What are the best multiclass options 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 balance the strengths of both classes. Paladins are naturally strong due to their high durability, healing abilities, and smite damage, but multiclassing can enhance their utility, damage output, or survivability depending on your goals. Below is a detailed guide on the best multiclass options for a Paladin, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.
One of the most popular multiclass options for a Paladin is combining it with Sorcerer. This build, often called the "Sorcadín," focuses on maximizing spell slots for Divine Smite while gaining access to powerful Sorcerer spells and metamagic. To start, you should take at least six levels in Paladin to gain the Aura of Protection, which provides a significant bonus to saving throws for you and nearby allies. After that, you can start taking levels in Sorcerer. The Draconic Bloodline subclass is a strong choice because it increases your durability with extra hit points and provides elemental damage bonuses. The key advantage of this multiclass is the ability to convert Sorcerer spell slots into Sorcery Points, which can then be used to fuel metamagic like Quickened Spell or Twinned Spell. For example, you can cast a spell like Hold Person and then use Quickened Spell to follow up with a melee attack and Divine Smite in the same turn. This combination allows you to deal massive burst damage while maintaining control over the battlefield.
Another strong option is multiclassing Paladin with Warlock. This build, often called the "Padlock," synergizes well because Warlock spell slots recharge on a short rest, allowing you to use Divine Smite more frequently. The Hexblade subclass is particularly effective because it allows you to use Charisma for attack and damage rolls, making your Paladin less dependent on Strength. This means you can focus on Charisma for both your spellcasting and melee attacks, streamlining your ability scores. Start with at least two levels in Paladin to gain Divine Smite and Fighting Style, then take levels in Warlock. The Eldritch Invocations, such as Agonizing Blast, can give you a strong ranged option, while the Pact of the Blade feature enhances your melee capabilities. This multiclass is especially effective in long adventuring days where you need consistent damage output without relying on long rests.
For a more defensive build, consider multiclassing Paladin with Fighter. This combination provides additional combat versatility through Action Surge and Fighting Style. Start with at least five levels in Paladin to gain Extra Attack, then take two levels in Fighter for Action Surge. This allows you to make an additional action in combat, which can be used for another attack or a spell. The Champion subclass is a straightforward choice for increased critical hit chances, while the Battle Master subclass offers tactical maneuvers like Riposte or Precision Attack. This multiclass is ideal for players who want to focus on melee combat and survivability without relying heavily on spellcasting.
When multiclassing, it's important to consider ability score requirements. In Baldur's Gate 3, you need at least 13 in the primary ability scores of both classes to multiclass. For Paladin, this is Strength and Charisma, so ensure you meet these requirements before branching into another class. Additionally, think about your party composition and the role you want to fill. If your party lacks a tank, a Paladin-Fighter multiclass might be the best choice. If you need more spellcasting versatility, Paladin-Sorcerer or Paladin-Warlock could be more effective.
Common mistakes to avoid include spreading your levels too thin. Multiclassing delays access to higher-level abilities, so it's important to prioritize key features. For example, if you multiclass too early as a Paladin, you might miss out on Aura of Protection, which is one of the class's strongest features. Another mistake is neglecting your ability scores. While multiclassing can make your character more versatile, it can also make you more dependent on multiple ability scores, so plan your stat distribution carefully.
Advanced techniques for optimizing a multiclass Paladin include using feats like Great Weapon Master or Polearm Master to enhance your melee damage. These feats synergize well with Paladin's smite abilities, allowing you to deal massive damage in a single turn. Additionally, consider using spells like Shield of Faith or Bless to boost your survivability and accuracy in combat.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, Baldur's Gate 3 closely follows the multiclassing mechanics, so understanding the core rules can help you plan your build. For example, spell slots from different classes are calculated using the Multiclass Spellcaster table, which determines your total number of spell slots based on your combined levels in spellcasting classes. This is particularly important for Paladin-Sorcerer or Paladin-Warlock builds, as it affects how many smites you can use per day.
In summary, multiclassing a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 can create a highly effective character, but it requires careful planning. Whether you choose Sorcerer for spell versatility, Warlock for consistent damage, or Fighter for combat flexibility, each option offers unique benefits. Focus on key abilities, avoid common mistakes, and optimize your build with feats and spells to create a powerful and versatile character.
One of the most popular multiclass options for a Paladin is combining it with Sorcerer. This build, often called the "Sorcadín," focuses on maximizing spell slots for Divine Smite while gaining access to powerful Sorcerer spells and metamagic. To start, you should take at least six levels in Paladin to gain the Aura of Protection, which provides a significant bonus to saving throws for you and nearby allies. After that, you can start taking levels in Sorcerer. The Draconic Bloodline subclass is a strong choice because it increases your durability with extra hit points and provides elemental damage bonuses. The key advantage of this multiclass is the ability to convert Sorcerer spell slots into Sorcery Points, which can then be used to fuel metamagic like Quickened Spell or Twinned Spell. For example, you can cast a spell like Hold Person and then use Quickened Spell to follow up with a melee attack and Divine Smite in the same turn. This combination allows you to deal massive burst damage while maintaining control over the battlefield.
Another strong option is multiclassing Paladin with Warlock. This build, often called the "Padlock," synergizes well because Warlock spell slots recharge on a short rest, allowing you to use Divine Smite more frequently. The Hexblade subclass is particularly effective because it allows you to use Charisma for attack and damage rolls, making your Paladin less dependent on Strength. This means you can focus on Charisma for both your spellcasting and melee attacks, streamlining your ability scores. Start with at least two levels in Paladin to gain Divine Smite and Fighting Style, then take levels in Warlock. The Eldritch Invocations, such as Agonizing Blast, can give you a strong ranged option, while the Pact of the Blade feature enhances your melee capabilities. This multiclass is especially effective in long adventuring days where you need consistent damage output without relying on long rests.
For a more defensive build, consider multiclassing Paladin with Fighter. This combination provides additional combat versatility through Action Surge and Fighting Style. Start with at least five levels in Paladin to gain Extra Attack, then take two levels in Fighter for Action Surge. This allows you to make an additional action in combat, which can be used for another attack or a spell. The Champion subclass is a straightforward choice for increased critical hit chances, while the Battle Master subclass offers tactical maneuvers like Riposte or Precision Attack. This multiclass is ideal for players who want to focus on melee combat and survivability without relying heavily on spellcasting.
When multiclassing, it's important to consider ability score requirements. In Baldur's Gate 3, you need at least 13 in the primary ability scores of both classes to multiclass. For Paladin, this is Strength and Charisma, so ensure you meet these requirements before branching into another class. Additionally, think about your party composition and the role you want to fill. If your party lacks a tank, a Paladin-Fighter multiclass might be the best choice. If you need more spellcasting versatility, Paladin-Sorcerer or Paladin-Warlock could be more effective.
Common mistakes to avoid include spreading your levels too thin. Multiclassing delays access to higher-level abilities, so it's important to prioritize key features. For example, if you multiclass too early as a Paladin, you might miss out on Aura of Protection, which is one of the class's strongest features. Another mistake is neglecting your ability scores. While multiclassing can make your character more versatile, it can also make you more dependent on multiple ability scores, so plan your stat distribution carefully.
Advanced techniques for optimizing a multiclass Paladin include using feats like Great Weapon Master or Polearm Master to enhance your melee damage. These feats synergize well with Paladin's smite abilities, allowing you to deal massive damage in a single turn. Additionally, consider using spells like Shield of Faith or Bless to boost your survivability and accuracy in combat.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, Baldur's Gate 3 closely follows the multiclassing mechanics, so understanding the core rules can help you plan your build. For example, spell slots from different classes are calculated using the Multiclass Spellcaster table, which determines your total number of spell slots based on your combined levels in spellcasting classes. This is particularly important for Paladin-Sorcerer or Paladin-Warlock builds, as it affects how many smites you can use per day.
In summary, multiclassing a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 can create a highly effective character, but it requires careful planning. Whether you choose Sorcerer for spell versatility, Warlock for consistent damage, or Fighter for combat flexibility, each option offers unique benefits. Focus on key abilities, avoid common mistakes, and optimize your build with feats and spells to create a powerful and versatile character.