D&D 5E (2024) 2nd level casters are disappoint

[Zardnaar]

I disagree with the thread title of Casters generally being disappointing at Level 2 (e.g. absolutely not true for Sorcerers and Warlocks). Level 2 is definitely a weak spot for Wizards, you aren't wrong there. And then Clerics/Druids get powerful core features at Level 2 although you could argue that Channel Divinity / Wildshape aren't very useful until they get Subclasses at Level 3.

I can fully get behind this suggestion of an additional 1st level spellslot at Level 2 for 4 total. The jump in total spellslots available at Level 3 (or at Level 5 for Artificers/Paladins/Rangers) has always looked strange to me. I'd be on board with smoothing that progression out

Warlock pact of nothing. All 3 magic initiate feats or tomelock+all 3 magic initiate feats (1 via race). Level 2.

Waves at wizard. You also pick up +9 cantrips 3 from any class you like. Hows that arcane recovery working out? You can deal around double the damage and force>fire.

 

[DrJawaPhD]

I'm not seeing the sorcerer appeal at level 2.

You don't see appeal of Metamagic? It's kind of the entire reason to play Sorcerer

 

[Parmandur]

I can totally see level 2 seeming pretty weak for experienced players, though they probably move past it pretty quickly. I'll be spending 3 games at level 2 with the new players (they did 2 games at level 1).

The PHB and DMG at several points do suggest that experienced players start at level 3 or higher, for just these reasons.

 

[Zardnaar]

You don't see appeal of Metamagic? It's kind of the entire reason to play Sorcerer

Yup.

Twin spell. Basically you can double all your higher level spells.

Controller. Heighten+twin spell.

Artillery. Energy substitution+empower

Sniper. Seeking+empower.

Hybrid. Empower+twin.

Add quicken lvl 10.

 

[pawsplay]

Dead levels? Back in my day, we just called them "levels."

 

[Zardnaar]

Dead levels? Back in my day, we just called them "levels."

Its comparatively.

 

[aco175]

The good news is that 2nd level goes by rather fast.

 

[Zardnaar]

The good news is that 2nd level goes by rather fast.

Maybe. DM doing milestones it may be same speed as any other level.

 

[FrogReaver]

You don't see appeal of Metamagic? It's kind of the entire reason to play Sorcerer

At level 2? You’ve got 2 sorcery points…

 

[DrJawaPhD]

At level 2? You’ve got 2 sorcery points…

And you only have 3 spellslots, so you can use metamagic on most of your spells.

It's level 2, resources are rather limited for everyone so I don't know what you're expecting here