Baldur's Gate 3: Shadow Magic Sorcerer

On this page of the Baldur's Gate 3 guide, you will learn about the most important features of the Shadow Magic subclass, which is available for the Sorcerer class. You will learn how the darkness cast by the Shadow Sorcerer works, how the Nimbus familiar works and how to recover Sorcery Points.

• Who's the Shadow Magic subclass for?
• Most important features of this subclass
• How to play as a Shadow Sorcerer?

Who's the Shadow Magic subclass for?

1. Shadow Magic is a versatile subclass that opens up many offensive and defensive options for you. You can choose it at level 1. This subclass relies on crowd control by covering the map with magical darkness and the help of a powerful, unique familiar. If you want to hide in the shadows and bombard enemies with spells from a safe place, this subclass might be a good choice for you.
2. The most important statistic for a Sorcerer is Charisma. You should also invest in high Dexterity and Constitution.

Most important features of this subclass

1. At level 1, you will unlock your first features. Thanks to Eyes of the Dark, you can see in the dark up to 24 meters, which is twice as far as when using regular Darkvision. Strength of the Grave, on the other hand, will let you survive mortal injuries once per turn - if your health drops to zero, you will immediately regain one health point.
2. At level 3, you will learn the Darkness spell, which will be one of your most important spells. This Darkness is magical and inflicts blindness on anyone within its range. You will also gain its special version, Eyes of the Dark: Darkness. It costs two Sorcery Points, does not use a spell slot, and you are not blinded by it.
3. At level 6, you unlock the Hound of Ill Omen feature. Once per a short rest, you can summon a unique familiar, Nimbus, by spending three Sorcery Points. When hit, Nimbus can split into several familiars and bind enemies around it, immobilizing them. It can also bite enemies and impose a random omen on them. There are six types of omens - fire, cold, electricity, lightning, acid, and poison. If the opponent receives damage of the same type as the omen imposed on them, you will regain one Sorcery Point. It's worth mentioning here that you don't need to be the person inflicting these injuries on them.
4. At level 11, you will unlock the Shadow Walk feature. By using a bonus action, you can instantly teleport to slightly lit and unlit places. It doesn't require using up any resources. Additionally, right after teleportation, you will receive the Distant Spell effect for free - the range of the next spell you cast will be doubled.

How to play as a Shadow Sorcerer?

1. As a Shadow Sorcerer, your main strategy is to cover the map with a vast amount of magical darkness. You can use it offensively, throwing it at opponents to blind them and prevent them from attacking, or as a defense, by throwing it at yourself and hiding in the dark to safely shoot enemies from hiding. The Shadow Walk feat that you acquire at level 11 will also make you highly mobile, allowing you to almost instantly escape from difficult situations.
2. The familiar acquired at level 6, Nimbus, is also exceptionally useful. It can immobilize enemies, divert their attention, split into several familiars and make sure that you get your Sorcery Points back. Try to equip yourself with cantrips and spells covering all types of damage suitable for all types of omens. If necessary, your allies can also activate the omen to restore your Sorcery Points.
3. One of your most useful tools will be the Shadow Blade, a level 2 spell that creates a powerful shortsword. It has an Advantage during attacks if the target is covered in shadow, so it synergizes well with the rest of your skills.

See also

1. Game guide
2. Description of the Barbarian class
3. Recommended Barbarian build

Baldur's Gate 3

August 3, 2023

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