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Chain Lightning – Sorcerer Leveling Build for Diablo 4

The best starter build for leveling a new Sorcerer!

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Lexyu

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Chain LightningArc LashTeleportUnstable CurrentsLightning SpearFrost Nova


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Build Introduction

The Chain LightningChain Lightning Sorcerer leveling build unleashes a barrage of lightning that automatically jumps to each enemy, enabling a straightforward playstyle that anyone can enjoy. This is the best starter build to level a new Sorcerer character, with the maximum Skill Point allocation at Level 60. Let us go over the build mechanics, character progression, and playstyle!

Chain LightningChain Lightning is the most Mana-efficient Core Skill for a starting Sorcerer character due to Recharging AspectRecharging Aspect being immediately unlockable by completing Zenith Dungeon. FireballFireball Enchantment is quickly acquired after completing the class quest at Level 15 to provide the build with the necessary Area-of-Effect damage to clear groups of enemies.

In Season 6, the newly added Aspect of Elemental ConstellationAspect of Elemental Constellation can ultimately carry any leveling build if obtained from a Legendary Item drop. The aspect rolls a wide range of 50-1050% weapon damage for the daggers. If you are lucky enough to roll even a mid-range value, use the Aspect of Elemental Constellation to deal massive damage hits to elites and bosses.

Check the Sorcerer Leveling Guide Overview for a comparison of all the starter builds on Icy Veins.

Once your Sorcerer character reaches Level 60, switch to the Endgame Guide for the Chain Lightning Sorcerer to continue this build.

Skill Tree Points and Skill Bar

Skill Bar Setup for the Chain Lightning Sorcerer (order does not matter)
Chain LightningChain LightningArc LashArc LashTeleportTeleportUnstable CurrentsUnstable CurrentsLightning SpearLightning SpearFrost NovaFrost Nova

The following table shows the order in which to allocate your Skill Points while leveling with the Chain Lightning Sorcerer build. You gain 59 points at Level 60 and 12 points from Renown, for a total of 71.

OrderSkillCluster
1Arc LashArc Lash Rank 1Basic SkillBasic Skill
2Enhanced Arc LashEnhanced Arc LashBasic SkillBasic Skill
3Chain LightningChain Lightning Rank 1Core SkillCore Skill
4Flickering Arc LashFlickering Arc LashBasic SkillBasic Skill
5Enhanced Chain LightningEnhanced Chain LightningCore SkillCore Skill
6Greater Chain LightningGreater Chain LightningCore SkillCore Skill
7TeleportTeleport Rank 1Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
8Frost NovaFrost Nova Rank 1Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
9Enhanced Frost NovaEnhanced Frost NovaDefensive SkillDefensive Skill
10Mystical Frost NovaMystical Frost NovaDefensive SkillDefensive Skill
11Chain LightningChain Lightning Rank 2Core SkillCore Skill
12Chain LightningChain Lightning Rank 3Core SkillCore Skill
13Chain LightningChain Lightning Rank 4Core SkillCore Skill
14Chain LightningChain Lightning Rank 5Core SkillCore Skill
15FireballFireball Rank 1 for Enchantment Slot
(not on Skill Bar)
Core SkillCore Skill
16Enhanced FireballEnhanced FireballCore SkillCore Skill
17Glass CannonGlass Cannon Rank 1Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
18Glass CannonGlass Cannon Rank 2Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
19Glass CannonGlass Cannon Rank 3Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
20Elemental DominanceElemental Dominance Rank 1Core SkillCore Skill
21Elemental DominanceElemental Dominance Rank 2Core SkillCore Skill
22Elemental DominanceElemental Dominance Rank 3Core SkillCore Skill
23Elemental AttunementElemental AttunementDefensive SkillDefensive Skill
24Unstable CurrentsUnstable CurrentsUltimate SkillUltimate Skill
25Prime Unstable CurrentsPrime Unstable CurrentsUltimate SkillUltimate Skill
26Lightning SpearLightning Spear Rank 1Conjuration SkillConjuration Skill
27Enhanced Lightning SpearEnhanced Lightning SpearConjuration SkillConjuration Skill
28Invoked Lightning SpearInvoked Lightning SpearConjuration SkillConjuration Skill
29Coursing CurrentsCoursing Currents Rank 1Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
30Coursing CurrentsCoursing Currents Rank 2Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
31Coursing CurrentsCoursing Currents Rank 3Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
32Elemental SynergiesElemental Synergies Rank 1Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
33Elemental SynergiesElemental Synergies Rank 2Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
34EnlightenmentEnlightenmentCapstone SkillCapstone Skill

Important Respect Step: After obtaining EnlightenmentEnlightenment, reallocate 3 Skill Points invested into Arc LashArc Lash nodes into Fire BoltFire Bolt, Enhanced Fire BoltEnhanced Fire Bolt, and Flickering Fire BoltFlickering Fire Bolt. The change to a Pyromancy Skill allows you to quickly gain Enlightenment stacks when it is alternated with other Skills.

OrderSkillCluster
35Elemental SynergiesElemental Synergies Rank 3Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
36EvocationEvocation Rank 1Basic SkillBasic Skill
37EvocationEvocation Rank 2Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
38EvocationEvocation Rank 3Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
39PermafrostPermafrost Rank 1Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
40HoarfrostHoarfrost Rank 1Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
41HoarfrostHoarfrost Rank 2Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
42HoarfrostHoarfrost Rank 3Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
43ConductionConduction Rank 1Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
44ConductionConduction Rank 2Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
45ConductionConduction Rank 3Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
46FireballFireball Rank 2Core SkillCore Skill
47FireballFireball Rank 3Core SkillCore Skill
48FireballFireball Rank 4Core SkillCore Skill
49FireballFireball Rank 5Core SkillCore Skill
50Frost NovaFrost Nova Rank 2Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
51Frost NovaFrost Nova Rank 3Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
52Frost NovaFrost Nova Rank 4Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
53Frost NovaFrost Nova Rank 5Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
54ElectrocutionElectrocution Rank 1Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
55ElectrocutionElectrocution Rank 2Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
56ElectrocutionElectrocution Rank 3Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
57Enhanced TeleportEnhanced TeleportDefensive SkillDefensive Skill
58Shimmering TeleportShimmering TeleportDefensive SkillDefensive Skill
59Align the ElementsAlign the ElementsConjuration SkillConjuration Skill
60ProtectionProtection Rank 1Conjuration SkillConjuration Skill
61ProtectionProtection Rank 2Conjuration SkillConjuration Skill
62ProtectionProtection Rank 3Conjuration SkillConjuration Skill
63Mana ShieldMana Shield Rank 1Conjuration SkillConjuration Skill
64Mana ShieldMana Shield Rank 2Conjuration SkillConjuration Skill
65Mana ShieldMana Shield Rank 3Conjuration SkillConjuration Skill
66TeleportTeleport Rank 2Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
67TeleportTeleport Rank 3Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
68TeleportTeleport Rank 4Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
69TeleportTeleport Rank 5Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
70Energy FocusEnergy Focus Rank 1Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
71Energy FocusEnergy Focus Rank 2Defensive SkillDefensive Skill

Enchantment 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 Enchantment Slot, and then assign FireballFireball for group clearing. Once you unlock the second slot at Level 30, assign Chain LightningChain Lightning to it.

Build Mechanics and Playstyle

The Chain LightningChain Lightning Sorcerer leveling build is relatively 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. Once Chain Lightning reaches Rank 5, its damage is further increased with Elemental DominanceElemental Dominance, Glass CannonGlass Cannon, Elemental SynergiesElemental Synergies, and EnlightenmentEnlightenment.

Critical Strike Chance

Prioritize equipping items with Critical Strike Chance, as it synergies well with ConductionConduction and ElectrocutionElectrocution. Enhanced Chain LightningEnhanced Chain Lightning and Coursing CurrentsCoursing Currents provide additional Critical Strike Chance. A highly ranked Elementalist's AspectElementalist’s Aspect is extremely valuable if it drops on a Legendary Item during the early leveling phase.

Damage Rotation

Engage battles at range with the following rotation.

  1. Cast Frost NovaFrost Nova near enemies to apply Vulnerable from Mystical Frost NovaMystical Frost Nova
  2. (Optional) Activate Unstable CurrentsUnstable Currents against tough elites and bosses.
  3. Use Chain LightningChain Lightning while above 50 Mana to utilize Elemental DominanceElemental Dominance for optimal DPS.
  4. Spam Arc LashArc Lash or Fire BoltFire Bolt while below 50 Mana to generate or to finish off enemies.

Gear, Gems, Elixirs, and Stats

The following sections cover the important systems that are essential to improving the power of your character during the leveling process.

Legendary Aspects

Recharging AspectRecharging Aspect greatly helps with Mana management and is a core part of the Chain Lightning Sorcerer build. Unlock the Aspect in the Codex of Power by completing the Zenith dungeon in Fractured Peaks. This dungeon is near the first main town of Kyovashad and it has a minimum monster level of 1, so clear it as soon as possible. Afterwards, visit the Occultist to imprint Recharging AspectRecharging Aspect onto a Rare Amulet for a +50% bonus effect.

Zenith Dungeon is located northeast of Kyovashad

Higher Tier Aspects with more potent effects can be found on dropped Legendary Items. Salvage unwanted Legendary Items at the Blacksmith to unlock these Aspects in the Codex of Power, and then imprint them onto well-rolled Rare or Legendary Items. Check the in-depth Aspect and Codex of Power guide for more information.

Aspect of Elemental ConstellationAspect of Elemental Constellation is the most beneficial aspect that can be found on Legendary Item drops. If you are lucky enough to find the aspect with a decently rolled value, imprint it onto a Staff to double the dagger damage.

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 NameLegendary Aspect PowerSource
Aspect of Elemental ConstellationAspect of Elemental ConstellationCasting Pyromancy, Shock, and Frost Skills conjures a matching Elemental Dagger around you that pierces through enemies dealing [X] damage after 3 seconds. The damage increases by 100% per matching elemental skill you cast.Random Drop
Recharging AspectRecharging AspectEach time Chain Lightning bounces, gain [1 – 5] Mana.Zenith, Fractured Peaks
Aspect of the Unbroken TetherAspect of the Unbroken TetherChain Lightning has a [25 – 45%] chance to chain 5 additional times.Random Drop
Lightning Rod AspectLightning Rod AspectChain Lightning has a 25% chance to deal [50 – 90%] increased damage. This chance is doubled against Bosses or Crowd Controlled enemies and prefers them as targets.Random Drop
Elementalist's AspectElementalist’s AspectCore Skills cast at or above 100 Mana gain a [25 – 45%] increased Critical Strike Chance.Pallid Delve, Dry Steppes
Conceited AspectConceited AspectDeal [15 – 25%] increased damage while you have a Barrier active.Random Drop
Edgemaster's AspectEdgemaster’s AspectSkills deal up to [10 – 20%] increased damage based on your available Primary Resource when cast, receiving the maximum benefit while you have full Primary Resource.Oldstones, Scosglen
Storm Swell AspectStorm Swell AspectYou deal x [15 – 35%] increased damage while Ice Armor is active. This amount is increased by another 15% against Frozen enemies.Onyx Hold, Dry Steppes
Aspect of the ExpectantAspect of the ExpectantAttacking enemies with a Basic Skill increases the damage of your next Core Skill cast by [5 – 10%], up to 30%.Underroot, Scosglen
Aspect of ControlAspect of ControlYou deal [20 – 35%] more damage to Immobilized, Stunned, or Frozen enemies.Sunken Library, Kehjistan
Accelerating AspectAccelerating AspectCritical Strikes with Core Skills increase your Attack Speed by [15 – 25%] for 5 seconds.Random Drop
Rapid AspectRapid AspectBasic Skills gain [15 – 30%] Attack Speed.Buried Halls, Dry Steppes
Aspect of MightAspect of MightBasic Skills grant 20% Damage Reduction for [2.0 – 6.0] seconds.Dark Ravine, Dry Steppes
Aspect of the Bounding ConduitAspect of the Bounding ConduitGain [25 – 30%] Movement Speed for 3 seconds after Teleporting.Komdor Temple, Dry Steppes

Gems and Runewords

Listed below are the best Gems to socket into gear for each item type.

Weapon GemsArmor GemsJewelry Gems
SapphireSapphire for increased Vulnerable Damage.TopazTopaz for Intelligence.Any Resistance Gems needed or SkullSkull for Armor (up to the 1,000 Armor cap).

Runes are unlocked during the Vessel of Hatred campaign and then start dropping during various activities. A Rune of Offering and a Rune of Invocation can be combined by inserting them into equipment with two available sockets, creating a Runeword. A limit of two Runewords can be equipped.

Listed below are the best Runewords utilizing Magic and Rare Runes that are beneficial for this build. The best-in-slot Runewords utilizing Legendary Runes are in the Endgame Guide for the Chain Lightning Sorcerer.

RunewordsEffects
NeoNeo
TonTon
Gain: 200 Offering — Deal damage after not taking any within 2 seconds. (Resets if Invulnerable.)
Requires: 20 Offering, Cooldown: 1 Second — Evoke the Sorcerer’s Meteorites, dealing damage to enemies.
FeoFeo
LacLac
Gain: 1000 Offering — Become Injured or Crowd Controlled (Cooldown: 10 seconds).
Requires: 400 Offering, Cooldown: 1 Second — Evoke the Barbarian’s Challenging Shout, reducing your damage taken for 3 seconds.

Elixirs

Visit the Alchemist in any main town to craft helpful Elixirs that increase stats and experience gain for 30 minutes. Make sure to forage plants for Bundled HerbsBundled Herbs during your adventures; they randomly spawn around the world. Elixirs can also drop randomly from enemies and chests during many activities in Diablo 4.

  1. Elixir of ResourceElixir of Resource helps with Mana issues, if you do not already have the appropriate Mana gear. This elixir is highly recommended for starting characters to maintain constant casts of Chain LightningChain Lightning.
  2. Elixir of PrecisionElixir of Precision provides the highest damage output increase, if not already capped at 100% Critical Strike Chance.
  3. Elixir of AdvantageElixir of Advantage increases damage output, if not already capped at 100% Attack Speed bonus from gear and Paragon.
  4. Elixir of FortitudeElixir of Fortitude is the best general-purpose option for survivability. Increased Maximum Life grants larger Barriers from ProtectionProtection and Ice ArmorIce Armor.

Return to the Alchemist every 10 Levels to upgrade your potion. The extra healing is essential to survival.

Stat Priority and Tempering Affixes

Listed below are the affixes to prioritize on gear for Chain Lightning Sorcerers during the early leveling process. Each line of affixes are listed in order of importance. Affixes on the same line are considered to be equally important, but their benefits may vary depending on how much is stacked compared to other character stats.

When comparing weapons with similar item levels, Two-Handed Staves are preferred over One-Handed Weapons for higher damage per hit while leveling.

Tempering Manuals are randomly dropped while leveling, and they need to be found to unlock their usage at the Blacksmith. Each manual has Magic, Rare, and Legendary rarities that determine the range of values available. Rare Items can inherit 1 tempering affix, while Legendary Items can inherit 2 tempering affixes from different categories.

The most beneficial tempering affixes while leveling are included below. If tempering materials (Iron ChunkIron Chunk and Veiled CrystalVeiled Crystal) are limited, prioritize the Resource, Weapon, and Offensive categories. The best-in-slot tempering affixes are available in the Endgame Guide for the Chain Lightning Sorcerer.

SlotGear AffixesTempering Affixes
Weapon1. Vulnerable Damage, Lucky Hit Chance to Restore Primary Resource
2. Maximum Life, Dexterity
1. Shock Augments — SurgeShock Augments — Surge (Weapon): Chance for Chain Lightning to Hit Twice
2. Shock FinesseShock Finesse (Offensive): Lightning Damage or your highest available damage increase temper
Focus (optional)1. Resource Cost Reduction, Lucky Hit Chance to Restore Primary Resource, Cooldown Reduction
2. Critical Strike Chance, Maximum Life, Intelligence
1. Shock Augments — SurgeShock Augments — Surge (Weapon): Chance for Chain Lightning to Hit Twice
2. Shock FinesseShock Finesse (Offensive): Lightning Damage or your highest available damage increase temper
Helm1. Mana per Second, Cooldown Reduction
2. Resistances, Armor
3. Maximum Life, Intelligence
1. Worldly EnduranceWorldly Endurance (Defensive): Armor
Chest1. Mana per Second, Ranks to Defensive Skills
2. Resistances, Armor
3. Maximum Life, Intelligence
1. Worldly EnduranceWorldly Endurance (Defensive): Armor
Gloves1. Ranks to Chain Lightning, Lucky Hit Chance to Restore Primary Resource, Resource Cost Reduction
2. Attack Speed, Vulnerable Damage, Critical Strike Chance
1. Shock FinesseShock Finesse (Offensive): Lightning Damage or your highest available damage increase temper
Pants1. Resistances, Armor
2. Maximum Life, Intelligence
1. Worldly EnduranceWorldly Endurance (Defensive): Armor
Boots1. Mana per Second, Movement Speed
2. Resistances, Armor
3. Maximum Life, Intelligence
1. Natural MotionNatural Motion (Mobility): Movement Speed or any available Movement Speed temper
Amulet1. Ranks to Glass Cannon and/or Elemental Dominance
2. Attack Speed, Resource Cost Reduction
3. Critical Strike Chance, Cooldown Reduction, Movement Speed
1. Worldly StabilityWorldly Stability (Resource): Resource Generation or Resource Cost Reduction
2. Shock FinesseShock Finesse (Offensive): Lightning Damage or your highest available damage increase temper
Rings1. Attack Speed, Resource Cost Reduction, Vulnerable Damage
2. Critical Strike Chance, Maximum Life, Intelligence
1. Worldly StabilityWorldly Stability (Resource): Resource Generation or Resource Cost Reduction
2. Shock FinesseShock Finesse (Offensive): Lightning Damage or your highest available damage increase temper

Mercenaries

Once the Den is unlocked during the main questline in the Vessel of Hatred expansion for Diablo 4, complete Mercenary key quests to acquire them. Hire a Mercenary and enlist a Reinforcement in the following setup.

Paragon

After Character Level 60, experience gains are applied to Paragon up to Level 300. A maximum of 228 Paragon Points can be obtained through Paragon Levels, Renown, and Altars of Lilith. Follow the Paragon setup designed for the Chain Lightning Sorcerer to gain a considerable amount of progression for your character.

Glyphs are inserted into sockets on each Paragon board and can be found during various activities in Diablo 4. Level up the Glyphs included in the Paragon setup by completing The Pit. Clearing higher tiers of The Pit allows Glyphs to reach higher levels.

Important Notes:

  • Make sure you select the correct Legendary Boards and rotate them into the proper orientation.
  • Attach Legendary Boards in the order shown, as bonus requirements of Rare Nodes increase with their placement order.
  • Prioritize leveling each of your equipped Glyphs to 15 to gain the increased radius, which can be required to meet additional bonus requirements. Afterward, level each Glyph to 46 to unlock its Legendary Bonus and gain another radius increase.

The Paragon setup displayed above focuses on quickly unlocking the essential Glyph sockets and Legendary Nodes at a moderate Paragon Level. Once the base setup is complete, allocate the remaining Paragon points in the following order.

  1. Obtain any remaining nodes providing a damage increase within the radius of Glyph sockets.
  2. Path to the remaining Rare and Magic nodes. Prioritize obtaining damage reduction, any needed Resistances/Armor, and damage increases.

Changelog

  • October 16th, 2024: New Paragon tool added.
  • October 4th, 2024: Guide updated for Season 6 (Patch 2.0.2).
  • August 6th, 2024: Guide updated for Season 5 (Patch 1.5.0).
  • May 14th, 2024: Guide updated for Season 4 (Patch 1.4.0).
  • January 22nd, 2024: Guide updated for Season 3 (Patch 1.3.0).
  • October 17th, 2023: Guide updated for Season 2 (Patch 1.2.0).
  • July 18th, 2023: Guide updated for Season 1.
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