Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe most direct answer in published Dungeons & Dragons material is Larloch. A 2008 issue of Dragon Magazine calls him “the most powerful of Faerûn’s mighty wizards.” That is a dated magazine superlative, not a permanent, edition-neutral ranking, and the other current sources reviewed for this article do not rank any wizard against him. Elminster and Szass Tam are the names readers most often raise, and both are described as major figures in current reference material, but neither is placed above Larloch.
What the explicit superlative says
The statement comes from “Epic Faerûn,” the article in Dragon Magazine #367, published in September 2008 and written by Richard Baker. It appears in a discussion of epic-level figures. The same article names the Seven Sisters and Elminster as other examples of epic figures, but it does not rank them against Larloch.
When you repeat the claim, attribute it to that issue and that year. It is one magazine’s statement, not a ruling that holds across every setting era, and it does not say who would win a direct contest between two wizards.
Elminster
The 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide glossary, in Appendix A, describes Elminster as “a powerful and ancient archmage in the Forgotten Realms setting” and as one of Mystra’s Chosen. That establishes his standing and his relationship to Mystra. It does not compare him with Larloch. The wording quoted here comes from a third-party copy of the glossary, so check the printed book if you need the exact phrasing.
#1 Best Overall
- THE REALMS WILL KNOW YOUR NAME—Go from ordinary hero to world-shaking legend; this compendium of D&D player options awakens new possibilities for your hero that will transform your campaign into the next greatest Forgotten Realms epic
- EXPLORE THE EXPANSIVE FORGOTTEN REALMS—Experience the Forgotten Realms like never before! Unlock its full storytelling potential with new adventures set in unexplored lands, novel magic, and fantastical player options, all in one place
- CARVE OUT YOUR LEGENDARY PATH—Rewrite your fate with 8 powerful new subclasses, where you’ll haunt arctic wastelands, harness the moon’s brilliance, and more. Whatever path you choose, your journey will be legendary
- TRANSCEND THE BOUNDS OF MAGIC—Defy the limits of magic with the all-new Circle Magic, an age-old elven technique that enhances your magic with group spellcasting
- EVERY STORY IS EXTRAORDINARY—Choose how your story begins with epic new backgrounds and feats. Weave your choices into the fabric of the Forgotten Realms and transform even the humblest beginning into a glorious legacy
Szass Tam
The same glossary describes Szass Tam as a powerful lich and necromancer who leads the Red Wizards, with agents and schemes that span centuries. That confirms his importance in the setting, but it does not place him above Larloch.
D&D Beyond’s overview, “Who is Szass Tam, and Why Must He Be Stopped?” (published August 12, 2026), covers his history across editions and other media. It warns that some events it describes “have not been made canonical in D&D 5.5e.” Treat it as a broad portrait of Tam, and confirm canon status before you present a cross-era event as current.
Rank #2
How the candidates compare
| Candidate | Basis for the claim | Source and date | What it does not establish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larloch | Explicit superlative: “the most powerful of Faerûn’s mighty wizards” | Dragon Magazine #367, “Epic Faerûn,” September 2008 | Current standing, a universal ranking, or the result of a direct contest |
| Elminster | “A powerful and ancient archmage”; one of Mystra’s Chosen | 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide, Appendix A glossary | Any ranking relative to Larloch |
| Szass Tam | Powerful lich and necromancer who leads the Red Wizards | 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide glossary; D&D Beyond overview, August 12, 2026 | Any ranking relative to Larloch |
| Seven Sisters | Named as epic figures alongside Elminster | Dragon Magazine #367, September 2008 | Any ranking or detailed power description in the sources reviewed |
Choose the basis before you pick a winner
“Most powerful” can mean several different things, and the sources support each one to a different degree:
- Explicit published superlative: Only Larloch has one, in the 2008 Dragon article.
- Current reference characterization: Elminster and Szass Tam are both described as powerful in the 2024 glossary, which is the most current reference the sources provide for either.
- Political reach and influence: Szass Tam’s leadership of the Red Wizards and his long-running schemes are the clearest documented evidence of influence. The sources describe his reach but do not count followers.
- Personal magical capability: No source gives a quantitative power score or compares spellcasting ability directly, so any ranking on raw ability is an interpretation rather than a documented result.
For a table, a trivia answer, or a direct citation, Larloch is the only name with an explicit superlative. For “who matters most in current lore,” Elminster and Szass Tam are the stronger answers, because they are described in current material and carry the most visible influence.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- UNLEASH NEW POSSIBILITIES—Introducing the 2024 Player’s Handbook, the new and improved guide for fifth edition Dungeons and Dragons. Redesigned with 10 years of feedback from the D and D community, the essential Dungeons and Dragons rulebook is bigger and better than ever before
- NEW CHARACTER OPTIONS YOU’LL LOVE—Create unforgettable characters with 12 core classes, 48 intriguing subclasses, and 10 distinctive species. Buff up your character’s backstory with 16 compelling backgrounds and 75 fantastic feats.
- STUNNING ARTWORK—With vibrant new illustrations of every single character class, subclass, background, species, weapon, and armor, our thrilling artwork also features new and familiar spells, brought to life for the first time ever.
- FRESH and ENGAGING GAMEPLAY—Change up your combat style with fascinating new Weapon Masteries for your character class. Our new Tools and Crafting system lets you use your tools to craft items and impact travel and exploration.
- DESIGNED JUST FOR YOU—We’ve thoughtfully redesigned this book with an improved layout, better organization, and an alphabetized Rules Glossary. Find whatever you’re looking for with ease
Rank #4
Rank #3
- Level 1–3 intro adventure and 51 short adventures
- 5 campaign backdrops
- 39 monsters and villains
- 51 illustrated maps
- Advice for running the Realms
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
