Is there something that should be making my spell saving throws stronger?

Question

I've read the many queries relating to this but they are mostly D&D related.

I'm playing a sorcerer, and it seems that now that we are hitting L6-7, I'm less effective: my spell's saving throws remain constant (e.g. DC 17 will/reflex negates), while the monsters increase in strength and gain uncanny dodge etc.

Does my character level influence saving throws? Another player said that as I'm a higher level, the DC should increase.

I've read that spell save DCs equal 10 + spell level + modifier; does this mean a will/reflex/fort save increases along this line, e.g. 10 + spell level 4 + charisma mod 3 = will save of 17 or better?

Answer 1

You are correct. Spell saves are 10 + spell level + spellcasting stat modifier (+ any miscellaneous bonuses). They don't go up directly with character level, except insasmuch as character level lets you cast higher level spells, get higher stats, and get feat like Spell Focus that boost your DCs.

As you become a higher level caster you need to either start relying on spells that don't allow saves as much, target opponents' weak saves, and/or double down on your spellcasting stat modifier and feats to get those DCs up. Stat boosting items or spells help, as do a variety of specialized +1 DC items.

Tactically you'll find that combining save spells with other debuffs (from yourself or other party members) will be necessary as you reach high levels (10+).

Answer 2

As mxyzplk mentioned, yes, your formula for calculating saves is correct, and no, it does not directly factor in your character or class level, but it does count the spell level of the spell. That is a class-level-dependent value, and it matters.

Note that your highest-level spells should be mostly keeping up with enemy saves. This will fall short somewhat with monstrous enemies with good save progressions and a high HD:CR ratio, but with enemies who gain roughly one HD for every 1 level you gain, the increase in their base save by level should match your increase in max spell level (and thus in max DC) for their good saves. Ability scores are even more favorable: both sides gain at the same rate per point gained, but you're likely to grow your key stat more than they grow their save stat.

On their poorest save (which is the only one that should matter: enemies have weaknesses for a reason, target them), your situation is even more favorable on both counts: your spell level grows half again as fast as their base save, and most creatures, thanks to design following themes, tend to have low abilities tied to low progressions, while your saves are based on the ability that should be the main focus of your investment. Even with relatively high HD:CR ratios, their poorest save is unlikely to be growing faster than your DCs except with outlier monsters, and if you invest heavily in save-boosting feats and items, you may even keep ahead of the outliers.

Stick to high-level slots for things that require saves; fill any slot more than one spell level below your highest based on the assumption that every target will always succeed every save they call for. Make your key ability modifier a priority. And above all, match your targets to your spells. Learn what kinds of enemies are vulnerable to what kinds of spells. Your goal should be to make it from level 1 to 20 without ever once casting anything that calls for the type of save your target applies their highest save modifier to.