TOPIC: LF guidance: Wizard Hardcore?

Hello!

This is my first foray into these forums and it is because I have a question.

I have been building a wizard for a few years, slowly trying to make it more powerful and I am just curious. What would be the expected stats to go to Hardcore difficulty?
My current stats are
HP- 33
Saves F +6, R- +4, W- +7
Spell damage- +20

Thanks for any help

Hello and welcome!

I do a build thread every year (2025 coming very soon). The pack rare builds are more than enough for hardcore, and you can find there here:

truedungeon.com/forum?view=topic&catid=571&id=257406#455699

For Wizard specifically check this out:
tdcharactercreator.com/#/character/edit/19b6e954-59a7-4511-8ee4-29ce9f95857d

Overall you look pretty good for hardcore. may want to buff your saves a little

You may also wish to consider running Elf Wizard instead of the Human Wizard. Swap that Medallion of Magick for a Medallion of Energy (less than a buck on Trent's site). You'll cast fewer damage spells directly but you can cast Alertness for +10 on initiative rolls every room in the dungeon. This often lets the party go first, which is *huge*. Individual glory vs. party victory - whichever appeals to you more.

Maybe pick up a bargain priced +2 Staff of Power (they should be available for under $30), if that is in the price range you're looking at.

If you build your current character in TD Character Creator (free website), there is a button that allows easy posting of your build to the forums. That would allow us to make specific upgrade suggestions. If you have a budget in mind, telling us that too would help. (We love spending other people’s money—but the suggestions are more relevant if we know whether you want to spend $5, $50, or $500.)

Ok I made my wizard on that character creator website and I have attached the pdf.

I have a couple slots(pants for one) that I still want to improve but I'm pretty happy overall.

Thanks for any input!

For tdcharactercreator.com/ , can just give the URL for your build. They are all public.

I'd say for Hardcore, you could cut your damage bonus in half, increase your saves by 50%, and might want to be closer to 40hp if don't have a regular group that you run with as don't know how much protection or healing you are going to get.

With damage bonus of +20, going to be doing a ton of damage, which might be useful if that's what the party needs, but going to be relatively glass cannon.

Pants of the Panther might be a good addition to your build. Would even out your Dex, boosting both your to-hit for sliding spells and reflex saves. They’re a UR, but it looks like there is one cheap one at Trent’s.

IS Jasper Cube instead of Norse Opal would boost max HP by 2. Part of this year’s set so should be very easy to acquire.

When playing with spellcasters - I always try to find a way to get to 5th level as it adds so many more fun spells and spell slots.

Whether it is through on of the many Set bonuses (Ancients Set is pretty recent) or an individual piece - getting that extra level as a Wizard is lots of fun. Plus it adds to your HP as well.