Diablo and Hellfire Hints

The Sorcerer

• The Sorcerer is the most interesting character to play, I think.  In the early stages of the game, it is hard to be a mage.  You are weak, you have low vitality, life is hard.  But, if you slowly save up gold and read all the books you can find, you will develop a great arsenal of spells and a lot of magical muscle to put behind it (up to 250 units).  In the other areas, a Sorcerer is never going to be too formidable, as the strength will stop at 45.  Dexterity can go to a decent level of 85, and vitality can go to 80.
  
  In the beginning, stay away from the flashy, expensive spells.  Work on building levels in the common Firebolt, Holy Bolt, and Charged Bolt spells.  Get the Heal spell early if you can, since you will need it.  As you progress through the levels, don't add much to dexterity, vitality, or strength -- pour it all into magic.  You might want to build to 30 strength and dexterity so you can wear some helmet or armor, though.
  
  As you buy or find equipment, look for those with the best magic bonus.  If you can't get a magic bonus, look for a boost to the light in the area.  A Sorcerer work best with ranged spells, so it is very helpful to be able to see a long distance.  You will most likely find a good staff if you stay with magic as your main mode of attack.  Look for any equipment that is named "of brilliance" or "of sorcerery" or "of wizardry".  Also, be prepared to sell your soul to buy any equipment named "Angel's" or "Archangel's".  These will boost all your spell levels.
  
  As a magic user, the game of Diablo is watching you closely.  The spells you use most will turn up in books that you find or be sold by Adria.  Decide which spells you want to work on, and build them up in level, as a few killer spells are better than lots of weak spells.  Be on the look out for magic enhancing armor, rings,  or a staff.  If you want to learn a certain spell, buy scrolls or use a staff of that spell.  You will likely find a book on that spell soon after.
                                                                               Spell combinations are important as you get more power in magic.  Mana Shield is very important once you get it -- it will save your weak hide many times.  You can run mana shield while using other spells, and in the deepest levels, just run it constantly.  Watch out to not run empty on mana, though.  The instant your mana runs out, your mana shield drops and does not restore when you fill your mana globe.  Instead, you must recast it.  Unfortunately, this usually happens in the middle of a fierce battle, so watch carefully.  Recharge mana when you are down to a quarter tank or so if you are in a heavy battle.
  
  If you learn the golem spell, you will be able to use it along with mana shield and whatever other spells you have going.  Stone Curse is a great spell to use with a golem at your side.  Watch for other spell combinations that work well for you.
  
  After you accumulate more than a few spells, take the time to set up the speed keys to select your four favorite spells.  It can be very important to be just a key press away from that needed spell.
  
  As your magic level gets better, try to develop some heavy duty attack spells.  Flame Wave and Chain Lightning are both very impressive at high levels, and few monsters can completely resist both of these attacks.
  

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