Out of the 12 subclasses added in Patch 8 of Baldur's Gate 3, one of the most unique is the Shadow Magic Sorcerer, which calls upon darkness to form strong character builds. Shadow Sorcerers draw upon the Shadowfell itself, using the darkest realm to fuel the darkest magic possible. With extra mobility, unnatural resilience, and minions from the shadows themselves, there are plenty of reasons to build a Shadow Sorcerer.

Unlike some other classes, you get the chance to choose the new Sorcerer subclass as early as Level 1. This makes it easy to include Shadow Magic into multiclass builds, giving you more chances to explore the other Patch 8 subclasses in Baldur's Gate 3​​. However, choosing Shadow Magic does not change the normal features of the Sorcerer class, such as your Hit Points, saving throws, or proficiencies.

Shadow Magic Sorcerer Subclass In BG3 Explained

Summon The Darkness And Travel Within It

Once you take the Shadow Magic subclass, you immediately gain a better version of Darkvision, allowing your character to see further into the dark. Shadow Sorcerers are attuned to the shadows, gaining unique spells that they can cast at will. Through this subclass, you gain magic that can be cast to create clouds of darkness, heavily obscuring a battlefield and making it difficult for enemies to see you.

As you level up a Shadow Sorcerer, you eventually get the ability to summon a Hound of Ill Omen minion from the darkness to aid you in battle. While Shadow Magic does not focus as much on minions as other archetypes, like the Necromancy Wizard subclass in BG3, the Hound has many features that make it stand out. This Hound can inflict Omens on enemies, help restore your Sorcery Points, and trap enemies in shadowy vines.

The Hound of Ill Omen has 42 Hit Points (HP) and an 18 Armor Class (18), making it a formidable ally in battle. The Hound can spawn near you whenever your Shadow Sorcerer is hit with a melee attack that doesn't deal Radiant damage, making it a loyal companion in battle.

Another unique trait of the Shadow Sorcerer is how it has more features geared toward self-preservation than other Sorcerer subclasses. When you level into Shadow Magic, you gain Strength of the Grave​​​, an ability that allows you to survive a fatal blow. After you reach 0 Hit Points, you regain 1 instead of becoming downed, giving you one last chance to secure victory with your party.

Best Build For Shadow Magic Sorcerer In Baldur's Gate 3

Combine Different Features For The Best Synergy Possible

Like any character build, the beginning of your Shadow Sorcerer begins when you decide their Ability Scores and Race​​​​. Every Sorcerer build should try to make Charisma their primary stat, as every Spell Attack Bonus and Spell Save DC is derived from that score. With Constitution as a Sorcerer's other saving throw stat, it should be high as well to give your character more vitality than other spellcasters.

Other features from different racial backgrounds can a Shadow Sorcerer's growing abilities. For example, becoming a Halfling gives you Halfling Luck, which allows you to reroll a 1 for an Attack Roll, Ability Check, or Saving Throw in Baldur's Gate 3​​​​​. To create the best build possible, Races with extra spells or proficiencies are the best to pick, especially if they grant you abilities you normally can't have as a Sorcerer.

The following two tables outline the best starting stats for a pure, non-multiclass Shadow Sorcerer build and the most viable racial options for a character with that subclass:

Having a high Dexterity score will give you a higher AC and a better chance of going first in Initiative orders in battle. With some Racial options, you'll gain access to more weapons and armor through proficiencies, allowing you to bolster your offense or defense. Since Sorcerers have fragile health to balance their powerful spellcasting, you'll want to prioritize defensive traits in your Ability Score and Race when building your character.

Some of the best multiclass options in Baldur's Gate 3 for the Shadow Magic Sorcerer are the Paladin or Warlock, who both also use Charisma as their primary stat for spellcasting.

The table below outlines a step-by-step process for leveling up a strong Shadow Sorcerer build, including the best Metamagic options, spells to choose, and Feats you should get:

These features combine to create a Shadow Sorcerer who can thrive as a party's damage dealer, using strong spells to deal damage while obscured in darkness. With Distant Spell, you can create clouds of darkness from further away, while Quickened and Twinned Spell allow you to cast more magic per turn. The last Metamagic option, Careful Spell, can help your allies by making them automatically succeed on saving throws on spells you cast.

To make an even stronger Shadow Magic Sorcerer, try equipping these gear pieces to reinforce the subclass's strengths:

• Fistbreker Helm - +1 bonus to Spell Save DC, +1 to Initiative rolls
• Eversight Ring - prevents Blinded condition while in darkness
• Spellshade Circlet - +1 bonus to Spell Save DC while obscured
• Daredevil Gloves - can use ranged magic at melee range without penalties, +1 bonus to Spell Attack rolls
• Cloak of the Weave - +1 bonus to Spell Attack rolls and Spell Save DC, gain the Absorb Elements spell

Some parts of this build add some additional utility, such as Shadow Walk, which lets you teleport into shadows and gives you Distant Spell on your next magic without spending Sorcery Points. With the right Feats and spells, your Shadow Magic Sorcerer build in Baldur's Gate 3 can be one of the best of your party, disabling enemies by engulfing them in the deepest darkness.