The Draconic Bloodline is Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition's most straightforward Sorcerous Origin. Its features revolve around durability, elemental damage, flight, and other things that are always useful in almost every D&D campaign. Nonetheless, the Draconic Bloodline is still a D&D 5e sorcerer subclass and has to be built carefully.

Sorcerers can be every bit as effective as other spellcasters in D&D 5e. However, players need to lean into their strengths as specialists excelling in one area rather than trying to use their magic to do everything. Players can complement a D&D 5e Draconic sorcerer's natural tendencies towards high-damage spells with every aspect of their build.

Updated on January 28th, 2023 by Louis Kemner: This guide for the best draconic bloodline sorcerer build has been updated with more information and now adheres to CBR's current publication standards.

Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer Build Summary

Perks Of A Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer Build

Many D&D 5e Sorcerous Origins are designed for more esoteric or tactical roles. The Draconic Bloodline's abilities are much more straightforward. They incline themselves to general combat usage with an emphasis on elemental damage. Whereas other sorcerer subclasses buff allies, debuff enemies, or shape the battlefield in their favor, Draconic sorcerers are best-served dealing area-of-effect damage. As a result, the Draconic Bloodline is the best D&D 5e sorcerer subclass for players who want to hit many enemies as hard as possible.

Draconic Resilience makes the Draconic Bloodline D&D 5e's most durable sorcerer subclass on its own. It grants the effects of Mage Armor at all times in Armor Class. On top of that, its hit point boost makes the sorcerer almost as sturdy as a rogue or bard. Dragon Ancestor affects the character's entire playstyle, determining which damage type they will excel at throughout the campaign.

Elemental Affinity enhances the character's blasting power significantly. Adding the character's Charisma bonus to one damage roll is an immense buff to fire-and-forget area of effect spells like Burning Hands or Fireball. This extra damage applies to every enemy in the area, encouraging the Draconic Bloodline sorcerer to be liberal with their damage. It's also a boost to cantrips that many other subclasses lack. In addition, one Sorcery Point for an hour of resistance to a damage type is good value.

Dragon Wings is an always-useful buff with little cost. The wings don't require spell slots, Concentration, or Sorcery Points. Flight is increasingly valuable in D&D 5e's late-game for its protective benefits, combat usage, and ability to bypass obstacles outside of a fight. Even though it doesn't boost a Draconic Bloodline sorcerer's damage, it's their best feature.

Draconic Presence is significantly more situational and expensive. However, it has the ability to flip fights against mobs of weaker enemies or utterly dominate a social situation. Charmed and frightened are both valuable status effects in D&D 5e, and they can shut down entire fights if enemies within 60 feet fail their saving throws.

Best Stats For A Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer Build

As with all D&D 5e sorcerers, Charisma is vital for a Draconic Bloodline build. It affects their spellcasting save DC. Every increase has a significant effect, particularly when targeting mobs of creatures with a spell like Fireball. In addition, Charisma bolsters a Draconic Bloodline sorcerer's damage after sixth level, cementing their unique talent for blasting. Its utility in social situations should also not be overlooked.

Constitution is similarly valuable. D&D 5e Draconic Bloodline sorcerers are already more durable than most subclasses due to Draconic Resilience. Nonetheless, they should double down on that to be as sturdy as possible. Even though most sorcerers don't move into melee range, that's far from a guarantee of safety.

Dexterity is also vital for a Draconic sorcerer to build into. Draconic Resilience gives them a significant boost to their defense when not wearing armor. A Draconic Bloodline sorcerer with high Dexterity can be harder to hit than almost any full spellcaster in D&D 5e. Enemies are often grouped together at the start of combat with no allies nearby. High initiative is valuable to throw Fireballs before combat becomes messier.

The Best Race And Background For A Draconic Sorcerer Build

Variant human and custom lineage are as well-suited to a D&D 5e Draconic Bloodline sorcerer build as they are to any other character in the game. A free feat is a significant power boost from the very start of a campaign and frees up later Ability Score Improvements for Charisma bonuses.

However, other D&D races also make good choices. Aasimar lean into their blasting role, particularly with their incarnation in Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse. Even though Radiant Soul's bonus damage only affects one target, it's another significant boost on top of Elemental Affinity. Its flight also serves the sorcerer well until they get their Dragon Wings.

Chromatic dragonborn have obvious thematic synergy with a Draconic Bloodline sorcerer in D&D 5e. On top of that, they provide a broad base of elemental resistances. As long as the sorcerer picks a different type of chromatic dragonborn to their Dragon Ancestor feature, they can cover several common damage types with resistances or temporary immunities.

Eladrin is an unconventional race choice for a Draconic sorcerer with several perks. They provide a way to teleport several times a day that doesn't use spell slots of any type. Coupled with Dragon Wings, this provides significant mobility the class can otherwise lack. Its additional abilities can use Charisma, synergizing well with the sorcerer's spellcasting.

For background, a D&D 5e Draconic Bloodline sorcerer should expand their social skills. Faction Agent's flexible choice of Charisma skill can fill any holes in the sorcerer's skill repertoire while giving Insight to help them read the situation. The Faceless gets twin proficiencies in Deception and Intimidation to lock down the less savory side of social interaction.

Best Dragon Ancestor For A Draconic Bloodline Build

Draconic Bloodline sorcerers choose one Dragon Ancestor at first level. This dictates their spell selection for the rest of the game due to Elemental Affinity's significant damage buffs. Each of these ancestor choices has their uses. However, Red, Brass, and Gold stand above the rest because they affect Fire damage. Fire spells are the most common elemental damage type in D&D 5e, giving the largest possible range for buffed spells. Elemental Affinity's resistance also helps against many enemies.

Fire damage doesn't work in every campaign or one-shot session, however. One set in the Lower Planes or against red dragons will have many enemies who disregard fire damage. In that case, a D&D 5e Draconic Bloodline sorcerer may want to look at White and Silver for cold damage, or Blue and Bronze for lightning damage. These both have a reasonable repertoire, ensuring the sorcerer is never out of pocket.

Best 5e Feats For Draconic Sorcerers

Elemental Adept is a vital D&D 5e feat for Draconic Bloodline sorcerers. The subclass is almost entirely reliant on a single damage type to be effective. Elemental Adept allows a character to ignore resistance to that damage type, ensuring they get Elemental Affinity's full benefit in more encounters. Its other feature pumps their damage even higher.

Metamagic Adept is welcome on every sorcerer subclass in D&D. Sorcerers are strictly limited on both Sorcery Points and Metamagic options, especially if they want to make more spell slots. Two more of each helps a Draconic Bloodline sorcerer become even more effective at blasting with easier access to Metamagic.

Inspiring Leader doesn't suit a Draconic sorcerer's damage focus, but it's such an effective feat that it can be an exception to the rule. The temporary hit points are affected by Charisma and can benefit the entire party, including the sorcerer. With a significant temporary hit point boost every short rest, this can mitigate hundreds of points of damage over a D&D campaign.

War Caster is less vital for Draconic Bloodline sorcerers than it is for most other D&D spellcasters. Sorcerers are rarely in melee and don't often wield weapons. With automatic proficiency in Constitution saving throws, however, War Caster makes it very easy for them to maintain Concentration. This helps a sorcerer's spell slots go as far as possible, and reduces turns they spend recasting Concentration spells instead of blasting.

The Best Spells For A Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer

Draconic Bloodline sorcerers want to focus on D&D 5e's area-of-effect damage spells almost to the exclusion of all else. Sorcerers have very limited spells known, meaning they have to specialize. The paramount spell choice for a Draconic Bloodline sorcerer should be damage spells with a type matching their Dragon Ancestor.

Red, Brass, or Gold Draconic Bloodline sorcerers have clear options. Firebolt is a reliable combat cantrip. Burning Hands remains useful at high levels with Elemental Affinity. Scorching Ray only gets the damage buff once but is an effective way to focus on a single creature. Fireball is already one of D&D 5e's best spells that only becomes better with extra damage applied to all targets. This continues to higher levels, with spells like Fire Storm and Incendiary Cloud continuing to give bang for the sorcerer's buck.

Other Dragon Ancestor options have fewer spells available and should take everything in their element. For instance, Bronze Draconic Bloodline sorcerers should look at Lightning Bolt, Storm Sphere, Chain Lighting, and more. Whatever Dragon Ancestor a D&D 5e Draconic Bloodline sorcerer has, Chromatic Orb ensures they always have something to cast.

However, no damage type has an effective spell at every level. Draconic Bloodline sorcerers shouldn't pass up good damage just because it doesn't fit. Any Draconic sorcerer should consider spells like Lightning Bolt, Fireball, Cone of Cold, Finger of Death, and other standout options that might not trigger their Elemental Affinity. In addition, Magic Missile is one of D&D 5e's most reliable spells for a reason. If a creature is almost totally immune to a sorcerer's arsenal, they'll still take damage from Magic Missile.

In addition, Draconic sorcerers can take a handful of non-damage options. They will never be able to match the famous versatility of the wizard spell list, but there's more to winning fights than dealing damage. In particular, their strong Constitution saving throws encourage at least one Concentration spell. A Draconic Bloodline sorcerer can blast very effectively if they spend a turn setting up with a debuff like Hypnotic Pattern or a buff like Greater Invisibility. Counterspell is one of D&D 5e's most useful spells even if it doesn't reduce hit points. Shield's cheap survivability is always welcome.

Best Metamagic Options For A D&D 5e Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer

Metamagic allows the sorcerer to expend sorcery points to alter or empower any spell to suit their needs. Want to hit more targets? Use Twinned Spell to virtually cast the same spell twice, targeting two separate creatures.

Metamagic is a sorcerer's unique feature that makes them even better specialist spellcasters. The Draconic Bloodline benefits from options that make any sorcerer better at dealing damage while having some unique synergies with less conventional choices. Empowered Spell is an obvious option. The ability to reroll damage dice sits well with the sheer number of dice high-level spells deal. Across multiple targets, even a small increase is well worth one Sorcery Point.

Transmuted Spell has particular benefits for a D&D 5e Draconic Bloodline sorcerer. A spell that benefits one Dragon Ancestor can be made to benefit any other option at the cost of one Sorcery Point. Reliable spells like Fireball or Lightning Bolt become even better if they deal the sorcerer's preferred type. It also opens up more esoteric options, such as a low-level Red Draconic Bloodline sorcerer getting mileage out of Tasha's Caustic Brew Transmuted to fire damage.

Quickened Spell is even better for Draconic sorcerers than it is for most other Sorcerous Origins. Unlike many similar abilities, Elemental Affinity isn't limited to once per turn. A sorcerer can fling a buffed Fireball at a group of enemies and then follow it up with a buffed Firebolt as their action.

What are the Best Multiclass Options for 5e's Draconic Sorcerer?

Due to the scaling nature of Sorcery Points, a Draconic Bloodline sorcerer can do very well as a single-classed character. However, certain multiclasses can push them even higher. Warlock is an infamously effective sorcerer multiclass. With two levels of warlock, a sorcerer gets additional Pact Magic slots on a short rest, and Eldritch Blast with Agonizing Blast. This cantrip outdamages Elemental Affinity by far. A Quickened Spell Fireball with Elemental Affinity can soften a group of enemies before Eldritch Blast picks them off one by one.

A paladin and sorcerer multiclass can lead to a very unconventional Draconic Bloodline build. A handful of paladin levels give medium armor, martial weapons, Oath spells, and Divine Smite. With Elemental Affinity buffing Green-Flame Blade, the Draconic Bloodline sorcerer's enhanced durability, and more spell slots to fuel Divine Smite, this D&D 5e sorcerer build can make a surprisingly capable melee fighter.

If a Draconic Bloodline sorcerer feels like a one-trick pony with their powerful combat-oriented spells, then the player might consider multiclassing into bard. The bard class shares the sorcerer class's use of Charisma for spellcasting, which is hugely convenient, and the bard class has many useful skills outside of combat, similar to the rogue class. If the Draconic Bloodline sorcerer's party lacks a rogue or bard, then the sorcerer may strongly consider this multiclass combo so they can be more than the magical artillery and "face" of the party. Jack of All Trades is the best bard feature for some serious skills, and bards get it at level 2. So, a sorcerer doesn't even have to lean very hard into this multiclass option to reap the benefits.

The Best Items For a Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer

Like any other class, the sorcerer class needs the best magic items to enhance their best talents, make up for their deficiencies, and get more options inside and outside of combat. Draconic Bloodline sorcerers won't use longswords or heavy armor, but they can use some great items to boost their offensive options and stay safe as one of the game's squishiest classes. Any survival-oriented sorcerer will need more than the Shield spell or a good DEX score to boost their AC. If the sorcerer can manage it, they should definitely seek out items like a Barrier Tattoo of any rarity, a Cloak of Protection, or Bracers of Defense. Barrier Tattoo will consume an attunement slot, but in return, a sorcerer can get a cheaper Barrier Tattoo to start with, then upgrade it over time, so it stays relevant throughout the campaign and increases the AC bonus regularly.

Cloak of Protection grants +1 to AC, and Bracers of Defense grants +2 to AC if the wearer has no armor or shields, an easy ask for a sorcerer. Any of these three items will help a sorcerer survive, but they all compete for attunement slots, so the player will have to pick and choose among them.

To boost their damage output, Draconic Bloodline sorcerers should seek items to restore or preserve their spell slots, or even enhance their CHA stat. The Tome of Leadership and Influence is a very rare magical book that, when fully read, will increase the character's CHA by 2, and even increase that stat's maximum score by 2 as well. It's not easy to find items like those, but a knowledgeable sorcerer player can make their interest in that book clear, and a generous DM will eventually find a way to give it to them.

As for spell slots, a sorcerer can attune themselves to a magic item called Pearl of Power, which restores one spell slot of level 3 or lower, once per dawn. That's great for resource management during a dungeon crawl, and since Pearl of Power is merely uncommon, the party might find or buy more than one, so the group's other spellcasters can benefit from it, too.

Finally, sorcerers might obtain wands with built-in spells, so they can keep up their arcane assault without expending spell slots, such as a Wand of Magic Missile, Wand of Polymorph, Wand of Fireballs, and more. The warlock class has the most acute need for such wands, given that class's highly limited spell slots, but in a tough dungeon crawl, a sorcerer will enjoy such wands as well. Best of all, such wands are sometimes unattuned items, so a sorcerer won't always have to sacrifice the use of their best magic items to wield them.