[RPG] the broad overview of the differences between Wizard and Sorceror in D&D 5e

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What are the differences between Wizards and Sorcerers in D&D 5e, in broad overview terms?

Really, I'd like to know this from two perspectives. One I have a somewhat idea about from reading the PHB and other websites, one I don't get at all.

  1. What are the differences in the two classes from a character building background in terms of story and roleplaying? This is the part I don't have any clue about.

  2. What are the differences from a mechanical standpoint? I understand Sorcerers get spells a bit quicker and it looks like Wizards have to buy their spells but I'm really not too clear on this either.


I've already read a few articles and watched a few videos but still don't know the answer. I especially don't know the answer to the character building / roleplaying side as most of what I did find just talks about which one is more powerful. These are the resources I've looked at thus far (not including the Player's Handbook which I've read over and over now):

Best Answer

Wizards study, Sorcerers know

Wizards practice learned magic. They study for years to learn how to manipulate the weave and become masters of it.

Sorcerers practice innate magic. They are gifted with an ability to manipulate the weave, and sculpt their interactions with it.

Class features

Wizards use Intelligence as a spellcasting modifier, while sorcerers use Charisma. These abilities are associated with different skills, so that difference may or may not be important to a player.

Wizards know more spells, and prepare a subset of those spells to cast each day. A wizard learns 2 spells per level, and starts with 6 at level 1, totalling 44 spells known. They prepare a number (INT+Level) of spells from that list each day to be able to cast. Wizards can also copy spells from spellbooks and scrolls they encounter, adding those to their spells known.

Sorcerers know fewer spells, but can always cast them. Sorcerers learn a total of 15 spells, but they're always able to cast them if they have spell slots available.

Wizards can cast more spells per day through their Arcane Recovery class feature. They restore a number of spell slots when they take a short rest.

Sorcerers can sculpt their spells to behave differently. Sorcerers have access to Metamagic, which allows them to increase the damage, range, or duration of spells, grant disadvantage on saving throws against them, cast silently, or affect an additional target.

Sorcerers learn more cantrips than wizards.

Wizards can cast spells as rituals, taking 10 additional minutes to cast, but without using a spell slot.