, this ring is very useful for a bit more damage.

Act 3 - Final Build setup

Shadow Blade Setup

You have the option of wearing either two weapons or Shadow Blade + shield.

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (Two-Handed)	Shadow Blade	This continues to be your main weapon when summoned with the Shadow Blade​ spell.
	Drakethroat Glaive	Can be used to apply the Draconic Elemental Weapon​ for additional damage rider.
Melee (Off-Handed)	Rhapsody	In general, this would be the best weapon, as it would give a direct damage boost to all weapon attacks and improve spell success chance.
	Belm	It is a solid weapon option that has Perfectly Balanced Strike​ action. Now you replicate the main weapon attack. The main problem is that this conflicts with your bonus action, limiting your spellcasting options.
	Dolor Amarus	Excellent weapon choice if you can guarantee critical hits. The easiest way is via Hold Monster​/Hold Person. Pair it with Vicious Shortbow for maximum damage.
	Ambusher	Can add a necrotic damage rider on enemies that did not take a turn yet.
Shield	Viconia's Walking Fortress	One of the best shields in the game with a stacked feature set and higher Armour Class.
	Adamantine Shield	A mighty shield that enables critical attack immunity, greatly improving survivability.
	Ketheric's Shield	Gives +1 Spell Save DC, for better spellcasting.

Two-Handed setup

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (Two-Handed)	Shar's Spear of Evening	The best spear in terms of pure damage with Bhaalist Armour.
	Nyrulna	Alternative to Shar's Spear of Evening, if you did not obtain it. The weapon has good special actions, besides its good damage.
	Balduran's Giantslayer	This is an alternative weapon in case you do not want to use the Piercing setup. The weapon wants high strength; the build setup already maximizes its damage potential.
	Silver Sword of the Astral Plane	Githyanki's specific greatsword comes with +a 3 enchantment and special Soulbreaker​ action.

Other Items

Slot	Item	Description
Ranged	Hellrider Longbow	Gives a solid boost to initiative.
	Vicious Shortbow	In terms of pure damage boost, this is the best bow, especially as you can easily guarantee critical hits via Hold Monster​/Hold Person.
	The Dead Shot	Although this is the best bow, it is unlikely that you can use it as it is a contender for all builds. Feel free to use the ones from previous acts.
Head	Helmet of Arcane Acuity (BiS)	Amazing helmet, that allows you to stack arcane acuity for increased spell success chance. If you are okay with a bit less damage, but guaranteed spell success like Hold Person, this item is the best one.
Cloak	Cloak of Displacement (BiS)	Improves the chances of attacks missing the wearer until getting hit for that turn.
Armor	Bhaalist Armour	One of the best armors in the game. The Aura Of Murder​ effect is mandatory if you are running the two-handed weapon option. It is also relevant if you have archers or throwers in your group, as they will get their damage doubled.
	Helldusk Armour	This armor has the highest armor class in the game. Moreover, it grants flying and burns enemies in flames when they attack you.
	Armour of Persistence	A solid defensive choice, that comes with damage reduction cantrip effects.
	Armour of Agility	The armor does not limit the Dexterity bonus to AC
Gloves	Gauntlets of Frost Giant Strength (BiS)	These gloves can be used to permanently increase Strength. This means you no longer need to use Elixir of Hill Giant Strength.
	Craterflesh Gloves	In terms of damage, this is one of the best options, especially if you can guarantee critical hits via Hold Monster​/Hold Person. Otherwise, if not using those spells extensively, I would look at other options
	Helldusk Gloves	Gives fire damage boost, and improves Spell Save DC for casting.
	Legacy of the Masters	Gives a damage and attack roll boost.
Boots	Helldusk Boots (BiS)	Allows avoiding failed Saving Throws, and uses a reaction to change the outcome. Moreover, provides bonus actions for mobility and damage.
	Disintegrating Night Walkers	Gives various immunities to terrain-based effects.
	Boots of Persistence	Gives a huge boost to mobility and avoids difficult terrain.
Amulet	Broodmother's Revenge (BiS)	The amulet still pulls strong even in the late game.
	Amulet of Greater Health	Makes any Constitution ability investment redundant as it maximizes it to 23 points. However, this means that you also sacrifice an amulet slot for something that could be more offensive.
Rings	Band of the Mystic Scoundrel (BiS)	This is a powerful ring for Sorcadin build as it allows casting enchantment and illusion spells with Bonus Action. These include Hold Person and other Crowd Control options, so be sure to utilize this together with Metamagic.
	Ring of Arcane Synergy (BiS)	It can be easily activated when attacking using Booming Blade.
	Shadow-Cloaked Ring	Quite easy to get the damage bonus as the enemies need to be at least Lightly Obscured.
	Strange Conduit Ring	The perfect option if you are using Shadow Blade to further increase the psychic damage.
	Killer's Sweetheart	Guarantees a critical hit once per Long rest. Moreover, it can change an attack that misses and turn it into a critical.

Build Mechanics

In this section, I would like to dive deep into how to play the Vengeance Paladin Build. This will help you utilize it to the fullest and correctly use various actions and spells throughout the game.

Important Mechanics and Combos

Let's go through key mechanics and tips on how to use the build effectively.

Managing Great Weapon Master

The most important aspect of most two-handed builds is correctly utilizing Great Weapon Master: All In​ and its -5 attack roll penalty. By putting an effort into minimizing the debuff, from level 4, you can get 10 flat damage boosts, making most of the enemies a cakewalk.

• Bless​ from Cleric or Paladin, for a 1d4 bonus.
• Spells like Faerie Fire, and Blindness​ give an advantage to attackers.
• Oil of Accuracy or Diluted Oil of Sharpness, for a 1 and 2 attack roll bonus.
• Gloves of the Growling Underdog - can be obtained in Goblin Camp and give an advantage for attack rolls.
• Phalar Aluve: Sing​ gives 1d4 to attack rolls.

Now, if you want more in-depth information, I have a guide covering how to increase attack rolls, which lists a lot of options and combinations. You can then pick the bonuses based on your party setup.

Effectively using Divine Smites

The key aspect of any build that involves at least 2 levels of Paladin is Divine Smite. It is one of the coolest actions, punishing your targets with a ray of light. To use it effectively, there are a few tips that I have.

First, update your reactions and make sure the Divine Smite​ has a reaction on critical hit and asks you to use it:

This way, you will not waste your time with unnecessary pop-ups and can use it when needed. For example, using a critical hit Divine Smite​ on a weak foe with a few HP will feel like a waste. However, you still might want to use it on the boss even if it has few HP to finish them off.

If you want to use the normal smite, just activate it from the quick bar by selecting the Divine Smite​ action. Or set it also as a reaction "Ask", but it might get irritating with all the popups. Try playing, and decide based on your experience.

Overall, critical hits are extremely important for these attacks as the large number of dice rolls gets doubled and gets rerolled with Savage Attacker. That is why I recommend Killer's Sweetheart, Luck of the Far Realms,​ and spells like Hold Person.

Another option, if you want, a big nova damage, is to use one of the special smites - Blinding Smite, Thunderous Smite,​ and use Divine Smite​ as a reaction on the same attack. This can deal huge damage, but burns through spell slots very fast. I only recommend this if Great Weapon Master: Bonus Attack​ has not activated.

As I mentioned, other types of smites - Thunderous Smite, Searing Smite, come with unique effects and can apply various effects like Blinded, Frightened, etc. Generally, I do not recommend using them if you have Great Weapon Master: All In, as your bonus action is a very valuable source of damage.

Getting Sorcery Points

The build can use Sorcery points for various mechanics, like metamagic and Eyes of the Dark: Darkness​ (if you are a shadow sorcerer). With 4 levels of sorcerer, this is pretty limited. You can work around this by using Create Sorcery Points​ and consuming spell slots.

Spell slots are used to fuel Divine Smite​ and cast spells, so they are quite important. So, using all of them is quite expensive for Sorcery Points. However, there are 2 items in particular which give free spell slots:

• Pearl of Power Amulet - restores up to a level 3 spell slot, so 3 sorcery points
• Spellcrux Amulet - allows restoring up to a level 6 spell slot, but Create Sorcery Points​ only works max on a level 5 spell slot.

So with these, you can get 8 Sorcery points every long rest, which is substantial and can help you use something like Metamagic: Quickened Spell​ multiple times per long rest.

Of course, you can go crazy and use Potion of Angelic Reprieve, which allows you to restore level 1-2 spell slots, where you can end up with 20 or even more sorcery points. However, I think this is overkill and avoid this mechanic.

Using metmagic

One of the core mechanics that sorcerers have and get an edge on other casters is Metamagic. The first actions are obtained at level 2, and you get more and more as you level up. Here are a few that I recommend:

• Metamagic: Quickened Spell​ - allows casting spells with bonus action, which is an extremely powerful option for Nova rounds, or just inflicting damage and control on the same turn. As a spellsword build, you can even skip Band of the Mystic Scoundrel for bonus action casting.
• Metamagic: Extended Spell​ - some control spells like Command​ and Hypnotic Pattern have short durations. By using this option, you can double it, making the control effect linger longer.
• Metamagic: Twinned Spell​ - if the spell is a single target, it can now affect two targets - Haste, Command​ level 1, etc.

The main problem is that these require Sorcer Points, which are limited. As I covered, there are ways to get them via Create Sorcery Points​ mechanic.

Playing as spellsword

The main playstyle that this build employs is attacking with weapon, while wearing Helmet of Arcane Acuity and expending your action points. This is used to stack Arcane Acuity,​ which improves Spell Save DC, making it more likely that your spells land. Of course, if you are using Gloves of Battlemage's Power, the same also applies.

Next, either with Metamagic: Quickened Spell​ or Band of the Mystic Scoundrel, you can use a bonus action to cast control spells to have a very high chance (in some cases 100%) to disable foes with - Hold Person, Fear, Hypnotic Pattern,​ and many more. This can usually guarantee an auto win as enemies are standing still helplessly for your group to obliterate them.

Maximum Psychic Damage (with Shadow Blade)

So this build can get a particular weapon - Shadow Blade, which you summon by casting Shadow Blade​ spell. The cool thing about it is that it starts at 2d8 damage and level 5 spell slot scales to 4d8. This is the biggest damage for any kind of weapon, and this is just a one-hander.

Now it can get even crazier. There is a special item that can double psychic damage - Resonance Stone. The item is found in the late part of Act 2 in the illithid colony - Resonance Stone.

And it can even get more powerful. Generally, critical hits are random, but with spells like Hold Person​/Hold Monster,​ these can be guaranteed. So you can deal 150+ damage per hit without some preparation, making many Act 3 encounters a breeze.

Early Game Combat

This section covers how to play the build at levels 1-6:

• Overall, concentrate on hitting enemies, and getting attack roll buffs.
• Divine Smite​ should be used sparingly as it will eat away your spell slots fast. Try to only activate it on critical hits.
• The Vow of Enmity​ is an amazing early game helper. When you get Great Weapon Master: All In,​ it allows you to get an easy advantage. But I would only use it against stronger foes like bosses. Another option is Hunter's Mark​ for a solid damage boost which, if you can maintain concentration, will serve you well.
• The first big boost will be at level 4, once you get Great Weapon Master: All In. Remember, it can be disabled in case your hit chance is very low. Try to maintain 70%+.
• Your best friend is Elixir of Hill Giant Strength, which helps maintain high hit chance and equips more weapon options. use it after each long rest.
• Misty Step​ is a potent spell, giving greater mobility, especially when you know that movement speed is not enough to reach the target.
• Once you get Aura of Protection,​ remember to activate it.

Late Game Combat

This covers the combat from level 7 to 12.

• The core gameplay remains more or less the same. Hit enemies, maintain high hit chance, and land Divine Smite​ when needed.
• Remember to activate Aura of Warding​ for improved spell damage resistance.
• If you decide to go for spellsword setup, be sure to use Command​ or Hold Person​ with Band of the Mystic Scoundrel, saving the action point use.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading the Sorcadin - Paladin Sorcerer build for Baldur's Gate 3. I hope you enjoyed reading the build, as this is a truly powerful frontliner with full spellcasting capabilities. I hope the progression explained everything you need to know for Paladin Sorcerer multiclass level picks.

Cheers!