ESO Sorcerer Class Overview

Learn all you need to know about Sorcerer Class in ESO on this page! Here you can find Skills, Guides and other important information for the Sorcerer class!

Table of contents

Sorcerer Overview

Sorcerer Class

The Sorcerer class in The Elder Scrolls Online offers a dynamic and versatile playstyle, excelling in various combat roles. With the ability to summon Daedric allies, wield destructive magic, and manipulate dark forces, Sorcerers can adapt to numerous scenarios, making them a popular choice among players.

By exploring the diverse skill lines and utilizing tailored builds, Sorcerers can maximize their potential in both PvE and PvP content. Whether you prefer unleashing powerful spells from a distance or engaging enemies up close with melee attacks, the Sorcerer class provides the tools necessary for a rewarding and impactful experience in Tamriel.

Sorcerer Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✅ High Damage Potential: Sorcerers can deal significant damage with their spells and abilities.
  • ✅ Strong Defensive Options: Access to powerful shields and defensive skills enhances survivability.
  • ✅ Versatile Playstyles: Capable of fulfilling DPS, tank, and healer roles effectively.
  • ✅ Effective Solo Play: Strong self-sustain and pet abilities make solo content manageable.
  • ✅ Excellent Mobility: Skills like 'Streak' allow for quick repositioning in combat.

Cons

  • ❌ Resource Management: Requires careful management of Magicka or Stamina to maintain effectiveness.
  • ❌ Pet Dependency: Some builds rely on summoned pets, which can be targeted by enemies.
  • ❌ Complex Rotations: Optimal performance may require mastering intricate skill rotations.
  • ❌ Limited Healing Options: While capable healers, Sorcerers have fewer healing abilities compared to dedicated healing classes.
  • ❌ Gear Dependency: Performance can be heavily influenced by gear quality and set bonuses.

Sorcerer Skill Lines

View all Sorcerer skills
Negate Magic icon

Dark Magic

The Dark Magic skill-line is part of the Sorcerer toolkit and has a focus on offensive and support abilities. In addition to powerful abilities, you can also select passives that increase your sustain and support capabilities even further. The Dark Magic skill-line is the first out of three Sorcerer focused skill-lines.

  • Negate Magic: Create a globe of magic suppression for 12 seconds, removing and preventing all enemy area of effect abilities from occu...
  • Negate Magic: Create a globe of magic suppression for 12 seconds, removing and preventing all enemy area of effect abilities from occurring in the area. Enemies wi...
  • Daedric Tomb: Surprise your foes by placing 3 volatile Daedric mines at a target location, which arm instantly and last for 15 seconds. When a mine is triggered it...
Summon Storm Atronach icon

Daedric Summoning

The Daedric Summoning skill-line is part of the Sorcerer toolkit and has a focus on summoned pets, defensive and offensive abilities. In addition to powerful abilities, you can also select passives that increase your support capabilities even further. The Daedric Summoning skill-line is the second out of three Sorcerer focused skill-lines.

  • Summon Storm Atronach: Summon an immobile storm atronach at the target location. Its arrival deals 2249 Shock Damage and stuns enemies for 3 se...
  • Summon Twilight Tormentor: Call on Azura to send a twilight tormentor to fight at your side. The twilight tormentor's zap deals 478 Shock Damage and its kick deals 478 Shock Dam...
  • Daedric Prey: Curse an enemy with a destructive rune, dealing 2904 Magic Damage to the target and all other nearby enemies after 6 seconds. While the curse is acti...
Overload icon

Storm Calling

The Storm Calling skill-line is part of the Sorcerer toolkit and has a focus on offensive and defensive abilities. In addition to the powerful abilities, you can also select passives that increase your damage and sustain capabilities even further The Storm Calling skill-line is the third out of three Sorcerer focused skill-lines.

  • Overload: Charge your fists with the power of the storm, replacing your Light and Heavy Attacks with new, stronger abilities. Lig...
  • Mages' Wrath: Call down lightning to strike an enemy, dealing 871 Shock Damage. If the enemy falls to or below 20% Health within 2 seconds of being struck, an expl...
  • Overload: Charge your fists with the power of the storm, replacing your Light and Heavy Attacks with new, stronger abilities. Light Attacks become lightning bo...

Sorcerer Recommended Builds

View ESO Builds Database

DPS Builds

Focuses on maximizing damage output in various scenarios.

Tank Builds

Emphasizes defensive abilities and crowd control for tanking roles.

Healing Builds

Utilizes Sorcerer abilities to provide effective healing and support.

Solo Builds

Balanced for solo play, offering survivability and sustained damage.

PvP Builds

Designed for competitive play, focusing on burst damage and mobility.

Top Sorcerer builds on ESO-Hub

View ESO Builds Database
''Lightning Arc'' by MIRAAK
8
Sorcerer
PvE
''Lightning Arc'' by MIRAAK
MIRAAK
🧙‍♂️ HA One Bar Sorcerer // Sorcblade
17
Sorcerer
PvE
🧙‍♂️ HA One Bar Sorcerer // Sorcblade
clodovicus
The Summoner Lich - Themed Pet Build!
6
Sorcerer
PvE
The Summoner Lich - Themed Pet Build!
idontlikedi5cord
100k+ HA Sorc is back U42
11
Sorcerer
PvE
100k+ HA Sorc is back U42
loosemybrain
"Oblivion Shock" – Heavy Attack PvP Sorcerer
3
Sorcerer
PvP
"Oblivion Shock" – Heavy Attack PvP Sorcerer
kava_4
Frost ‘n Shock Storm Mage Supremo
2
Sorcerer
PvE
Frost ‘n Shock Storm Mage Supremo
Behrgelmir

Top Sorcerer Subclassing Builds on ESO-Hub

View ESO Builds Database
🧙‍♂️ HA One Bar Sorcerer // Sorcblade
17
Sorcerer
PvE
🧙‍♂️ HA One Bar Sorcerer // Sorcblade
clodovicus
The Summoner Lich - Themed Pet Build!
6
Sorcerer
PvE
The Summoner Lich - Themed Pet Build!
idontlikedi5cord
Frost ‘n Shock Storm Mage Supremo
2
Sorcerer
PvE
Frost ‘n Shock Storm Mage Supremo
Behrgelmir
One Bar Sorcerer Subclasses Build Heavy Attack - Sorcerer + Nightblade
1
Sorcerer
PvE
One Bar Sorcerer Subclasses Build Heavy Attack - Sorcerer + Nightblade
Alcast
Daenin Dred
1
Sorcerer
PvE
Daenin Dred
daemondamian
Zookeeper
1
Sorcerer
PvE
Zookeeper
PandaMalone

Sorcerer Beginner Tips & Guides

If you're new to The Elder Scrolls Online and looking to start with the Sorcerer class, this guide will help you build a strong foundation. Sorcerer is very versatile, capable of dealing high damage, tanking, and even offering some support capabilities. Here are a few key tips to get started:

Tips for New Sorcerer Players

  • Utilize Shields – Sorcerers have strong shield abilities like 'Hardened Ward' to absorb damage.
  • Manage Resources – Skills like 'Dark Exchange' can help sustain your Magicka or Stamina.
  • Leverage Pets – Summon Daedric pets to aid in combat and divert enemy attention.
  • Maximize Burst Damage – Abilities like 'Crystal Fragments' offer high burst potential.
  • Stay Mobile – Use 'Streak' to teleport and reposition during fights.
  • Choose the Right Build – Magicka for spellcasting and ranged attacks, Stamina for melee and physical damage.

Essential Beginner Guides

For more in-depth beginner guides, check out the following resources:

Welcome to the ESO Sorcerer Class overview page. Here you can find all information regarding the Sorcerer class in The Elder Scrolls Online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from other players
What role is best suited for a Sorcerer?
Sorcerers excel as damage dealers (DPS), tanks, and even healers. They are particularly strong as magicka-based spellcasters, using lightning and summoning abilities for powerful ranged attacks. Stamina-based Sorcerers are also effective, utilizing weapon skills and Dark Magic abilities for melee or ranged combat. While not traditionally the best healers, Sorcerers can still provide support using the Restoration Staff and Dark Magic abilities. Their shields and Daedric summons make them viable tanks as well.
Which race is ideal for a Sorcerer?
The best race depends on your build:
  • For stamina DPS: Orcs, Redguards, and Khajiit offer strong stamina sustain and weapon damage bonuses.
  • For magicka DPS: High Elves, Dark Elves, and Bretons provide magicka sustain and spell damage bonuses.
  • For healing: Bretons and Argonians have excellent magicka sustain and healing passives.
  • For tanking: Nords and Imperials offer increased health and sustain, while Argonians provide extra healing and sustain.
    While racial passives enhance performance, any race can be a successful Sorcerer.
What weapons should a Sorcerer use?
Weapon choice depends on your playstyle and build:
  • Stamina DPS: Dual wielding, two-handed weapons, and bows are great for stamina-based Sorcerers.
  • Magicka DPS: Destruction staves (Inferno or Lightning) enhance spellcasting damage.
  • Healing: Restoration staves provide strong healing abilities and sustain.
  • Tanking: One-handed and shield for defensive bonuses and taunts.
How should I distribute my attribute points?
  • Stamina DPS: Invest mostly in stamina to increase weapon damage and sustain.
  • Magicka DPS: Focus on magicka to enhance spell effectiveness.
  • Healer: Prioritize magicka to maximize healing abilities.
  • Tank: Balance health and stamina (or magicka for a magicka-based tank).
What are the key skills for a beginner Sorcerer?
For new Sorcerer players, these abilities provide a solid starting point:Storm Calling:
  • Mage’s Fury (Endless Fury or Mage’s Wrath) – A powerful execute ability.
  • Lightning Splash (Liquid Lightning or Lightning Flood) – Deals AoE damage over time.
  • Boundless Storm – Increases movement speed and provides resistance buffs.
Daedric Summoning:
  • Summon Unstable Familiar (Unstable Clannfear or Volatile Familiar) – Summons a pet to assist in combat.
  • Summon Twilight Matriarch – Heals and deals damage, great for sustain.
  • Bound Aegis (Bound Armor or Bound Armaments) – Increases resistances and max magicka/stamina.
Dark Magic:
  • Crystal Shard (Crystal Fragments or Crystal Weapon) – A strong burst damage skill.
  • Dark Conversion (Dark Deal or Dark Exchange) – Converts stamina/magicka for resource sustain.
  • Daedric Mines (Daedric Tomb or Daedric Minefield) – A trap skill for defensive play.
Sorcerers are an excellent choice for players who enjoy fast-paced combat, powerful spells, and summoning Daedric minions. Whether you prefer shock magic, summoning creatures, or dealing burst damage, the Sorcerer class offers a dynamic and exciting playstyle.