What is the best multiclass combination for a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3?
Multiclassing a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 can create a powerful and versatile character, but it requires careful planning to maximize effectiveness. One of the best multiclass combinations for a Paladin is with the Sorcerer class, creating a Paladin/Sorcerer hybrid. This build, often referred to as the "Soradin," combines the Paladin's martial prowess and divine smites with the Sorcerer's spellcasting flexibility and metamagic options. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to achieve this build, along with tips and considerations.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Paladins are strong melee fighters with access to divine smite, which allows them to expend spell slots to deal extra radiant damage on a hit. Sorcerers, on the other hand, are full spellcasters with access to metamagic, which lets them modify spells in powerful ways, such as casting them as a bonus action or increasing their range. By multiclassing, you gain the ability to use Sorcerer spell slots for divine smite, and you can use metamagic to enhance your Paladin abilities.
To start this build, you should begin as a Paladin. This gives you heavy armor proficiency and a strong foundation in melee combat. At level 2, you gain access to divine smite, which is a key feature of this build. You should aim to take at least 2 levels in Paladin to unlock this ability. After that, you can start taking levels in Sorcerer. The Draconic Bloodline is a popular choice for the Sorcerer subclass, as it provides additional hit points and a damage boost to spells of your chosen element.
When leveling up, prioritize Charisma as your main ability score, as it affects both your Paladin and Sorcerer abilities. Strength is also important for melee attacks, but you can use finesse weapons like rapiers to rely on Dexterity if you prefer. Constitution is crucial for hit points and concentration checks, so donÔÇÖt neglect it.
One important tip is to manage your spell slots carefully. Divine smite can consume a lot of spell slots, so you need to balance using them for smites and for casting spells. Sorcerer spells like Shield and Misty Step can provide valuable defensive and mobility options, while spells like Hold Person can set up devastating critical hits with divine smite.
A common mistake to avoid is spreading your levels too thin. You want to have enough levels in Paladin to gain access to important features like Extra Attack, which you get at Paladin level 5. However, you also want enough levels in Sorcerer to have a good number of spell slots and access to higher-level spells. A common split is Paladin 6/Sorcerer 14, which gives you Extra Attack, Aura of Protection, and a wide range of Sorcerer spells and metamagic options.
Advanced techniques include using metamagic to enhance your combat effectiveness. For example, you can use Quickened Spell to cast a spell like Hold Person as a bonus action, then follow up with a melee attack and divine smite on the same turn. Twinned Spell can be used to target two enemies with a single-target spell, increasing your versatility in combat.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, itÔÇÖs important to understand how multiclassing affects spell slots. When you multiclass as a Paladin and Sorcerer, your spell slots are determined by your combined levels in both classes, using the multiclass spell slot table. This means youÔÇÖll have more spell slots than a single-classed Paladin, but youÔÇÖll need to manage them carefully.
Specific examples and scenarios include using this build in tough boss fights. For instance, against a powerful enemy, you can use Hold Person to paralyze them, then unleash a series of attacks with divine smite for massive damage. In group fights, you can use area-of-effect spells like Fireball to deal with multiple enemies, then switch to melee combat to finish off survivors.
In conclusion, the Paladin/Sorcerer multiclass is a powerful and versatile build that combines the best of both worlds. By carefully managing your levels, spell slots, and ability scores, you can create a character that excels in both melee combat and spellcasting. With the right strategies and techniques, this build can handle a wide range of challenges in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Paladins are strong melee fighters with access to divine smite, which allows them to expend spell slots to deal extra radiant damage on a hit. Sorcerers, on the other hand, are full spellcasters with access to metamagic, which lets them modify spells in powerful ways, such as casting them as a bonus action or increasing their range. By multiclassing, you gain the ability to use Sorcerer spell slots for divine smite, and you can use metamagic to enhance your Paladin abilities.
To start this build, you should begin as a Paladin. This gives you heavy armor proficiency and a strong foundation in melee combat. At level 2, you gain access to divine smite, which is a key feature of this build. You should aim to take at least 2 levels in Paladin to unlock this ability. After that, you can start taking levels in Sorcerer. The Draconic Bloodline is a popular choice for the Sorcerer subclass, as it provides additional hit points and a damage boost to spells of your chosen element.
When leveling up, prioritize Charisma as your main ability score, as it affects both your Paladin and Sorcerer abilities. Strength is also important for melee attacks, but you can use finesse weapons like rapiers to rely on Dexterity if you prefer. Constitution is crucial for hit points and concentration checks, so donÔÇÖt neglect it.
One important tip is to manage your spell slots carefully. Divine smite can consume a lot of spell slots, so you need to balance using them for smites and for casting spells. Sorcerer spells like Shield and Misty Step can provide valuable defensive and mobility options, while spells like Hold Person can set up devastating critical hits with divine smite.
A common mistake to avoid is spreading your levels too thin. You want to have enough levels in Paladin to gain access to important features like Extra Attack, which you get at Paladin level 5. However, you also want enough levels in Sorcerer to have a good number of spell slots and access to higher-level spells. A common split is Paladin 6/Sorcerer 14, which gives you Extra Attack, Aura of Protection, and a wide range of Sorcerer spells and metamagic options.
Advanced techniques include using metamagic to enhance your combat effectiveness. For example, you can use Quickened Spell to cast a spell like Hold Person as a bonus action, then follow up with a melee attack and divine smite on the same turn. Twinned Spell can be used to target two enemies with a single-target spell, increasing your versatility in combat.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, itÔÇÖs important to understand how multiclassing affects spell slots. When you multiclass as a Paladin and Sorcerer, your spell slots are determined by your combined levels in both classes, using the multiclass spell slot table. This means youÔÇÖll have more spell slots than a single-classed Paladin, but youÔÇÖll need to manage them carefully.
Specific examples and scenarios include using this build in tough boss fights. For instance, against a powerful enemy, you can use Hold Person to paralyze them, then unleash a series of attacks with divine smite for massive damage. In group fights, you can use area-of-effect spells like Fireball to deal with multiple enemies, then switch to melee combat to finish off survivors.
In conclusion, the Paladin/Sorcerer multiclass is a powerful and versatile build that combines the best of both worlds. By carefully managing your levels, spell slots, and ability scores, you can create a character that excels in both melee combat and spellcasting. With the right strategies and techniques, this build can handle a wide range of challenges in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3.