D&D 5E Sorcerer vs Warlock: Which do you suggest?

[Arvok]

I would strongly urge you to talk with your DM to be sure you (and he) understand what role your patron will be taking in the game should you choose the warlock class. That might be a deal-breaker and make your decision easy.

 

[Gammadoodler]

We'll be starting at level 3. My preferred role would be something in between damage and support, capable of strategies that inhibit or even sabotage enemies. Essentially, I want to fight dirty... with lots of magic. Of course, I'm not aware of how best to strategize in DnD, though.

I'm also having trouble deciding which of the RP styles and themes of the classes I prefer more. The Sorcerer is really neat and mystical-feeling with its inherent magical nature, and the idea that there's something strange and powerful altering your bloodline is pretty cool. On the other hand, the occult nature of the Warlock is also pretty intriguing, and the presence of your Patron leads to a very unique style of RP.

Personal opinion only, but I think for what you are describing mechanically, a sorcerer would meet your needs a little better.

With a few more spell slots (which could vary dependent on short rest frequency in the short term, but will be waaay more as you level up), and metamagic, your spellcasting is generally going to be more effective/flexible. More importantly, I think is that you're going to be able to select from a larger spell list with more options to fit the role you are looking for. There's just generally more power baked into it's spellcasting features.

Warlocks' spellcasting is relatively narrow, supplemented by some very cool, unique, and 'always on' (or nearly so) powers. So it can do things that no other classes can do, but those things tend to be a bit on the niche side of things.

From an RP perspective, it's gonna depends heavily on the DM and how much they put into it, but the warlock has greater potential for cool stuff baked into it.

My 2 cents anyway

 

[77IM]

Warlock has more RP potential built into the class -- but is also more restrictive. You have cool customization with Invocations, Pacts, and Patrons, but you don't get many spells, so you wind up relying on the same tricks repeatedly.

Sorcerer has a much broader selection of spells, and you can learn and cast more of them, allowing you to build the character how you like, but you'll have to define more of your character concept. Personally, I don't really see that as much of a drawback. In particular, Shadow Magic origin is already dripping with flavor, and the "pet" that they summon can be really devastating if used correctly. So I would recommend you pick sorcerer.

 

[LordEntrails]

Do you want to be melee or ranged? For me its more engaging to be a melee character, so I would go with the Warlock. But, being a blaster sorcerer is "easier" in many regards.

 

[Gammadoodler]

One other thing worth noting is that these two classes are quite compatible from an Ability score perspective if you decide to multiclass down the road (assuming your DM allows it).

So if you decide you'd like some warlock goodies, just gotta be on the lookout for fey, fiends, and eldritch abominations looking to make a deal.

 

[J-H]

One of the key points for Warlock viability is short rests per day.
Tomelocks have a lot of extra cantrips for single-target BFC: Slow an enemy? There's a cantrip for that. Move them closer? There's a cantrip for that. Stop them from healing/regenerating? There's a cantrip for that. Give them disadvantage on their next save? There's a cantrip for that. Give them disadvantage on their next attack roll? There's a cantrip for that.

 

[Hohige]

If you want a powergame. Go sorcerer and metamagic shenanigans.
Otherside, Go Warlock.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Shadow sorcerer is a bit tricky, as you like to use darkness a lot, but your allies usually can't look through it amd you need to play very tactically. You are also quite easy to be hit, as you have no natural choice of armor. So while I definitely like the sorcerer as a master tactian (twin spell used on levitate can end encounters easily), you need someone to protect you. And if noone wants to be in the frontline, everyone is.

The hexblade warlock has access to good defensive amd offensive spells and a useful selection of armor and weapons. Battlefield control is a lot below the sorcerer's capabilities.

 

[aco175]

It is a good question. I have not been able to play either of these classes myself and only looked at one for some AL games and as NPC in the games I DM. When I DM I tend to take the metamagic slots and make them 12/rest abilities and just give them some recharge stuff to make them easy. Warlocks seem to have built in things that are behind the scene and make the PC better personally, but not as variable to act in more situations.

 

[Ace]

Warlock if you want to feel like a shadowy caster with strange powers, a strongly combat focused Gish or want to have at will abilities beyond cantrips . Its also a nasty ranged caster when you do the eldritch blast, eldritch spear, spell sniper thing.

Sorcerer is when you either want an easy to play limited spell list caster with flexible magic or when you have a concept that is highly specialized or sis meant to feel like a magical version of a superhero like an X Man or the like. Draconic Sorcerers with a solid Constitution make for a fair spell focused Gish too although you may want a single multi class level with that, something that adds some better weapons or other combat tricks. Its also pretty good for focused magic builds like a thief who steals using natural powers.