Leveling as a Sorcerer with Arc Lash or Chain Lightning
The Sorcerer class offers a range of enjoyable and viable builds with different elemental magic for effective leveling. In this guide, players can choose between a melee oriented playstyle, focusing on 
Arc Lash and 
Charged Bolts, or a ranged build centered around 
Chain Lightning. Both builds revolve around lightning based Shock Skills.
Arc Lash excels at dealing strong frontal Area of Effect (AoE) damage, making it effective against groups of enemies in close combat. Additionally, it provides solid single-target damage with Charged Bolts, ideal for taking down bosses.
On the other hand, Chain Lightning offers a ranged approach, dealing significant damage to both groups and individual targets. We start with the Arc Lash build, and you can find Lexyu’s Chain Lightning build below.
If you are already level 50, you can check out any of our Endgame Sorceress builds.
Level 50/Endgame Ice Shards Sorceress Build Level 50/Endgame Firewall Sorceress Build Level 50/Endgame Charged Bolts Sorceress Build Level 50/Endgame Arc Lash Sorceress BuildArc Lash Sorcerer Leveling Build
This Shock Sorceress build is highly effective for leveling up. It excels in dealing significant frontal area-of-effect (AoE) damage through the use of Arc Lash, while also providing solid single target damage with Charged Bolts to take down bosses in melee range.
With this build, the Sorceress gains improved mobility thanks to Flickering Arc Lash, which boosts movement speed, and Teleport. Additionally, the build incorporates defensive capabilities with 
Ice Armor and 
Frost Nova to stay safe even in close combat.
Skill Tree Points
The table presented below outlines the recommended order for allocating your Skill Points. At Level 50, you will have a total of 48 points available, and an additional 10 points can be obtained upon completing Renown in each zone, resulting in a grand total of 58 points.
Enchantment Slots
The Specialization of the Sorceress Class becomes available at Level 15. It is recommended to complete the Legacy of The Magi questline as soon as possible to unlock the first Enhancement Slot. The second slot will become available upon reaching Level 30.
Each Non-Ultimate Skill is associated with an Enchantment effect, and any Non-Ultimate Skill can be equipped in an Enchantment Slot. However, a skill must have at least one skill point allocated to it in order to be used in the Enchantment Slot. Skill points that have been granted through gear work as well.
Fireball is slotted in the first Enchantment Slot once you unlock it at level 15. It helps clear groups of enemies early on.
Fire Bolt is slotted in the second Enchantment Slot once you unlock it at level 30. It simply adds more DPS to all your damaging Skills.
Mechanics and Playstyle
The core damage-dealing abilities in this build are Arc Lash and Charged Bolts. Arc Lash delivers impressive frontal area-of-effect damage and can stun enemies it touches. The Charged Bolts Skill, on the other hand, excels in single target damage and is particularly effective against elites and bosses when used at melee range.
Additionally, the 
Unstable Currents ultimate skill enhances damage output by randomly casting an additional shock spell whenever a shock skill is used. This synergizes well with Arc Lash, as you can spam the skill during Unstable Currents, and use Charged Bolts when sufficient Mana has been accumulated.
The Shock Sorceress excels at controlling crowds. With increased movement speed through Flickering Arc Lash, as well as 
Teleport, you can easily move around or even through enemies, while Stunning or Freezing them through Frost Nova. This provides control and mobility during the fight.
Rotation
Please note that this build will be especially fun for players who prefer melee combat, featuring a rotation that emphasizes melee-focused Skills:
- (Optional) Activate Unstable Currents against tough elites and bosses.
- Cast Frost Nova to apply Vulnerable
- Cast Charged Bolts up close against tougher enemies to shotgun them with multiple bolt projectiles.
- Use Ice Armor to protect against incoming damage and regen Mana.
- Spam Arc Lash to finish off weaker groups of enemies.
Repeat the above steps until all enemies are defeated.
Gear Choice and Stats
When considering gear choices in Diablo 4, it is important to understand the concept of Item Power. Item Power, displayed beneath the item name and type, represents the strength of your gear and directly impacts the capabilities of your character. Higher Item Power generally indicates stronger gear, but it is important to also consider the affixes and effects that align with your class and build. In some cases, a lower Item Power item might outperform a higher one if it has a special stat that synergizes well with your skills or playstyle. So, when making gear decisions, keep an eye on both Item Power and the specific attributes that complement the build.
When it comes to choosing gear while leveling up with this build, there are a few additional key points to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your gear choices:
- Pick up every item: This allows you to salvage them for resources or sell them for gold. (Teleport to town and salvage or sell, to empty your inventory if needed.)
- Sort items in your bag: Organizing your inventory can greatly improve efficiency. You can automatically sort (if preferred) by clicking on the Sort icon located on the top right of the inventory.
- Check for item upgrades: Regularly examine your gear for potential upgrades. Look for items that provide useful stats or bonuses, such as increased ranks to important skills or beneficial modifiers. Refer to the list of important stats below for guidance.
- Sell gear during early leveling for gold: In the early stages of leveling, selling gear to vendors can be more profitable than salvaging it. This helps you accumulate gold, which can be useful for later upgrades.
- Salvage rare gear to get materials: As you progress and reach higher levels, it becomes more beneficial to salvage most rare (yellow) gear, as well as some magic (blue) items, instead of selling it.
- Upgrade Weapons and Jewelry every time you get a new, good piece: These items can have a significant impact on your combat effectiveness.
- Upgrade Armor selectively: As a second priority, and if you have materials left, consider upgrading your Armor if it provides useful stats or bonuses that complement the build.
When choosing gear, keep an eye out for the following stats and modifiers that are particularly beneficial for this build (listed in order of importance):
| Importance | Affixes |
| 1 | DPS value on Weapon(s) + Attack Speed + Cooldown Reduction + Intelligence |
| 2 | + Rank to Charged Bolts |
| 3 | + Damage to Vulnerable, Frozen, Stunned, Crowd Controlled, Injured and Healthy enemies + Lightning, Shock, Basic and Core Skill Damage + All Damage + Critical Hit Chance and Damage + % Crowd Control Duration |
| 4 | + Damage Reduction + Any Elemental Resistances + Armor + Movement Speed |
| 5 | + All Stats |
Legendary Aspects and Codex of Power
Aspect of Static Cling, as well as the Aspect of Control, are both highly recommended as they significantly enhance the build. With the Static Cling Aspect, there is a % chance for your casts of Charged Bolts to be drawn towards enemies and last 300% longer. The Aspect of Control, on the other hand, significantly increases the damage dealt to Immobilized, Stunned, or Frozen enemies. This amplifies the power of your strongest Skill even further!
To unlock Aspects, you must complete the corresponding Dungeon where the specific Aspect drops. Once obtained, the Aspect will be unlocked and can be found in the Codex of Power. Additionally, it is important to know that certain legendary powers can only be obtained by finding them on a legendary item, and are not accessible through the Codex of Power.
Furthermore, keep in mind, that Offensive Aspects imprinted on 2-Handed Weapons give +100% effectiveness, and Amulets provide +50%. However, both of the above mentioned Aspects can also be imprinted on Gloves, Offhand or Rings.
Here is a list of Aspects that are useful for this build, found through the Codex or on Legendary items, prioritized in order of importance.
| Aspect Name | Legendary Aspect Power | Source |
| Aspect of Static Cling | Your casts of Charged Bolts have a {#}% chance to be attracted to enemies and last 300% longer. | Wretched Delve, Scosglen |
| Aspect of Control | You deal % more damage to Immobilized, Stunned, or Frozen enemies. | Sunken Library, Kehjistan |
| Rapid Aspect | Basic Skills gain {#}% Attack Speed. | Buried Halls, Dry Steppes |
 Aspect of Might | Basic Skills grant % Damage Reduction for 4.0 seconds. | Dark Ravine, Dry Steppes |
| Aspect of Retribution | Distant enemies have a 8% chance to be Stunned for 2 seconds when they hit you. You deal {#}% increased damage to Stunned enemies. | Abandoned Mineworks, Kehjistan |
 Prodigy’s Aspect | Using a Cooldown restores 15 Mana. | Witchwater, Hawezar |
| Aspect of Efficiency | Casting a Basic Skill reduces the Mana cost of your next Core Skill by {#}%. | Domhainne Tunnels, Scosglen |
| Edgemaster’s Aspect | Skills deal up to {#}% increased damage based on your available Primary Resource when cast, receiving the maximum benefit while you have full Primary Resource. | Oldstones, Scosglen |
| Aspect of the Expectant | Attacking enemies with a Basic Skill increases the damage of your next Core Skill cast by {#}%, up to {#}%. | Underrot, Scosglen |
| Smiting Aspect | You have a {#}% increased Critical Strike Chance against Injured enemies. While you are Healthy, you gain {#}% increased Crowd Control Duration. | Random Drop Only |
| Accelerating Aspect | Critical Strikes with Core Skills increase your Attack Speed by {#}% for 3 seconds. | Random drop |
| Elementalist’s Aspect | Core or Mastery Skills cast at or above 100 Mana gain a {#}% increased Critical Strike Chance. | Pallid Delve, Dry Stepps |
| Mage-Lord’s Aspect | The  Vyr’s Mastery Key Passive’s Damage Reduction is increased by {#}% for each Close enemy, up to {#}%. | Random Drop Only |
| Stable Aspect | While Unstable Currents is not active, your Shock Skills have a {#}% chance to trigger a free cast from it. | Random Drop Only |
| Aspect of Disobedience | You gain {#}% increased Armor for 4 seconds when you deal any form of damage, stacking up to {#}%. | Halls of the Damned, Kehjistan |
| Aspect of the Unwavering | Taking direct damage has a {#}% chance to reset the Cooldown of one of your Defensive Skills. | Putrid Aquifer, Kehjistan |
 Aspect of the Bounding Conduit | Gain % Movement Speed for 3 seconds after using Teleport. | Komdor Temple, Dry Stepps |
| Wind Striker Aspect | Critical Strikes grant % Movement Speed for 1 second, up to 6 seconds. | Shivta Ruins, Kehjistan |
Gems
Listed below are the best Gems to socket into gear for each slot type.
- Weapon: Topaz for +% Basic Skill Damage or Sapphire for +% Critical Strike Damage to Crowd Controlled enemies.
- Armor: Ruby for +% Maximum Life.
- Jewelry: Diamond for all Resistance or any gem that provides you with the resistance type you lack the most.
Elixirs and Health Potions
To gain an edge in your adventures, head to the Alchemist in any main town, and craft Elixirs that enhance your stats and experience gain for 30 minutes. Remember to gather the necessary crafting materials by foraging plants. Select an Elixir that provides the resistance you need most, or try the Weak Assault Elixir to boost Attack Speed by 7%.
Return to the Alchemist again when you reach Level 20, 30, 45, 60, 70, 80 and 90, to upgrade your potion. The extra healing is essential to survival.
Chain Lightning Sorcerer Leveling Build
The Chain Lightning Sorcerer leveling build unleashes a barrage of lightning that jumps to each enemy, electrifying them in a dazzling show of magical power. This is your leveling guide for Diablo 4, with the maximum Skill Point allocation at level 50. With previous beta testing, we currently believe Chain Lightning is the best option for leveling a new Sorcerer character. Let us go over the build mechanics, character progression, and playstyle!
Chain Lightning has received a beneficial rework in Diablo 4 and can now bounce off the Sorcerer themselves. Therefore, it can jump between a single enemy and the Sorcerer multiple times to destroy the toughest bosses and elites quickly. Against a group of mobs, Chain Lightning prioritizes enemies with each jump to deal optimal damage.
This build excels in both mob density clearing and single target boss fights. Zap your foes with electrifying power with the Chain Lightning Sorcerer!
Skill Tree Points
The following table shows the order in which to allocate your Skill Points for Chain Lightning Sorcerer leveling. You gain 48 points at Level 50 and 2 points from completing Renown in each Act zone, for a total of 58.
Mechanics and Playstyle
The Chain Lightning Sorcerer leveling build is fairly simple to play due to the Core Skill doing the majority of the damage for both density clearing and single target fights. With five chains, each cast hits the same target three times if there are no other enemies around. Its high damage per hit also destroys groups of mobs efficiently. Once Chain Lightning reaches level 5, its damage is further increased with 
Elemental Dominance and 
Glass Cannon.
Frost Bolt and Frost Nova are both built to generate Mana for more Chain Lightning. No Sorcerer would be complete without Teleport or mobility. 
Lightning Spear is a free Mana cost skill used for supplemental damage.
Critical Strike Chance
With Enhanced Chain Lightning and Enhanced Lightning Spear providing Critical Strike Chance, further investment while leveling is worthwhile. 
Coursing Currents, 
Conduction and 
Electrocution synergize well with the damage dealing skills of this build. Critical Strikes cause Invoked Lightning Spear to stun enemies, activating 
Shocking Impact for an additional damage proc.
Damage Rotation
Engage battles at range with the following rotation.
- Cast Frost Nova near enemies to apply Vulnerable from Mystical Frost Nova
- Cast Lightning Spear, Ice Armor and Teleport while close to enemies to stun with Arc Lash Enhancement, activating damage from Shocking Impact.
- Use Chain Lightning while above 50 Mana to utilize Elemental Dominance for optimal DPS.
Mana Generator Rotation
Use the following rotation to generate Mana and finish off wounded enemies.
- (Optional) Teleport into the middle of mobs to close the gap.
- Cast Frost Nova to Freeze all enemies.
- Spam Frost Bolt at Frozen or Chilled enemies to generate Mana. Enhanced Frost Bolt has a 100% chance to explode against Frozen enemies, allowing you to finish off any remaining enemies.
Enhancement Slots
The Specialization of the Sorcerer can be unlocked at level 15. Complete the Legacy of the Magi questline as soon as possible to gain access to your first Enhancement Slot. At the beginning, assign Fireball for group clearing. Once you unlock the second slot at level 30, assign Chain Lightning and Arc Lash instead (switch the Skill Point from Fireball).
Gear Choice and Stat Priority while Leveling
Make sure to pick up all Rare equipment drops that may be upgrades while you are leveling Chain Lightning Sorcerer. Save Legendary items with useful aspects in your stash to be used later for extraction and imprinting onto well rolled Rare items.
When comparing weapons with similar item levels, Two-Handed Staves are preferred over Wands for higher damage per hit.
Listed below are the stat affixes to prioritize on gear for Chain Lightning Sorcerer leveling, ranked by their importance. Affixes on the same level have roughly the same importance.
| Importance | Affixes |
|---|---|
| 1 | DPS value on weapon(s) |
| 2 | + Rank of Chain Lightning |
| 3 | + Cooldown Reduction + Critical Strike Chance and Damage + All Damage + Damage with Lightning, Core and Shock Skills + Damage to Healthy and Injured Enemies + Damage while Healthy + Attack Speed and Basic Skill Attack Speed + Intelligence |
| 4 | + Damage Reduction + Any Elemental Resistances |
| 5 | + Crowd Control Duration + Movement Speed + Life |
Legendary Aspects and Codex of Power
Recharging Aspect can be unlocked in the Codex of Power by completing the Zenith dungeon in Fractured Peaks. Visit the Occultist to imprint this aspect onto an item to gain 4 Mana each time Chain Lightning bounces off you. An amulet is a good choice for imprinting Aspects since the effects gain a 50% bonus.
Listed below are the Aspects found on Legendary items that are important for the Chain Lightning Sorcerer leveling build. They are listed in order of priority.
| Aspect Name | Legendary Aspect Power | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Recharging Aspect | Each time Chain Lightning bounces off you, gain # Mana. | Zenith, Fractured Peaks |
| Aspect of the Unbroken Tether | Chain Lightning has a #% chance to chain # additional times. | Random Drop Only |
| Aspect of Control | You deal #%[x] more damage to Immobilized, Stunned, or Frozen enemies. | Sunken Library, Kehjistan |
| Edgemaster’s Aspect | Skills deal up to #%[x] increased damage based on your available Primary Resource when cast, receiving the maximum benefit while you have full Primary Resource. | Oldstones, Scosglen |
| Rapid Aspect | Basic Skills gain #%[+] Attack Speed. | Buried Halls, Dry Steppes |
| Aspect of Might | Basic Skills grant 20% Damage Reduction for # seconds. | Dark Ravine, Dry Steppes |
| Aspect of Retribution | Distant enemies have a 8% chance to be Stunned for 2 seconds when they hit you. You deal #% increased damage to Stunned enemies. | Abandoned Mineworks, Kehjistan |
| Aspect of the Bounding Conduit | Gain #% Movement Speed for 3 seconds after Teleporting. | Komdor Temple, Dry Steppes |
| Frostblitz Aspect | Frost Nova gains an additional Charge but the Cooldown per Charge is increased by #%. | Random Drop Only |
| Aspect of the Expectant | Attacking enemies with a Basic Skill increases the damage of your next Core Skill cast by #%[x], up to 50%[x]. | Underroot, Scosglen |
| Elementalist’s Aspect | Core or Mastery Skills cast at or above 100 Mana gain a #%[+] increased Critical Strike Chance. | Pallid Delve, Dry Steppes |
Gems
Listed below are the best Gems to socket into gear for each slot type.
- Weapon: Sapphire for Critical Strike Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies.
- Armor: Ruby for Maximum Life.
- Jewelry: Diamond for all Resistance or any gem that provides you with the resistance type you lack the most.
Elixirs and Health Potions
Visit the Alchemist in Kyovashad to craft helpful Elixirs that increase stats and experience gain for 30 minutes. Make sure to forage plants and pick up the necessary crafting materials during your adventures; they randomly spawn around the world. Use an Elixir providing any Resistance you need most, or the Weak Assault Elixir to increase Attack Speed by 7%.
Return to the Alchemist again when you reach Level 20, 30, 45, 60, 70, 80 and 90, to upgrade your potion. The extra healing is essential to survival.
