What multiclass options work well with a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3?
Multiclassing with a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 can create a powerful and versatile character, but it requires careful planning to balance the strengths and weaknesses of each class. Paladins are naturally strong in melee combat, with high durability, healing abilities, and the unique Smite feature that allows them to deal massive burst damage. When multiclassing, you want to complement these strengths while addressing any weaknesses, such as limited ranged options or spellcasting versatility. Below, I will discuss some of the best multiclass options for a Paladin, along with detailed mechanics, strategies, and tips.
One of the most popular multiclass options for a Paladin is the Sorcerer. This combination, often referred to as the "Sorcadin," leverages the Sorcerer's spellcasting abilities to enhance the Paladin's combat effectiveness. Sorcerers provide access to a wide range of spells, including utility and damage options, as well as the ability to convert spell slots into Sorcery Points for additional flexibility. The key benefit of this multiclass is the ability to fuel your Divine Smite with more spell slots, allowing you to deal devastating damage in melee combat. To build a Sorcadin, start with at least 5 levels in Paladin to gain Extra Attack, then take levels in Sorcerer. The Draconic Bloodline subclass is a strong choice for additional durability, while the Wild Magic subclass can add unpredictability and fun to your build. Be mindful of your ability scores, as you will need high Strength or Dexterity for combat, Charisma for spellcasting, and Constitution for survivability.
Another excellent multiclass option is the Warlock. The "Hexadin" build combines the Paladin's melee prowess with the Warlock's Eldritch Invocations and short-rest spell slots. The Hexblade subclass is particularly powerful, as it allows you to use Charisma for attack and damage rolls, reducing the need for high Strength or Dexterity. This synergy makes the Hexadin highly efficient, as you can focus on Charisma for both combat and spellcasting. Start with 1 level in Paladin for armor proficiency and Divine Sense, then take 1 level in Warlock to gain Hexblade's features. After that, continue leveling Paladin to gain Extra Attack and Aura of Protection. The Warlock's Pact Magic feature provides spell slots that recharge on a short rest, which can be used for Divine Smite, making this build highly sustainable in long adventuring days. Be cautious of spreading your levels too thin, as you want to reach key milestones like Extra Attack and Aura of Protection as quickly as possible.
For players who prefer a more defensive and supportive playstyle, multiclassing with the Cleric can be a strong choice. The "Padlock" build combines the Paladin's martial abilities with the Cleric's healing and support spells. The Life Domain subclass is particularly effective, as it enhances your healing capabilities and provides additional durability. Start with 5 levels in Paladin to gain Extra Attack, then take levels in Cleric. This build excels in group play, as you can tank damage, heal allies, and deal consistent melee damage. However, be aware that this build may lack the burst damage potential of other multiclass options, so it is best suited for players who prioritize team support over personal damage output.
When multiclassing, it is important to consider the trade-offs. Each level you take in another class delays your progression in Paladin, which can impact your access to key features like Improved Divine Smite and Aura of Courage. Additionally, multiclassing requires careful management of ability scores, as you need to meet the prerequisites for both classes. For example, a Paladin requires at least 13 Strength and 13 Charisma, while a Sorcerer requires 13 Charisma. Plan your ability score distribution carefully to ensure you meet these requirements without sacrificing essential stats like Constitution.
In terms of advanced techniques, consider the synergy between class features. For example, the Sorcerer's Metamagic feature can be used to cast spells like Hold Person or Haste as a bonus action, allowing you to follow up with a devastating Smite on your next turn. Similarly, the Warlock's Eldritch Invocations can provide utility options like Devil's Sight, which pairs well with the Darkness spell for advantage on attack rolls. These combinations can give you a significant edge in combat, but they require careful planning and resource management.
In conclusion, multiclassing with a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 offers a wide range of possibilities, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Whether you choose to combine with Sorcerer for burst damage, Warlock for efficiency, or Cleric for support, the key is to plan your build carefully and consider how each class complements the other. By doing so, you can create a powerful and versatile character capable of handling any challenge the game throws at you.
One of the most popular multiclass options for a Paladin is the Sorcerer. This combination, often referred to as the "Sorcadin," leverages the Sorcerer's spellcasting abilities to enhance the Paladin's combat effectiveness. Sorcerers provide access to a wide range of spells, including utility and damage options, as well as the ability to convert spell slots into Sorcery Points for additional flexibility. The key benefit of this multiclass is the ability to fuel your Divine Smite with more spell slots, allowing you to deal devastating damage in melee combat. To build a Sorcadin, start with at least 5 levels in Paladin to gain Extra Attack, then take levels in Sorcerer. The Draconic Bloodline subclass is a strong choice for additional durability, while the Wild Magic subclass can add unpredictability and fun to your build. Be mindful of your ability scores, as you will need high Strength or Dexterity for combat, Charisma for spellcasting, and Constitution for survivability.
Another excellent multiclass option is the Warlock. The "Hexadin" build combines the Paladin's melee prowess with the Warlock's Eldritch Invocations and short-rest spell slots. The Hexblade subclass is particularly powerful, as it allows you to use Charisma for attack and damage rolls, reducing the need for high Strength or Dexterity. This synergy makes the Hexadin highly efficient, as you can focus on Charisma for both combat and spellcasting. Start with 1 level in Paladin for armor proficiency and Divine Sense, then take 1 level in Warlock to gain Hexblade's features. After that, continue leveling Paladin to gain Extra Attack and Aura of Protection. The Warlock's Pact Magic feature provides spell slots that recharge on a short rest, which can be used for Divine Smite, making this build highly sustainable in long adventuring days. Be cautious of spreading your levels too thin, as you want to reach key milestones like Extra Attack and Aura of Protection as quickly as possible.
For players who prefer a more defensive and supportive playstyle, multiclassing with the Cleric can be a strong choice. The "Padlock" build combines the Paladin's martial abilities with the Cleric's healing and support spells. The Life Domain subclass is particularly effective, as it enhances your healing capabilities and provides additional durability. Start with 5 levels in Paladin to gain Extra Attack, then take levels in Cleric. This build excels in group play, as you can tank damage, heal allies, and deal consistent melee damage. However, be aware that this build may lack the burst damage potential of other multiclass options, so it is best suited for players who prioritize team support over personal damage output.
When multiclassing, it is important to consider the trade-offs. Each level you take in another class delays your progression in Paladin, which can impact your access to key features like Improved Divine Smite and Aura of Courage. Additionally, multiclassing requires careful management of ability scores, as you need to meet the prerequisites for both classes. For example, a Paladin requires at least 13 Strength and 13 Charisma, while a Sorcerer requires 13 Charisma. Plan your ability score distribution carefully to ensure you meet these requirements without sacrificing essential stats like Constitution.
In terms of advanced techniques, consider the synergy between class features. For example, the Sorcerer's Metamagic feature can be used to cast spells like Hold Person or Haste as a bonus action, allowing you to follow up with a devastating Smite on your next turn. Similarly, the Warlock's Eldritch Invocations can provide utility options like Devil's Sight, which pairs well with the Darkness spell for advantage on attack rolls. These combinations can give you a significant edge in combat, but they require careful planning and resource management.
In conclusion, multiclassing with a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 offers a wide range of possibilities, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Whether you choose to combine with Sorcerer for burst damage, Warlock for efficiency, or Cleric for support, the key is to plan your build carefully and consider how each class complements the other. By doing so, you can create a powerful and versatile character capable of handling any challenge the game throws at you.