How do I build a high-damage Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3?
Building a high-damage Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a deep understanding of the class mechanics, ability scores, and combat strategies. Paladins are versatile warriors who combine martial prowess with divine magic, making them excellent front-line fighters capable of dealing massive damage while also providing support to their allies. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to creating a high-damage Paladin.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the core mechanics of the Paladin class. Paladins rely on Strength for melee attacks, Charisma for their spellcasting and class features like Aura of Protection, and Constitution for survivability. Their key feature is Divine Smite, which allows them to expend spell slots to deal extra radiant damage on a successful melee attack. This ability scales with the level of the spell slot used, making it a powerful tool for burst damage. Additionally, Paladins have access to spells like Thunderous Smite and Branding Smite, which can further enhance their damage output.
To build a high-damage Paladin, start by selecting a race that complements your desired playstyle. Races like Half-Orc, Dragonborn, or Human are excellent choices. Half-Orcs gain Savage Attacks, which allows them to roll an additional damage die on critical hits, while Dragonborn have a breath weapon that can deal area damage. Humans gain an extra skill proficiency, which can be useful for versatility.
When assigning ability scores, prioritize Strength as your primary stat, followed by Charisma and Constitution. A typical starting array might look like this: Strength 16, Dexterity 10, Constitution 14, Intelligence 8, Wisdom 10, Charisma 16. This setup ensures you hit hard in melee combat while maintaining a strong aura and spellcasting ability. If you plan to multiclass later, consider adjusting your stats to meet the prerequisites for your desired class.
Next, choose your Paladin Oath at level 3. The Oath of Devotion is a solid choice for a balanced Paladin, offering abilities like Sacred Weapon to boost your attack rolls. However, for a high-damage build, the Oath of Vengeance is often preferred. Vengeance Paladins gain access to features like Vow of Enmity, which grants advantage on attack rolls against a chosen foe, and Relentless Avenger, which allows you to move after making an opportunity attack. These abilities make Vengeance Paladins particularly deadly in single-target encounters.
In combat, your primary strategy should revolve around using Divine Smite to maximize damage. Always save your spell slots for smiting, especially against tougher enemies or bosses. Combine this with spells like Thunderous Smite to deal additional damage and potentially knock enemies prone, giving you and your allies advantage on subsequent attacks. Remember that Divine Smite can be used after you confirm a hit, so you can choose to smite only when you land a critical hit for even more devastating damage.
One common mistake is overusing spells for utility or healing, leaving you without spell slots for smiting. While Paladins have access to healing spells, itÔÇÖs often more efficient to focus on dealing damage and let other party members handle healing. Another mistake is neglecting your defenses. While you want to deal high damage, you also need to survive in melee combat. Invest in heavy armor and consider taking the Defense fighting style to boost your AC.
For advanced optimization, consider multiclassing. A popular choice is to take a few levels in Sorcerer or Warlock. Sorcerer levels give you access to more spell slots for smiting and metamagic options like Quickened Spell, allowing you to cast spells as a bonus action. Warlock levels, particularly in the Hexblade subclass, allow you to use Charisma for attack and damage rolls, making you less dependent on Strength. This can free up ability score points for other stats and make your character more versatile.
Finally, remember to utilize your PaladinÔÇÖs auras and other class features. Aura of Protection, gained at level 6, provides a bonus to saving throws for you and nearby allies, making your party more resilient. Lay on Hands is a versatile ability that can be used for healing or curing conditions, giving you additional utility in tough situations.
In summary, building a high-damage Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 involves focusing on Strength and Charisma, choosing the right Oath, and optimizing your use of Divine Smite. Avoid common mistakes like overusing utility spells and neglecting defenses, and consider multiclassing for additional versatility. With careful planning and strategic play, your Paladin can become a devastating force on the battlefield.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the core mechanics of the Paladin class. Paladins rely on Strength for melee attacks, Charisma for their spellcasting and class features like Aura of Protection, and Constitution for survivability. Their key feature is Divine Smite, which allows them to expend spell slots to deal extra radiant damage on a successful melee attack. This ability scales with the level of the spell slot used, making it a powerful tool for burst damage. Additionally, Paladins have access to spells like Thunderous Smite and Branding Smite, which can further enhance their damage output.
To build a high-damage Paladin, start by selecting a race that complements your desired playstyle. Races like Half-Orc, Dragonborn, or Human are excellent choices. Half-Orcs gain Savage Attacks, which allows them to roll an additional damage die on critical hits, while Dragonborn have a breath weapon that can deal area damage. Humans gain an extra skill proficiency, which can be useful for versatility.
When assigning ability scores, prioritize Strength as your primary stat, followed by Charisma and Constitution. A typical starting array might look like this: Strength 16, Dexterity 10, Constitution 14, Intelligence 8, Wisdom 10, Charisma 16. This setup ensures you hit hard in melee combat while maintaining a strong aura and spellcasting ability. If you plan to multiclass later, consider adjusting your stats to meet the prerequisites for your desired class.
Next, choose your Paladin Oath at level 3. The Oath of Devotion is a solid choice for a balanced Paladin, offering abilities like Sacred Weapon to boost your attack rolls. However, for a high-damage build, the Oath of Vengeance is often preferred. Vengeance Paladins gain access to features like Vow of Enmity, which grants advantage on attack rolls against a chosen foe, and Relentless Avenger, which allows you to move after making an opportunity attack. These abilities make Vengeance Paladins particularly deadly in single-target encounters.
In combat, your primary strategy should revolve around using Divine Smite to maximize damage. Always save your spell slots for smiting, especially against tougher enemies or bosses. Combine this with spells like Thunderous Smite to deal additional damage and potentially knock enemies prone, giving you and your allies advantage on subsequent attacks. Remember that Divine Smite can be used after you confirm a hit, so you can choose to smite only when you land a critical hit for even more devastating damage.
One common mistake is overusing spells for utility or healing, leaving you without spell slots for smiting. While Paladins have access to healing spells, itÔÇÖs often more efficient to focus on dealing damage and let other party members handle healing. Another mistake is neglecting your defenses. While you want to deal high damage, you also need to survive in melee combat. Invest in heavy armor and consider taking the Defense fighting style to boost your AC.
For advanced optimization, consider multiclassing. A popular choice is to take a few levels in Sorcerer or Warlock. Sorcerer levels give you access to more spell slots for smiting and metamagic options like Quickened Spell, allowing you to cast spells as a bonus action. Warlock levels, particularly in the Hexblade subclass, allow you to use Charisma for attack and damage rolls, making you less dependent on Strength. This can free up ability score points for other stats and make your character more versatile.
Finally, remember to utilize your PaladinÔÇÖs auras and other class features. Aura of Protection, gained at level 6, provides a bonus to saving throws for you and nearby allies, making your party more resilient. Lay on Hands is a versatile ability that can be used for healing or curing conditions, giving you additional utility in tough situations.
In summary, building a high-damage Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 involves focusing on Strength and Charisma, choosing the right Oath, and optimizing your use of Divine Smite. Avoid common mistakes like overusing utility spells and neglecting defenses, and consider multiclassing for additional versatility. With careful planning and strategic play, your Paladin can become a devastating force on the battlefield.