What are the best spells for a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3?

Paladins in Baldur's Gate 3 are versatile and powerful characters, combining martial prowess with divine magic. Choosing the best spells for your Paladin depends on your playstyle, party composition, and the challenges you expect to face. Paladins have access to a limited number of spell slots, so it's crucial to select spells that complement your role in combat and provide utility outside of it. Here's a detailed guide to help you make the most of your Paladin's spellcasting abilities.

First, let's discuss the mechanics of Paladin spellcasting. Paladins are prepared casters, meaning you can choose which spells to prepare after each long rest. The number of spells you can prepare is equal to your Paladin level plus your Charisma modifier. This means that Charisma is not only important for your spellcasting DC and attack rolls but also for the number of spells you can have ready at any given time. Paladins also have access to the Divine Smite feature, which allows you to expend a spell slot to deal extra radiant damage on a melee attack. This makes spell slots a valuable resource for both casting spells and enhancing your melee attacks.

When selecting spells, consider your role in the party. If you're the primary tank, you'll want spells that enhance your survivability and control the battlefield. If you're more of a damage dealer, focus on spells that boost your offensive capabilities. Here are some of the best spells for a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3, categorized by level:

Level 1 Spells: Bless is an excellent choice for any Paladin. It allows you to buff yourself and two allies, granting a d4 bonus to attack rolls and saving throws. This can be a game-changer in tough fights. Shield of Faith is another strong option, providing a +2 AC bonus to yourself or an ally, making it ideal for tanking. Command is a versatile spell that can disrupt enemy actions, such as forcing them to drop their weapon or fall prone.

Level 2 Spells: Find Steed is a fantastic spell that summons a loyal mount, increasing your mobility and providing an additional combatant. Lesser Restoration is useful for removing conditions like paralysis or poison, which can be crucial in certain encounters. Magic Weapon can be a lifesaver if you find yourself facing enemies resistant to non-magical damage.

Level 3 Spells: Aura of Vitality is a powerful healing spell that allows you to restore 2d6 hit points to a creature within 30 feet as a bonus action for up to 1 minute. This can keep your party alive during prolonged battles. Crusader's Mantle is another great option, providing a 1d4 radiant damage bonus to all allies within 30 feet, making it ideal for parties with multiple melee characters.

Level 4 Spells: Banishment is a high-impact spell that can remove a powerful enemy from the fight for up to 1 minute, giving your party time to deal with other threats. Aura of Life is a strong defensive spell that grants resistance to necrotic damage and prevents allies from dropping to 0 hit points within 30 feet.

Level 5 Spells: Destructive Wave is a devastating area-of-effect spell that deals both radiant and thunder damage, knocking enemies prone if they fail their saving throw. Circle of Power is an excellent defensive spell that grants advantage on saving throws and resistance to spell damage to all allies within 30 feet.

When preparing spells, consider the types of enemies you'll be facing. For example, if you're going up against undead, spells like Turn the Tide or Protection from Evil and Good can be particularly effective. Additionally, don't forget to use your spell slots for Divine Smite when you land a critical hit or need to finish off a tough enemy quickly.

One common mistake is over-relying on Divine Smite and neglecting your other spells. While Divine Smite is powerful, it's important to balance its use with your spellcasting. For example, using Bless at the start of a fight can significantly increase your party's effectiveness, making it a better use of a spell slot in many situations.

Advanced techniques include combining spells with your Paladin's other abilities. For example, using Find Steed to summon a mount can give you increased mobility, allowing you to position yourself more effectively in combat. You can also use your Aura abilities in conjunction with spells like Crusader's Mantle to maximize your party's damage output.

In terms of D&D rules, Baldur's Gate 3 closely follows the 5th Edition ruleset, with some adaptations for the video game format. This means that many of the strategies and spell choices that work in tabletop D&D will also be effective in Baldur's Gate 3. However, the game's unique mechanics, such as the ability to interact with the environment in creative ways, can provide additional opportunities for using your spells effectively.

In conclusion, the best spells for a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 depend on your role in the party and the challenges you face. By carefully selecting and preparing spells that complement your abilities and the needs of your party, you can maximize your effectiveness in both combat and exploration. Remember to balance your use of Divine Smite with your other spells, and consider the unique opportunities provided by the game's mechanics to get the most out of your Paladin's spellcasting.