How do I create a dual-wielding Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3?
Creating a dual-wielding Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 is a powerful and versatile build that combines the Paladin's divine smites with the ability to attack multiple times per turn using two weapons. This build focuses on maximizing damage output while maintaining the Paladin's durability and utility. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Dual-wielding in Baldur's Gate 3 allows you to wield a weapon in each hand, enabling you to make an additional attack with your off-hand weapon as a bonus action. However, this comes with some restrictions. By default, you can only dual-wield light weapons unless you take the Dual Wielder feat, which allows you to use non-light weapons and grants a +1 bonus to AC while dual-wielding. Paladins are naturally durable due to their heavy armor proficiency and access to healing spells, but dual-wielding requires careful management of ability scores and feats to optimize both offense and defense.
To create a dual-wielding Paladin, start by selecting the Paladin class during character creation. Choose a race that complements your build, such as Half-Orc for increased critical hit damage, or Human for the extra skill proficiency. When assigning ability scores, prioritize Strength for melee attacks, Charisma for spellcasting and aura effects, and Constitution for hit points. Dexterity can be a secondary focus if you plan to use finesse weapons, but Strength is generally more effective for Paladins.
At level 1, Paladins gain the Divine Sense and Lay on Hands abilities, which are useful for detecting evil and healing, respectively. However, the key feature for a dual-wielding Paladin is the Fighting Style, which you can choose at level 2. While Paladins do not have a specific dual-wielding fighting style, you can select the Defense fighting style to gain a +1 bonus to AC, which helps offset the lack of a shield. Alternatively, you can multiclass into Fighter or Ranger to gain access to the Two-Weapon Fighting style, which adds your ability modifier to the damage of your off-hand attacks.
At level 3, youÔÇÖll choose your Paladin Oath. Oath of Vengeance is a strong choice for a dual-wielding Paladin, as it provides abilities like Vow of Enmity, which grants advantage on attack rolls against a chosen enemy. Oath of Devotion is also viable, offering Sacred Weapon to boost your attack rolls. Regardless of your choice, your Oath will provide additional spells and abilities that enhance your combat effectiveness.
One of the most important aspects of a dual-wielding Paladin is managing your bonus actions. Since dual-wielding requires a bonus action to attack with your off-hand weapon, youÔÇÖll need to balance this with other bonus action abilities, such as Smite spells or Lay on Hands. Divine Smite, which allows you to expend a spell slot to deal extra radiant damage on a hit, does not require a bonus action, making it an excellent choice for dual-wielding Paladins. You can use Divine Smite on both your main-hand and off-hand attacks, significantly increasing your damage output.
Feats are another crucial consideration. At level 4, you can choose the Dual Wielder feat, which allows you to dual-wield non-light weapons and grants a +1 bonus to AC. This feat is essential for maximizing your damage potential, as it enables you to use more powerful weapons like longswords or warhammers in each hand. Other useful feats include Great Weapon Master, which can be adapted for dual-wielding by focusing on increasing your attack rolls, and Sentinel, which provides additional battlefield control.
When it comes to equipment, prioritize weapons with high damage dice and special effects. For example, using a weapon that deals additional elemental damage can synergize well with your Divine Smite. Additionally, look for armor that provides high AC and resistances, as well as items that boost your Strength or Charisma. In Baldur's Gate 3, you can find powerful weapons and armor throughout the game, so explore thoroughly and complete quests to obtain the best gear.
In combat, a dual-wielding Paladin excels at dealing consistent damage and taking down high-priority targets. Use your Divine Smite liberally, especially on critical hits, to maximize your damage output. Position yourself carefully to take advantage of your aura abilities, which provide bonuses to saving throws for you and nearby allies. Be mindful of your spell slots, as they are a limited resource, and prioritize using them for Divine Smite or essential spells like Shield of Faith or Cure Wounds.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting your AC and survivability. While dual-wielding increases your damage potential, it also leaves you more vulnerable compared to using a shield. Make sure to invest in feats and equipment that boost your AC, and use defensive spells when necessary. Additionally, avoid spreading your ability scores too thin. Focus on Strength, Charisma, and Constitution, and avoid investing heavily in Dexterity unless you are using finesse weapons.
Advanced techniques for optimizing a dual-wielding Paladin include multiclassing into Fighter or Ranger. A two-level dip into Fighter grants you Action Surge, which allows you to take an additional action on your turn, and the Two-Weapon Fighting style, which adds your ability modifier to off-hand attacks. Alternatively, a three-level dip into Ranger can provide additional spells and abilities, such as HunterÔÇÖs Mark, which increases your damage output.
In summary, a dual-wielding Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 is a powerful and versatile build that combines high damage output with durability and utility. By carefully managing your ability scores, feats, and equipment, and by using your Divine Smite and other abilities effectively, you can create a character that excels in both combat and roleplay. Whether youÔÇÖre facing hordes of enemies or powerful bosses, a dual-wielding Paladin is a formidable force on the battlefield.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Dual-wielding in Baldur's Gate 3 allows you to wield a weapon in each hand, enabling you to make an additional attack with your off-hand weapon as a bonus action. However, this comes with some restrictions. By default, you can only dual-wield light weapons unless you take the Dual Wielder feat, which allows you to use non-light weapons and grants a +1 bonus to AC while dual-wielding. Paladins are naturally durable due to their heavy armor proficiency and access to healing spells, but dual-wielding requires careful management of ability scores and feats to optimize both offense and defense.
To create a dual-wielding Paladin, start by selecting the Paladin class during character creation. Choose a race that complements your build, such as Half-Orc for increased critical hit damage, or Human for the extra skill proficiency. When assigning ability scores, prioritize Strength for melee attacks, Charisma for spellcasting and aura effects, and Constitution for hit points. Dexterity can be a secondary focus if you plan to use finesse weapons, but Strength is generally more effective for Paladins.
At level 1, Paladins gain the Divine Sense and Lay on Hands abilities, which are useful for detecting evil and healing, respectively. However, the key feature for a dual-wielding Paladin is the Fighting Style, which you can choose at level 2. While Paladins do not have a specific dual-wielding fighting style, you can select the Defense fighting style to gain a +1 bonus to AC, which helps offset the lack of a shield. Alternatively, you can multiclass into Fighter or Ranger to gain access to the Two-Weapon Fighting style, which adds your ability modifier to the damage of your off-hand attacks.
At level 3, youÔÇÖll choose your Paladin Oath. Oath of Vengeance is a strong choice for a dual-wielding Paladin, as it provides abilities like Vow of Enmity, which grants advantage on attack rolls against a chosen enemy. Oath of Devotion is also viable, offering Sacred Weapon to boost your attack rolls. Regardless of your choice, your Oath will provide additional spells and abilities that enhance your combat effectiveness.
One of the most important aspects of a dual-wielding Paladin is managing your bonus actions. Since dual-wielding requires a bonus action to attack with your off-hand weapon, youÔÇÖll need to balance this with other bonus action abilities, such as Smite spells or Lay on Hands. Divine Smite, which allows you to expend a spell slot to deal extra radiant damage on a hit, does not require a bonus action, making it an excellent choice for dual-wielding Paladins. You can use Divine Smite on both your main-hand and off-hand attacks, significantly increasing your damage output.
Feats are another crucial consideration. At level 4, you can choose the Dual Wielder feat, which allows you to dual-wield non-light weapons and grants a +1 bonus to AC. This feat is essential for maximizing your damage potential, as it enables you to use more powerful weapons like longswords or warhammers in each hand. Other useful feats include Great Weapon Master, which can be adapted for dual-wielding by focusing on increasing your attack rolls, and Sentinel, which provides additional battlefield control.
When it comes to equipment, prioritize weapons with high damage dice and special effects. For example, using a weapon that deals additional elemental damage can synergize well with your Divine Smite. Additionally, look for armor that provides high AC and resistances, as well as items that boost your Strength or Charisma. In Baldur's Gate 3, you can find powerful weapons and armor throughout the game, so explore thoroughly and complete quests to obtain the best gear.
In combat, a dual-wielding Paladin excels at dealing consistent damage and taking down high-priority targets. Use your Divine Smite liberally, especially on critical hits, to maximize your damage output. Position yourself carefully to take advantage of your aura abilities, which provide bonuses to saving throws for you and nearby allies. Be mindful of your spell slots, as they are a limited resource, and prioritize using them for Divine Smite or essential spells like Shield of Faith or Cure Wounds.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting your AC and survivability. While dual-wielding increases your damage potential, it also leaves you more vulnerable compared to using a shield. Make sure to invest in feats and equipment that boost your AC, and use defensive spells when necessary. Additionally, avoid spreading your ability scores too thin. Focus on Strength, Charisma, and Constitution, and avoid investing heavily in Dexterity unless you are using finesse weapons.
Advanced techniques for optimizing a dual-wielding Paladin include multiclassing into Fighter or Ranger. A two-level dip into Fighter grants you Action Surge, which allows you to take an additional action on your turn, and the Two-Weapon Fighting style, which adds your ability modifier to off-hand attacks. Alternatively, a three-level dip into Ranger can provide additional spells and abilities, such as HunterÔÇÖs Mark, which increases your damage output.
In summary, a dual-wielding Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 is a powerful and versatile build that combines high damage output with durability and utility. By carefully managing your ability scores, feats, and equipment, and by using your Divine Smite and other abilities effectively, you can create a character that excels in both combat and roleplay. Whether youÔÇÖre facing hordes of enemies or powerful bosses, a dual-wielding Paladin is a formidable force on the battlefield.