Paladin / Sorcerer “Sorcadin”Multiclass Build Guide — D&D 5e
Metamagic and a full pool of slots, all feeding Divine Smite — the highest-DPR paladin build.
The synergy
Why Paladin / Sorcerer Works
Divine Smite converts any spell slot into burst damage on a hit, and sorcerer is a full caster — meaning more slots than any other paladin multiclass. By level 10 (Paladin 6 / Sorcerer 4) you have the same number of slots as a pure 10th-level sorcerer, every one of them a potential Smite.
Paladin 6 is the breakpoint: Extra Attack at 5, Aura of Protection at 6 (Charisma to all saves within 10 ft). After that, pure paladin levels give diminishing returns — half-caster slot progression is slow, and your next big feature is Aura of Courage at 10 (fear immunity). Sorcerer X accelerates your slot curve immediately.
Metamagic seals it. Quicken Spell lets you cast a spell as a bonus action and still Attack + Smite on the same turn. Twin Spell doubles Haste or Polymorph. The combination of full martial output and full caster flexibility makes the Sorcadin the highest sustained damage paladin in 5e.
Ability priority: CHA → STR → CON — Charisma drives both paladin auras and sorcerer spellcasting — a shared stat is why this multiclass works. Strength for melee attacks, Constitution for hit points and concentration.
When to take what
Level Breakpoints
What makes it tick
Key Features & Spells
Counsel
Frequently Asked
When should I switch from Paladin to Sorcerer?
After Paladin 6. Extra Attack (5) and Aura of Protection (6) are the two biggest paladin features. Everything after — improved smite at 11, Aura of Courage at 10 — is weaker than what full caster progression gives you.
Which Sorcerous Origin is best for Sorcadin?
Divine Soul gives access to the Cleric list (Healing Word, Spirit Guardians) on top of Sorcerer spells. Clockwork Soul restores a slot once per long rest. Draconic gives 13+DEX AC without armour, but you already have plate, so it is wasted.
Is Sorcadin better than pure Paladin?
For damage and flexibility, yes — significantly. For simplicity and late-game paladin features (improved smite, cleansing touch), pure paladin wins. Sorcadin has a higher ceiling and a higher skill floor.
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