How do I build a support-focused Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3?
Building a support-focused Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 involves creating a character who excels at bolstering allies, healing, and providing utility while still maintaining a strong presence in combat. Paladins are naturally versatile due to their access to healing spells, auras, and smites, making them excellent candidates for a support role. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Paladins in Baldur's Gate 3 are based on the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules, which means they rely on Charisma for their spellcasting and aura abilities, Strength or Dexterity for melee combat, and Constitution for survivability. A support-focused Paladin will prioritize Charisma to enhance their auras and spellcasting effectiveness, while still maintaining decent Strength or Dexterity for combat. Constitution is also important to ensure they can stay in the fight and protect their allies.
When creating your character, choose a race that complements a support role. Half-Elves are an excellent choice due to their +2 Charisma bonus and additional skill proficiencies. Humans also work well, as they gain an extra skill and +1 to all ability scores. For ability scores, prioritize Charisma (16-18), followed by Strength or Dexterity (14-16), and Constitution (14). Wisdom and Intelligence can be left at 10 or 12, as they are less critical for a Paladin.
For your Paladin subclass, the Oath of Devotion is ideal for a support build. This subclass provides abilities like Sacred Weapon, which enhances your attack rolls, and Aura of Devotion, which protects allies from charm effects. The Oath of the Ancients is another strong option, offering healing and resistance to spell damage through its Aura of Warding. Both subclasses provide utility and support capabilities that align well with a support-focused playstyle.
In terms of spells, focus on those that benefit your allies. Cure Wounds and Lesser Restoration are essential for healing and removing conditions. Bless is a fantastic spell for boosting your partyÔÇÖs attack rolls and saving throws. Shield of Faith can be used to increase an allyÔÇÖs AC, making them harder to hit. At higher levels, consider spells like Aura of Vitality for sustained healing and Revivify to bring fallen allies back into the fight.
Combat tactics for a support Paladin involve positioning yourself to maximize the effectiveness of your auras. Paladins gain an Aura of Protection at level 6, which adds your Charisma modifier to saving throws for you and nearby allies. Staying close to your party members ensures they benefit from this aura. Use your Lay on Hands ability to heal allies in critical moments, and donÔÇÖt hesitate to use Divine Smite to deal with tough enemies when needed.
One common mistake to avoid is neglecting your own survivability. While your primary role is to support your allies, you still need to be able to withstand enemy attacks. Invest in good armor and shields, and consider taking the Tough feat or increasing your Constitution to boost your hit points. Another mistake is overusing Divine Smite. While itÔÇÖs a powerful ability, it consumes spell slots that could be used for healing or buffing your allies. Use it strategically, especially against high-priority targets.
Advanced techniques include multiclassing to enhance your support capabilities. A popular option is to take a few levels in Sorcerer or Bard. Sorcerer provides access to more spell slots and metamagic, allowing you to twin spells like Cure Wounds or Heighten spells like Hold Person. Bard offers additional healing spells, inspiration dice, and utility options. However, multiclassing requires careful planning to avoid weakening your Paladin abilities, so consider it only if youÔÇÖre comfortable with the trade-offs.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, remember that Paladins are prepared casters, meaning you can change your spells after a long rest. This flexibility allows you to adapt your spell selection based on the challenges you expect to face. Additionally, Paladins rely on their Oaths for their powers, so roleplaying your characterÔÇÖs commitment to their Oath can add depth to your gameplay and influence story choices.
Specific examples of a support Paladin in action include using Bless at the start of combat to boost your partyÔÇÖs accuracy, then moving into melee range to protect your squishier allies. If an ally is hit by a powerful attack, use Lay on Hands to heal them immediately. In a tough fight, activate your Aura of Protection to help your party resist harmful effects, and use your Channel Divinity abilities to turn the tide in your favor.
In conclusion, building a support-focused Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 involves prioritizing Charisma, selecting the right subclass, and choosing spells and abilities that benefit your allies. By focusing on healing, buffing, and protecting your party, you can create a character who is both effective in combat and invaluable in supporting your team. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting your own survivability or overusing Divine Smite, and consider advanced techniques like multiclassing to further enhance your support capabilities. With careful planning and strategic play, your support Paladin will be a cornerstone of your partyÔÇÖs success.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Paladins in Baldur's Gate 3 are based on the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules, which means they rely on Charisma for their spellcasting and aura abilities, Strength or Dexterity for melee combat, and Constitution for survivability. A support-focused Paladin will prioritize Charisma to enhance their auras and spellcasting effectiveness, while still maintaining decent Strength or Dexterity for combat. Constitution is also important to ensure they can stay in the fight and protect their allies.
When creating your character, choose a race that complements a support role. Half-Elves are an excellent choice due to their +2 Charisma bonus and additional skill proficiencies. Humans also work well, as they gain an extra skill and +1 to all ability scores. For ability scores, prioritize Charisma (16-18), followed by Strength or Dexterity (14-16), and Constitution (14). Wisdom and Intelligence can be left at 10 or 12, as they are less critical for a Paladin.
For your Paladin subclass, the Oath of Devotion is ideal for a support build. This subclass provides abilities like Sacred Weapon, which enhances your attack rolls, and Aura of Devotion, which protects allies from charm effects. The Oath of the Ancients is another strong option, offering healing and resistance to spell damage through its Aura of Warding. Both subclasses provide utility and support capabilities that align well with a support-focused playstyle.
In terms of spells, focus on those that benefit your allies. Cure Wounds and Lesser Restoration are essential for healing and removing conditions. Bless is a fantastic spell for boosting your partyÔÇÖs attack rolls and saving throws. Shield of Faith can be used to increase an allyÔÇÖs AC, making them harder to hit. At higher levels, consider spells like Aura of Vitality for sustained healing and Revivify to bring fallen allies back into the fight.
Combat tactics for a support Paladin involve positioning yourself to maximize the effectiveness of your auras. Paladins gain an Aura of Protection at level 6, which adds your Charisma modifier to saving throws for you and nearby allies. Staying close to your party members ensures they benefit from this aura. Use your Lay on Hands ability to heal allies in critical moments, and donÔÇÖt hesitate to use Divine Smite to deal with tough enemies when needed.
One common mistake to avoid is neglecting your own survivability. While your primary role is to support your allies, you still need to be able to withstand enemy attacks. Invest in good armor and shields, and consider taking the Tough feat or increasing your Constitution to boost your hit points. Another mistake is overusing Divine Smite. While itÔÇÖs a powerful ability, it consumes spell slots that could be used for healing or buffing your allies. Use it strategically, especially against high-priority targets.
Advanced techniques include multiclassing to enhance your support capabilities. A popular option is to take a few levels in Sorcerer or Bard. Sorcerer provides access to more spell slots and metamagic, allowing you to twin spells like Cure Wounds or Heighten spells like Hold Person. Bard offers additional healing spells, inspiration dice, and utility options. However, multiclassing requires careful planning to avoid weakening your Paladin abilities, so consider it only if youÔÇÖre comfortable with the trade-offs.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, remember that Paladins are prepared casters, meaning you can change your spells after a long rest. This flexibility allows you to adapt your spell selection based on the challenges you expect to face. Additionally, Paladins rely on their Oaths for their powers, so roleplaying your characterÔÇÖs commitment to their Oath can add depth to your gameplay and influence story choices.
Specific examples of a support Paladin in action include using Bless at the start of combat to boost your partyÔÇÖs accuracy, then moving into melee range to protect your squishier allies. If an ally is hit by a powerful attack, use Lay on Hands to heal them immediately. In a tough fight, activate your Aura of Protection to help your party resist harmful effects, and use your Channel Divinity abilities to turn the tide in your favor.
In conclusion, building a support-focused Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 involves prioritizing Charisma, selecting the right subclass, and choosing spells and abilities that benefit your allies. By focusing on healing, buffing, and protecting your party, you can create a character who is both effective in combat and invaluable in supporting your team. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting your own survivability or overusing Divine Smite, and consider advanced techniques like multiclassing to further enhance your support capabilities. With careful planning and strategic play, your support Paladin will be a cornerstone of your partyÔÇÖs success.