How do I build a tanky Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3?
Building a tanky Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 involves a combination of race selection, ability score distribution, class features, and equipment choices. The goal is to create a character that can absorb damage, protect allies, and still deal significant damage when needed. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.
First, letÔÇÖs talk about race selection. While any race can work for a Paladin, some races offer natural advantages that complement a tanky build. For example, the Half-Orc is a strong choice due to their Relentless Endurance feature, which allows them to drop to 1 HP instead of 0 once per long rest. This can be a lifesaver in tough battles. The Dragonborn is another good option, as their Draconic Ancestry provides a breath weapon and resistance to a specific damage type, adding both offensive and defensive capabilities. Humans are also a solid choice due to their versatility and extra skill proficiency.
Next, focus on ability scores. Strength should be your primary stat, as it directly affects your melee attack rolls and damage. Constitution is crucial for increasing your hit points, making you more durable in combat. Charisma is also important for Paladins, as it affects your spellcasting ability and the effectiveness of your Aura of Protection, which grants a bonus to saving throws for you and nearby allies. A good starting spread might look like this: Strength 16, Constitution 14, Charisma 14, Dexterity 10, Wisdom 10, Intelligence 8. You can adjust these based on your preferences and the racial bonuses you receive.
When it comes to class features, Paladins have several that are essential for a tanky build. At level 1, you gain Lay on Hands, which allows you to heal yourself or an ally, providing sustainability in combat. At level 2, you gain Divine Smite, which lets you expend a spell slot to deal extra radiant damage on a hit. This is a powerful tool for dealing burst damage when needed. At level 3, you choose your Sacred Oath. For a tanky build, the Oath of Devotion is a strong choice, as it provides features like Sacred Weapon, which increases your attack rolls, and Aura of Devotion, which protects you and your allies from being charmed.
Equipment is another critical aspect of building a tanky Paladin. Heavy armor is a must, as it provides the highest AC. Look for plate armor as soon as possible, as it offers the best protection. Shields are also important, as they increase your AC and can be used with certain feats or abilities. Weapons should be chosen based on your playstyle, but a one-handed weapon like a longsword or warhammer paired with a shield is a classic choice for a tanky build. DonÔÇÖt forget to enchant your gear when possible, as magical items can provide significant bonuses to your defenses and offensive capabilities.
Feats are another way to enhance your tankiness. The Heavy Armor Master feat is particularly useful, as it reduces non-magical damage you take while wearing heavy armor. Sentinel is another strong choice, as it allows you to make opportunity attacks even when enemies disengage, and it reduces their speed to 0 when you hit them with an opportunity attack. Shield Master is also worth considering, as it allows you to add your shieldÔÇÖs AC bonus to Dexterity saving throws and can grant you a bonus action to shove enemies.
In combat, your role as a tanky Paladin is to draw enemy attention and protect your allies. Use your high AC and hit points to stand on the front lines, and use your Lay on Hands and healing spells to keep yourself and your allies alive. Use Divine Smite strategically to deal with high-priority targets. Positioning is key, so try to place yourself between enemies and your more vulnerable allies. Use your Aura of Protection to boost your partyÔÇÖs saving throws, and donÔÇÖt be afraid to use your Channel Divinity abilities to turn the tide of battle.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting your Charisma, as it affects your spellcasting and Aura of Protection. Also, donÔÇÖt forget to use your Lay on Hands and healing spells, as they can make a big difference in prolonged battles. Another mistake is not using your Divine Smite effectively; save it for critical hits or tough enemies to maximize its impact.
Advanced techniques include multiclassing with other classes to enhance your tankiness. For example, a dip into Fighter can grant you the Second Wind ability for additional healing and the Defense fighting style for an extra +1 AC. Multiclassing into Sorcerer can give you access to more spell slots for Divine Smite and additional defensive spells like Shield.
In summary, building a tanky Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 involves careful selection of race, ability scores, class features, and equipment. Focus on increasing your AC and hit points, and use your abilities strategically to protect your allies and deal with threats. With the right choices and tactics, you can create a Paladin that is nearly unstoppable on the battlefield.
First, letÔÇÖs talk about race selection. While any race can work for a Paladin, some races offer natural advantages that complement a tanky build. For example, the Half-Orc is a strong choice due to their Relentless Endurance feature, which allows them to drop to 1 HP instead of 0 once per long rest. This can be a lifesaver in tough battles. The Dragonborn is another good option, as their Draconic Ancestry provides a breath weapon and resistance to a specific damage type, adding both offensive and defensive capabilities. Humans are also a solid choice due to their versatility and extra skill proficiency.
Next, focus on ability scores. Strength should be your primary stat, as it directly affects your melee attack rolls and damage. Constitution is crucial for increasing your hit points, making you more durable in combat. Charisma is also important for Paladins, as it affects your spellcasting ability and the effectiveness of your Aura of Protection, which grants a bonus to saving throws for you and nearby allies. A good starting spread might look like this: Strength 16, Constitution 14, Charisma 14, Dexterity 10, Wisdom 10, Intelligence 8. You can adjust these based on your preferences and the racial bonuses you receive.
When it comes to class features, Paladins have several that are essential for a tanky build. At level 1, you gain Lay on Hands, which allows you to heal yourself or an ally, providing sustainability in combat. At level 2, you gain Divine Smite, which lets you expend a spell slot to deal extra radiant damage on a hit. This is a powerful tool for dealing burst damage when needed. At level 3, you choose your Sacred Oath. For a tanky build, the Oath of Devotion is a strong choice, as it provides features like Sacred Weapon, which increases your attack rolls, and Aura of Devotion, which protects you and your allies from being charmed.
Equipment is another critical aspect of building a tanky Paladin. Heavy armor is a must, as it provides the highest AC. Look for plate armor as soon as possible, as it offers the best protection. Shields are also important, as they increase your AC and can be used with certain feats or abilities. Weapons should be chosen based on your playstyle, but a one-handed weapon like a longsword or warhammer paired with a shield is a classic choice for a tanky build. DonÔÇÖt forget to enchant your gear when possible, as magical items can provide significant bonuses to your defenses and offensive capabilities.
Feats are another way to enhance your tankiness. The Heavy Armor Master feat is particularly useful, as it reduces non-magical damage you take while wearing heavy armor. Sentinel is another strong choice, as it allows you to make opportunity attacks even when enemies disengage, and it reduces their speed to 0 when you hit them with an opportunity attack. Shield Master is also worth considering, as it allows you to add your shieldÔÇÖs AC bonus to Dexterity saving throws and can grant you a bonus action to shove enemies.
In combat, your role as a tanky Paladin is to draw enemy attention and protect your allies. Use your high AC and hit points to stand on the front lines, and use your Lay on Hands and healing spells to keep yourself and your allies alive. Use Divine Smite strategically to deal with high-priority targets. Positioning is key, so try to place yourself between enemies and your more vulnerable allies. Use your Aura of Protection to boost your partyÔÇÖs saving throws, and donÔÇÖt be afraid to use your Channel Divinity abilities to turn the tide of battle.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting your Charisma, as it affects your spellcasting and Aura of Protection. Also, donÔÇÖt forget to use your Lay on Hands and healing spells, as they can make a big difference in prolonged battles. Another mistake is not using your Divine Smite effectively; save it for critical hits or tough enemies to maximize its impact.
Advanced techniques include multiclassing with other classes to enhance your tankiness. For example, a dip into Fighter can grant you the Second Wind ability for additional healing and the Defense fighting style for an extra +1 AC. Multiclassing into Sorcerer can give you access to more spell slots for Divine Smite and additional defensive spells like Shield.
In summary, building a tanky Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 involves careful selection of race, ability scores, class features, and equipment. Focus on increasing your AC and hit points, and use your abilities strategically to protect your allies and deal with threats. With the right choices and tactics, you can create a Paladin that is nearly unstoppable on the battlefield.