How do I build a balanced Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3?
Building a balanced Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 involves understanding the core mechanics of the class, optimizing ability scores, selecting the right race and background, and making strategic choices during level-ups. Paladins are versatile characters, excelling in both combat and support roles due to their high durability, healing abilities, and powerful smites. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to creating a well-rounded Paladin.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss ability scores. Paladins rely on Strength for melee attacks, Charisma for spellcasting and their Aura of Protection, and Constitution for survivability. A good starting point is to prioritize Strength and Charisma, followed by Constitution. A common ability score distribution for a Paladin is 16 Strength, 10 Dexterity, 14 Constitution, 8 Intelligence, 10 Wisdom, and 16 Charisma. This setup ensures you hit hard in melee combat, have a strong spellcasting modifier, and can withstand damage. If you plan to multiclass or focus more on spellcasting, you might adjust these scores slightly, but this distribution is a solid foundation.
Next, choose a race that complements the PaladinÔÇÖs strengths. Races like Half-Orc, Dragonborn, or Human are excellent choices. Half-Orcs gain Relentless Endurance, which allows them to survive a killing blow, and Savage Attacks, which increases critical hit damage. Dragonborn offer a breath weapon and resistance to a specific damage type, adding utility and survivability. Humans gain an extra skill proficiency and a bonus to all ability scores, making them versatile. Tieflings, with their innate spellcasting and fire resistance, are also a strong option, especially if you want to lean into a more Charisma-focused build.
For your background, consider options that provide useful skills and roleplay opportunities. The Soldier background grants Athletics and Intimidation, both of which are useful for a Paladin. The Noble background offers Persuasion and History, which can be helpful in dialogue-heavy situations. Choose a background that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs story and provides skills that complement your playstyle.
At level 1, Paladins gain Lay on Hands, a powerful healing ability, and Divine Sense, which allows you to detect celestial, fiend, or undead creatures. These abilities make Paladins excellent support characters. At level 2, you gain access to Divine Smite, which allows you to expend a spell slot to deal extra radiant damage on a melee attack. This is one of the PaladinÔÇÖs most potent abilities, so use it strategically to maximize damage output.
When selecting spells, focus on those that enhance your combat effectiveness or provide utility. Bless is a fantastic early-game spell that boosts attack rolls and saving throws for you and your allies. Shield of Faith increases your AC, making you harder to hit. Cure Wounds is a reliable healing spell, though Lay on Hands often suffices for healing needs. As you level up, consider spells like Command, which can control the battlefield, and Lesser Restoration, which removes harmful conditions.
At level 3, youÔÇÖll choose a Sacred Oath, which defines your PaladinÔÇÖs subclass. The Oath of Devotion is a classic choice, offering abilities like Sacred Weapon, which enhances your weapon with radiant energy, and Turn the Unholy, which can control undead and fiends. The Oath of the Ancients focuses on nature and healing, with abilities like Healing Radiance and Aura of Warding, which grants resistance to spell damage. The Oath of Vengeance is more offense-oriented, with abilities like Vow of Enmity, which gives you advantage on attacks against a chosen foe. Choose an Oath that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs personality and playstyle.
As you progress, prioritize feats that enhance your combat effectiveness. Great Weapon Master is an excellent choice if youÔÇÖre using two-handed weapons, as it allows you to deal massive damage at the cost of accuracy. Polearm Master is another strong option, granting bonus attacks and increased reach. If you want to boost your spellcasting, consider the War Caster feat, which improves concentration saves and allows you to cast spells as opportunity attacks. Alternatively, the Sentinel feat can help you control the battlefield by preventing enemies from moving away from you.
One common mistake is neglecting Charisma. While Strength is important for melee attacks, Charisma enhances your spellcasting, Aura of Protection, and social interactions. A high Charisma score ensures your spells are effective and your allies benefit from your Aura of Protection, which adds your Charisma modifier to their saving throws. Another mistake is overusing Divine Smite. While itÔÇÖs tempting to smite every turn, remember that spell slots are a limited resource. Use smites strategically, especially against tough enemies or in critical moments.
Advanced techniques include multiclassing to enhance your PaladinÔÇÖs capabilities. A popular multiclass option is Paladin/Sorcerer, which combines the PaladinÔÇÖs durability and smites with the SorcererÔÇÖs spellcasting and metamagic. This build allows you to cast more spells and use metamagic to enhance your abilities, such as quickening a spell to cast it as a bonus action. Another option is Paladin/Warlock, which provides short-rest spell slots for smites and access to powerful Warlock invocations.
In combat, position yourself to protect your allies while dealing damage. Use your high AC and hit points to tank hits, and use your healing abilities to keep your party alive. Remember to use your Aura of Protection to boost your alliesÔÇÖ saving throws, and donÔÇÖt hesitate to use your Channel Divinity abilities to turn the tide of battle.
In summary, building a balanced Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful consideration of ability scores, race, background, and subclass. Focus on Strength and Charisma, choose a race that complements your playstyle, and select spells and feats that enhance your combat effectiveness. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting Charisma or overusing Divine Smite, and consider advanced techniques like multiclassing to further optimize your build. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll create a powerful and versatile Paladin capable of leading your party to victory.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss ability scores. Paladins rely on Strength for melee attacks, Charisma for spellcasting and their Aura of Protection, and Constitution for survivability. A good starting point is to prioritize Strength and Charisma, followed by Constitution. A common ability score distribution for a Paladin is 16 Strength, 10 Dexterity, 14 Constitution, 8 Intelligence, 10 Wisdom, and 16 Charisma. This setup ensures you hit hard in melee combat, have a strong spellcasting modifier, and can withstand damage. If you plan to multiclass or focus more on spellcasting, you might adjust these scores slightly, but this distribution is a solid foundation.
Next, choose a race that complements the PaladinÔÇÖs strengths. Races like Half-Orc, Dragonborn, or Human are excellent choices. Half-Orcs gain Relentless Endurance, which allows them to survive a killing blow, and Savage Attacks, which increases critical hit damage. Dragonborn offer a breath weapon and resistance to a specific damage type, adding utility and survivability. Humans gain an extra skill proficiency and a bonus to all ability scores, making them versatile. Tieflings, with their innate spellcasting and fire resistance, are also a strong option, especially if you want to lean into a more Charisma-focused build.
For your background, consider options that provide useful skills and roleplay opportunities. The Soldier background grants Athletics and Intimidation, both of which are useful for a Paladin. The Noble background offers Persuasion and History, which can be helpful in dialogue-heavy situations. Choose a background that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs story and provides skills that complement your playstyle.
At level 1, Paladins gain Lay on Hands, a powerful healing ability, and Divine Sense, which allows you to detect celestial, fiend, or undead creatures. These abilities make Paladins excellent support characters. At level 2, you gain access to Divine Smite, which allows you to expend a spell slot to deal extra radiant damage on a melee attack. This is one of the PaladinÔÇÖs most potent abilities, so use it strategically to maximize damage output.
When selecting spells, focus on those that enhance your combat effectiveness or provide utility. Bless is a fantastic early-game spell that boosts attack rolls and saving throws for you and your allies. Shield of Faith increases your AC, making you harder to hit. Cure Wounds is a reliable healing spell, though Lay on Hands often suffices for healing needs. As you level up, consider spells like Command, which can control the battlefield, and Lesser Restoration, which removes harmful conditions.
At level 3, youÔÇÖll choose a Sacred Oath, which defines your PaladinÔÇÖs subclass. The Oath of Devotion is a classic choice, offering abilities like Sacred Weapon, which enhances your weapon with radiant energy, and Turn the Unholy, which can control undead and fiends. The Oath of the Ancients focuses on nature and healing, with abilities like Healing Radiance and Aura of Warding, which grants resistance to spell damage. The Oath of Vengeance is more offense-oriented, with abilities like Vow of Enmity, which gives you advantage on attacks against a chosen foe. Choose an Oath that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs personality and playstyle.
As you progress, prioritize feats that enhance your combat effectiveness. Great Weapon Master is an excellent choice if youÔÇÖre using two-handed weapons, as it allows you to deal massive damage at the cost of accuracy. Polearm Master is another strong option, granting bonus attacks and increased reach. If you want to boost your spellcasting, consider the War Caster feat, which improves concentration saves and allows you to cast spells as opportunity attacks. Alternatively, the Sentinel feat can help you control the battlefield by preventing enemies from moving away from you.
One common mistake is neglecting Charisma. While Strength is important for melee attacks, Charisma enhances your spellcasting, Aura of Protection, and social interactions. A high Charisma score ensures your spells are effective and your allies benefit from your Aura of Protection, which adds your Charisma modifier to their saving throws. Another mistake is overusing Divine Smite. While itÔÇÖs tempting to smite every turn, remember that spell slots are a limited resource. Use smites strategically, especially against tough enemies or in critical moments.
Advanced techniques include multiclassing to enhance your PaladinÔÇÖs capabilities. A popular multiclass option is Paladin/Sorcerer, which combines the PaladinÔÇÖs durability and smites with the SorcererÔÇÖs spellcasting and metamagic. This build allows you to cast more spells and use metamagic to enhance your abilities, such as quickening a spell to cast it as a bonus action. Another option is Paladin/Warlock, which provides short-rest spell slots for smites and access to powerful Warlock invocations.
In combat, position yourself to protect your allies while dealing damage. Use your high AC and hit points to tank hits, and use your healing abilities to keep your party alive. Remember to use your Aura of Protection to boost your alliesÔÇÖ saving throws, and donÔÇÖt hesitate to use your Channel Divinity abilities to turn the tide of battle.
In summary, building a balanced Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful consideration of ability scores, race, background, and subclass. Focus on Strength and Charisma, choose a race that complements your playstyle, and select spells and feats that enhance your combat effectiveness. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting Charisma or overusing Divine Smite, and consider advanced techniques like multiclassing to further optimize your build. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll create a powerful and versatile Paladin capable of leading your party to victory.