How do I optimize a Paladin for smiting in Baldur's Gate 3?
Optimizing a Paladin for smiting in Baldur's Gate 3 involves understanding the core mechanics of the Paladin class, particularly the Divine Smite feature, and how to maximize its effectiveness in combat. Divine Smite allows a Paladin to expend a spell slot to deal additional radiant damage on a successful melee weapon attack. This ability is one of the most powerful tools in a Paladin's arsenal, and optimizing it requires careful consideration of ability scores, spell slots, feats, and multiclassing options.
First, let's discuss the mechanics of Divine Smite. When you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can choose to expend one of your spell slots to deal extra radiant damage. The damage increases with the level of the spell slot used, starting at 2d8 for a 1st-level slot and increasing by 1d8 for each slot level above 1st, up to a maximum of 5d8. Additionally, if the target is an undead or a fiend, the damage increases by 1d8. This makes Divine Smite particularly effective against these types of enemies.
To optimize your Paladin for smiting, you should focus on maximizing your Strength or Dexterity, depending on your weapon choice, and your Charisma. Strength is typically the primary ability score for Paladins, as it increases your melee attack rolls and damage. However, if you prefer a Dexterity-based build, you can use finesse weapons like rapiers or shortswords. Charisma is important because it affects your spellcasting ability and the saving throw DCs of your spells, including some smite spells like Branding Smite or Banishing Smite.
When building your Paladin, prioritize Strength (or Dexterity) and Charisma during character creation. A good starting point is to have at least 16 in your primary attack stat and 14 in Charisma. You can increase these scores as you level up or through ability score improvements. Constitution is also important for hit points and concentration checks, so aim for at least 14 in this stat as well.
Next, consider your choice of Oath. The Oath of Devotion and Oath of the Ancients are solid choices for a smite-focused Paladin. The Oath of Devotion provides abilities like Sacred Weapon, which increases your attack rolls, and Turn the Unholy, which is useful against undead. The Oath of the Ancients offers healing and crowd control abilities, making it a versatile choice. The Oath of Vengeance is another strong option, with features like Vow of Enmity, which gives you advantage on attack rolls against a chosen enemy.
Feats can further enhance your smiting capabilities. Great Weapon Master is an excellent choice if you are using a two-handed weapon, as it allows you to deal extra damage at the cost of a lower attack roll. Polearm Master is another strong option, giving you an additional attack with the butt end of your weapon. Sentinel can help you control the battlefield by preventing enemies from moving away from you. If you find yourself needing more spell slots for smiting, consider taking the War Caster feat, which helps you maintain concentration on spells and allows you to cast spells as opportunity attacks.
Multiclassing can also be a powerful way to optimize your Paladin for smiting. A common multiclass option is to take levels in Sorcerer or Warlock. Sorcerer provides additional spell slots and access to metamagic, allowing you to cast spells like Quickened Spell to cast a spell and still make a melee attack in the same turn. Warlock offers the Pact Magic feature, which gives you spell slots that recharge on a short rest, providing more opportunities to use Divine Smite. A popular combination is Paladin 6/Warlock 2, which gives you access to the Warlock's Eldritch Invocations and the Paladin's Aura of Protection.
In combat, the key to effective smiting is managing your spell slots. Divine Smite is a resource-intensive ability, so you need to be strategic about when to use it. Save your higher-level spell slots for critical hits, as Divine Smite's damage is doubled on a critical hit. This can lead to massive bursts of damage, especially if you are using a high-level spell slot. Additionally, consider using smite spells like Thunderous Smite or Wrathful Smite in combination with Divine Smite for even more damage and additional effects.
One common mistake is using all your spell slots too early in a fight. While it can be tempting to unleash your smites as soon as possible, it's important to pace yourself and save some slots for later in the encounter. Another mistake is neglecting your defenses. While smiting is powerful, you still need to survive in combat. Make sure to wear heavy armor and use your Lay on Hands ability to heal yourself or your allies when needed.
Advanced techniques include using your Channel Divinity abilities in combination with your smites. For example, the Oath of Vengeance's Vow of Enmity gives you advantage on attack rolls against a chosen enemy, increasing your chances of landing a critical hit. You can also use your Aura of Protection to boost your saving throws and those of your allies, making your party more resilient in combat.
In summary, optimizing a Paladin for smiting in Baldur's Gate 3 involves focusing on your primary attack stat and Charisma, choosing the right Oath and feats, and managing your spell slots effectively. Multiclassing can provide additional spell slots and abilities, while careful combat tactics can maximize the impact of your smites. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a powerful and effective smiting Paladin that excels in both damage output and survivability.
First, let's discuss the mechanics of Divine Smite. When you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can choose to expend one of your spell slots to deal extra radiant damage. The damage increases with the level of the spell slot used, starting at 2d8 for a 1st-level slot and increasing by 1d8 for each slot level above 1st, up to a maximum of 5d8. Additionally, if the target is an undead or a fiend, the damage increases by 1d8. This makes Divine Smite particularly effective against these types of enemies.
To optimize your Paladin for smiting, you should focus on maximizing your Strength or Dexterity, depending on your weapon choice, and your Charisma. Strength is typically the primary ability score for Paladins, as it increases your melee attack rolls and damage. However, if you prefer a Dexterity-based build, you can use finesse weapons like rapiers or shortswords. Charisma is important because it affects your spellcasting ability and the saving throw DCs of your spells, including some smite spells like Branding Smite or Banishing Smite.
When building your Paladin, prioritize Strength (or Dexterity) and Charisma during character creation. A good starting point is to have at least 16 in your primary attack stat and 14 in Charisma. You can increase these scores as you level up or through ability score improvements. Constitution is also important for hit points and concentration checks, so aim for at least 14 in this stat as well.
Next, consider your choice of Oath. The Oath of Devotion and Oath of the Ancients are solid choices for a smite-focused Paladin. The Oath of Devotion provides abilities like Sacred Weapon, which increases your attack rolls, and Turn the Unholy, which is useful against undead. The Oath of the Ancients offers healing and crowd control abilities, making it a versatile choice. The Oath of Vengeance is another strong option, with features like Vow of Enmity, which gives you advantage on attack rolls against a chosen enemy.
Feats can further enhance your smiting capabilities. Great Weapon Master is an excellent choice if you are using a two-handed weapon, as it allows you to deal extra damage at the cost of a lower attack roll. Polearm Master is another strong option, giving you an additional attack with the butt end of your weapon. Sentinel can help you control the battlefield by preventing enemies from moving away from you. If you find yourself needing more spell slots for smiting, consider taking the War Caster feat, which helps you maintain concentration on spells and allows you to cast spells as opportunity attacks.
Multiclassing can also be a powerful way to optimize your Paladin for smiting. A common multiclass option is to take levels in Sorcerer or Warlock. Sorcerer provides additional spell slots and access to metamagic, allowing you to cast spells like Quickened Spell to cast a spell and still make a melee attack in the same turn. Warlock offers the Pact Magic feature, which gives you spell slots that recharge on a short rest, providing more opportunities to use Divine Smite. A popular combination is Paladin 6/Warlock 2, which gives you access to the Warlock's Eldritch Invocations and the Paladin's Aura of Protection.
In combat, the key to effective smiting is managing your spell slots. Divine Smite is a resource-intensive ability, so you need to be strategic about when to use it. Save your higher-level spell slots for critical hits, as Divine Smite's damage is doubled on a critical hit. This can lead to massive bursts of damage, especially if you are using a high-level spell slot. Additionally, consider using smite spells like Thunderous Smite or Wrathful Smite in combination with Divine Smite for even more damage and additional effects.
One common mistake is using all your spell slots too early in a fight. While it can be tempting to unleash your smites as soon as possible, it's important to pace yourself and save some slots for later in the encounter. Another mistake is neglecting your defenses. While smiting is powerful, you still need to survive in combat. Make sure to wear heavy armor and use your Lay on Hands ability to heal yourself or your allies when needed.
Advanced techniques include using your Channel Divinity abilities in combination with your smites. For example, the Oath of Vengeance's Vow of Enmity gives you advantage on attack rolls against a chosen enemy, increasing your chances of landing a critical hit. You can also use your Aura of Protection to boost your saving throws and those of your allies, making your party more resilient in combat.
In summary, optimizing a Paladin for smiting in Baldur's Gate 3 involves focusing on your primary attack stat and Charisma, choosing the right Oath and feats, and managing your spell slots effectively. Multiclassing can provide additional spell slots and abilities, while careful combat tactics can maximize the impact of your smites. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a powerful and effective smiting Paladin that excels in both damage output and survivability.