How do I build a tanky Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3?
Building a tanky Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 involves focusing on durability, survivability, and the ability to protect your allies while dealing consistent damage. Paladins are naturally durable due to their high hit points, heavy armor proficiency, and access to healing and defensive spells. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to create a tanky Paladin, step by step.
First, choose the right race. Races like Half-Orc, Dragonborn, or Dwarf are excellent choices for a tanky Paladin. Half-Orcs have Relentless Endurance, which allows them to drop to 1 HP instead of 0 once per long rest, making them incredibly durable. Dragonborns have resistance to a specific damage type, which can be useful in certain encounters. Dwarves have extra HP and resistance to poison, which is great for survivability. However, any race can work if you prioritize the right ability scores.
Next, focus on ability scores. Strength should be your primary stat, as it determines your melee attack and damage rolls. Aim for at least 16 Strength at level 1. Constitution is your second priority, as it increases your HP and makes you harder to kill. A score of 14 or 16 is ideal. Charisma is also important for Paladins, as it affects your spellcasting and the effectiveness of your Aura of Protection, which grants a bonus to saving throws for you and nearby allies. Aim for at least 14 Charisma. Dexterity, Intelligence, and Wisdom can be left at 10 or lower, as they are less critical for a tanky build.
When selecting your Paladin subclass, consider the Oath of Devotion or Oath of the Ancients. Oath of Devotion provides abilities like Sacred Weapon, which increases your attack rolls, and Turn the Unholy, which can control undead enemies. Oath of the Ancients offers healing and defensive abilities, such as Healing Radiance and Aura of Warding, which grants resistance to spell damage. Both subclasses are excellent for tanking, but Oath of the Ancients is particularly strong for survivability.
For equipment, prioritize heavy armor and a shield. Plate armor provides the highest AC, but if you donÔÇÖt have access to it early on, chainmail or splint armor will suffice. A shield increases your AC by 2, making you even harder to hit. For weapons, a one-handed weapon like a longsword or warhammer works well, as it allows you to use a shield. If you prefer two-handed weapons, consider a greatsword or maul, but be aware that youÔÇÖll sacrifice some AC.
In combat, your role is to draw enemy attention and protect your allies. Use your Lay on Hands ability to heal yourself or others when needed. Smite spells like Divine Smite and Thunderous Smite are great for dealing burst damage, but donÔÇÖt overuse them, as they consume spell slots. Instead, save them for critical hits or tough enemies. Use your Aura of Protection to boost your alliesÔÇÖ saving throws, and position yourself to intercept enemies before they reach your squishier party members.
One common mistake is neglecting your Charisma. While itÔÇÖs tempting to focus solely on Strength and Constitution, Charisma is crucial for your Aura of Protection and spellcasting. Another mistake is overusing Smite spells early in the game. Spell slots are limited, so use them wisely. Finally, donÔÇÖt forget to use your Channel Divinity abilities. They recharge on a short rest and can turn the tide of battle.
For advanced optimization, consider multiclassing. A dip into Sorcerer or Warlock can give you additional spell slots for Smite and access to useful spells like Shield or Hex. However, multiclassing can delay your Paladin abilities, so weigh the pros and cons carefully. Another option is to take the Sentinel feat, which allows you to make opportunity attacks when enemies attack your allies, making you a more effective tank.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, Paladins are designed to be durable and versatile. Their Aura of Protection is one of the strongest defensive abilities in the game, and their Smite spells allow them to deal significant damage when needed. However, they rely on spell slots for many of their abilities, so managing resources is key.
In specific scenarios, your tanky Paladin will shine. For example, in a fight against a powerful spellcaster, your Aura of Warding (if youÔÇÖre an Oath of the Ancients Paladin) can protect your party from devastating spells. In a battle with multiple melee enemies, your high AC and Lay on Hands will keep you standing while you protect your allies.
In summary, building a tanky Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 involves choosing the right race, prioritizing Strength, Constitution, and Charisma, selecting a defensive subclass, equipping heavy armor and a shield, and using your abilities strategically in combat. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting Charisma or overusing Smite spells, and consider advanced techniques like multiclassing or taking the Sentinel feat. With careful planning and execution, your Paladin will be an unstoppable force on the battlefield.
First, choose the right race. Races like Half-Orc, Dragonborn, or Dwarf are excellent choices for a tanky Paladin. Half-Orcs have Relentless Endurance, which allows them to drop to 1 HP instead of 0 once per long rest, making them incredibly durable. Dragonborns have resistance to a specific damage type, which can be useful in certain encounters. Dwarves have extra HP and resistance to poison, which is great for survivability. However, any race can work if you prioritize the right ability scores.
Next, focus on ability scores. Strength should be your primary stat, as it determines your melee attack and damage rolls. Aim for at least 16 Strength at level 1. Constitution is your second priority, as it increases your HP and makes you harder to kill. A score of 14 or 16 is ideal. Charisma is also important for Paladins, as it affects your spellcasting and the effectiveness of your Aura of Protection, which grants a bonus to saving throws for you and nearby allies. Aim for at least 14 Charisma. Dexterity, Intelligence, and Wisdom can be left at 10 or lower, as they are less critical for a tanky build.
When selecting your Paladin subclass, consider the Oath of Devotion or Oath of the Ancients. Oath of Devotion provides abilities like Sacred Weapon, which increases your attack rolls, and Turn the Unholy, which can control undead enemies. Oath of the Ancients offers healing and defensive abilities, such as Healing Radiance and Aura of Warding, which grants resistance to spell damage. Both subclasses are excellent for tanking, but Oath of the Ancients is particularly strong for survivability.
For equipment, prioritize heavy armor and a shield. Plate armor provides the highest AC, but if you donÔÇÖt have access to it early on, chainmail or splint armor will suffice. A shield increases your AC by 2, making you even harder to hit. For weapons, a one-handed weapon like a longsword or warhammer works well, as it allows you to use a shield. If you prefer two-handed weapons, consider a greatsword or maul, but be aware that youÔÇÖll sacrifice some AC.
In combat, your role is to draw enemy attention and protect your allies. Use your Lay on Hands ability to heal yourself or others when needed. Smite spells like Divine Smite and Thunderous Smite are great for dealing burst damage, but donÔÇÖt overuse them, as they consume spell slots. Instead, save them for critical hits or tough enemies. Use your Aura of Protection to boost your alliesÔÇÖ saving throws, and position yourself to intercept enemies before they reach your squishier party members.
One common mistake is neglecting your Charisma. While itÔÇÖs tempting to focus solely on Strength and Constitution, Charisma is crucial for your Aura of Protection and spellcasting. Another mistake is overusing Smite spells early in the game. Spell slots are limited, so use them wisely. Finally, donÔÇÖt forget to use your Channel Divinity abilities. They recharge on a short rest and can turn the tide of battle.
For advanced optimization, consider multiclassing. A dip into Sorcerer or Warlock can give you additional spell slots for Smite and access to useful spells like Shield or Hex. However, multiclassing can delay your Paladin abilities, so weigh the pros and cons carefully. Another option is to take the Sentinel feat, which allows you to make opportunity attacks when enemies attack your allies, making you a more effective tank.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, Paladins are designed to be durable and versatile. Their Aura of Protection is one of the strongest defensive abilities in the game, and their Smite spells allow them to deal significant damage when needed. However, they rely on spell slots for many of their abilities, so managing resources is key.
In specific scenarios, your tanky Paladin will shine. For example, in a fight against a powerful spellcaster, your Aura of Warding (if youÔÇÖre an Oath of the Ancients Paladin) can protect your party from devastating spells. In a battle with multiple melee enemies, your high AC and Lay on Hands will keep you standing while you protect your allies.
In summary, building a tanky Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 involves choosing the right race, prioritizing Strength, Constitution, and Charisma, selecting a defensive subclass, equipping heavy armor and a shield, and using your abilities strategically in combat. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting Charisma or overusing Smite spells, and consider advanced techniques like multiclassing or taking the Sentinel feat. With careful planning and execution, your Paladin will be an unstoppable force on the battlefield.