What is the best multiclass option for a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3?
Multiclassing a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 can significantly enhance your character's versatility and power, but it requires careful planning to avoid weakening your build. The Paladin class is inherently strong due to its combination of martial prowess, divine spellcasting, and the powerful Smite ability. When multiclassing, the goal is to complement these strengths without sacrificing too much of what makes the Paladin effective. One of the best multiclass options for a Paladin is combining it with the Sorcerer class, creating a Paladin/Sorcerer hybrid often referred to as a "Soradin." This build leverages the Sorcerer's spell slots to fuel the Paladin's Divine Smite, while also providing additional utility and damage through Sorcerer spells.
The mechanics of this multiclass revolve around the synergy between the Paladin's Smite ability and the Sorcerer's spell slots. Divine Smite allows you to expend a spell slot to deal extra radiant damage on a melee attack. Sorcerers gain access to a large number of spell slots, especially if you take levels in the Draconic Bloodline or Wild Magic subclasses. This means you can Smite more frequently and with higher-level slots, dealing massive burst damage. Additionally, Sorcerers have access to Metamagic, which allows you to tweak your spells for greater effectiveness. For example, you can use Twinned Spell to cast a buff like Haste on two allies or Quickened Spell to cast a spell and still make a melee attack in the same turn.
To build a Paladin/Sorcerer, start by taking at least two levels in Paladin. This gives you access to Divine Smite, Lay on Hands, and Fighting Style, which are essential for the build. After that, begin taking levels in Sorcerer. A common split is Paladin 6/Sorcerer 14, as this gives you Extra Attack from Paladin and access to high-level Sorcerer spells. However, you can adjust this based on your preferences. For example, Paladin 2/Sorcerer 18 gives you more spellcasting power but sacrifices some of the Paladin's durability and utility.
When choosing your Sorcerer subclass, Draconic Bloodline is a strong option because it increases your durability with extra hit points and boosts your damage with elemental affinity. Wild Magic can also be fun and unpredictable, adding an element of chaos to your gameplay. Your ability scores should prioritize Charisma, as it affects both your Paladin and Sorcerer abilities. Strength is also important for melee attacks, but you can use spells like Shield and Mage Armor to compensate for lower Dexterity.
One important tip is to manage your spell slots carefully. While it's tempting to use all your slots for Smite, remember that Sorcerer spells like Shield, Counterspell, and Haste can be game-changers in combat. Use Smite for critical hits or when you need to finish off a tough enemy. Another consideration is your spell selection. Focus on spells that don't require a high spellcasting modifier, as your Charisma will be split between Paladin and Sorcerer abilities. Spells like Shield, Absorb Elements, and Misty Step are excellent choices because they provide utility without relying on your spellcasting modifier.
A common mistake when multiclassing Paladin and Sorcerer is neglecting your defenses. While the Sorcerer's spellcasting is powerful, you are still a frontline fighter, so you need to maintain a balance between offense and defense. Make sure to wear heavy armor and use defensive spells like Shield and Mirror Image to protect yourself. Another mistake is spreading your ability scores too thin. Focus on Charisma and Strength, and consider taking the War Caster feat to improve your concentration saves and allow you to cast spells while wielding a weapon and shield.
Advanced techniques for this build include using Quickened Spell to cast a spell like Booming Blade or Green-Flame Blade and then making a melee attack in the same turn. This allows you to deal significant damage while still using your action for an attack. You can also use Twinned Spell to buff multiple allies with spells like Haste or Protection from Evil and Good. In terms of D&D rules, remember that multiclassing requires you to meet the ability score prerequisites for both classes. For Paladin, this means having at least 13 Strength and 13 Charisma, while Sorcerer requires 13 Charisma.
In specific scenarios, this build excels in both single-target and AoE damage. For example, in a boss fight, you can use Divine Smite with a high-level spell slot to deal massive damage in a single hit. In a fight against multiple enemies, you can use Sorcerer spells like Fireball or Cone of Cold to clear groups of weaker foes. The versatility of this build makes it effective in a wide range of situations, from combat to roleplay.
In conclusion, multiclassing a Paladin with a Sorcerer in Baldur's Gate 3 creates a powerful and versatile character capable of dealing massive damage while still providing utility and support. By carefully managing your spell slots, ability scores, and spell selection, you can create a build that excels in both combat and roleplay. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting defenses or spreading your ability scores too thin, and use advanced techniques like Quickened Spell and Twinned Spell to maximize your effectiveness. With the right strategy, a Paladin/Sorcerer multiclass can be one of the most powerful builds in the game.
The mechanics of this multiclass revolve around the synergy between the Paladin's Smite ability and the Sorcerer's spell slots. Divine Smite allows you to expend a spell slot to deal extra radiant damage on a melee attack. Sorcerers gain access to a large number of spell slots, especially if you take levels in the Draconic Bloodline or Wild Magic subclasses. This means you can Smite more frequently and with higher-level slots, dealing massive burst damage. Additionally, Sorcerers have access to Metamagic, which allows you to tweak your spells for greater effectiveness. For example, you can use Twinned Spell to cast a buff like Haste on two allies or Quickened Spell to cast a spell and still make a melee attack in the same turn.
To build a Paladin/Sorcerer, start by taking at least two levels in Paladin. This gives you access to Divine Smite, Lay on Hands, and Fighting Style, which are essential for the build. After that, begin taking levels in Sorcerer. A common split is Paladin 6/Sorcerer 14, as this gives you Extra Attack from Paladin and access to high-level Sorcerer spells. However, you can adjust this based on your preferences. For example, Paladin 2/Sorcerer 18 gives you more spellcasting power but sacrifices some of the Paladin's durability and utility.
When choosing your Sorcerer subclass, Draconic Bloodline is a strong option because it increases your durability with extra hit points and boosts your damage with elemental affinity. Wild Magic can also be fun and unpredictable, adding an element of chaos to your gameplay. Your ability scores should prioritize Charisma, as it affects both your Paladin and Sorcerer abilities. Strength is also important for melee attacks, but you can use spells like Shield and Mage Armor to compensate for lower Dexterity.
One important tip is to manage your spell slots carefully. While it's tempting to use all your slots for Smite, remember that Sorcerer spells like Shield, Counterspell, and Haste can be game-changers in combat. Use Smite for critical hits or when you need to finish off a tough enemy. Another consideration is your spell selection. Focus on spells that don't require a high spellcasting modifier, as your Charisma will be split between Paladin and Sorcerer abilities. Spells like Shield, Absorb Elements, and Misty Step are excellent choices because they provide utility without relying on your spellcasting modifier.
A common mistake when multiclassing Paladin and Sorcerer is neglecting your defenses. While the Sorcerer's spellcasting is powerful, you are still a frontline fighter, so you need to maintain a balance between offense and defense. Make sure to wear heavy armor and use defensive spells like Shield and Mirror Image to protect yourself. Another mistake is spreading your ability scores too thin. Focus on Charisma and Strength, and consider taking the War Caster feat to improve your concentration saves and allow you to cast spells while wielding a weapon and shield.
Advanced techniques for this build include using Quickened Spell to cast a spell like Booming Blade or Green-Flame Blade and then making a melee attack in the same turn. This allows you to deal significant damage while still using your action for an attack. You can also use Twinned Spell to buff multiple allies with spells like Haste or Protection from Evil and Good. In terms of D&D rules, remember that multiclassing requires you to meet the ability score prerequisites for both classes. For Paladin, this means having at least 13 Strength and 13 Charisma, while Sorcerer requires 13 Charisma.
In specific scenarios, this build excels in both single-target and AoE damage. For example, in a boss fight, you can use Divine Smite with a high-level spell slot to deal massive damage in a single hit. In a fight against multiple enemies, you can use Sorcerer spells like Fireball or Cone of Cold to clear groups of weaker foes. The versatility of this build makes it effective in a wide range of situations, from combat to roleplay.
In conclusion, multiclassing a Paladin with a Sorcerer in Baldur's Gate 3 creates a powerful and versatile character capable of dealing massive damage while still providing utility and support. By carefully managing your spell slots, ability scores, and spell selection, you can create a build that excels in both combat and roleplay. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting defenses or spreading your ability scores too thin, and use advanced techniques like Quickened Spell and Twinned Spell to maximize your effectiveness. With the right strategy, a Paladin/Sorcerer multiclass can be one of the most powerful builds in the game.