How do I build a Paladin for both tanking and healing in Baldur's Gate 3?

Building a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 who can effectively tank and heal requires a balance of defensive capabilities, healing spells, and strategic use of class features. Paladins are naturally durable due to their heavy armor proficiency and access to healing spells, making them ideal for this dual role. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to create and play such a character.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. Paladins are a hybrid class, combining martial prowess with divine magic. Their key features include Lay on Hands, which allows them to heal themselves or allies, and Divine Smite, which lets them deal extra radiant damage on melee attacks. They also have access to a variety of spells, including healing spells like Cure Wounds and Lesser Restoration. Their Aura of Protection, gained at level 6, provides a bonus to saving throws for themselves and nearby allies, making them excellent tanks.

When building your Paladin, start by choosing a race that complements your tanking and healing goals. Half-Orcs are a strong choice due to their Relentless Endurance feature, which allows them to stay standing after taking lethal damage. Humans are also a good option because of their versatility and bonus skill proficiency. For ability scores, prioritize Strength and Charisma. Strength is essential for melee combat, while Charisma boosts your spellcasting and Aura of Protection. Constitution is also important for increasing your hit points and survivability. A good starting spread might be 16 Strength, 10 Dexterity, 14 Constitution, 8 Intelligence, 10 Wisdom, and 16 Charisma.

Next, select your Paladin Oath at level 3. The Oath of Devotion is ideal for a tanking and healing build. Its Sacred Weapon feature enhances your attack rolls, and its Channel Divinity option, Turn the Unholy, can control undead enemies. The Oath of the Ancients is another strong choice, offering healing and protective spells like Healing Radiance and Aura of Warding, which reduces spell damage.

For combat tactics, position your Paladin at the front lines to absorb damage and protect your allies. Use your Lay on Hands ability to heal yourself or others as needed. In combat, focus on using your Divine Smite to deal significant damage to enemies, especially when you land a critical hit. This not only helps eliminate threats quickly but also conserves your spell slots for healing when necessary. Use your Aura of Protection to bolster your partyÔÇÖs saving throws, making them more resistant to enemy spells and effects.

When it comes to spell selection, prioritize spells that enhance your tanking and healing capabilities. Cure Wounds is a must-have for healing, while Shield of Faith can boost your AC, making you harder to hit. Lesser Restoration is useful for removing conditions like poison or paralysis. At higher levels, consider spells like Revivify to bring fallen allies back to life and Aura of Vitality for sustained healing over time.

One common mistake is neglecting your Charisma. While it might be tempting to focus solely on Strength for melee damage, Charisma is crucial for your spellcasting and Aura of Protection. Another mistake is overusing Divine Smite, which can deplete your spell slots quickly. Use it strategically, especially against tough enemies or when you land a critical hit.

For advanced optimization, consider multiclassing. A dip into Sorcerer or Warlock can provide additional spell slots for more Divine Smites and access to useful spells like Shield or Hex. However, this requires careful planning to avoid weakening your PaladinÔÇÖs core abilities. Another advanced technique is to use feats like Tough to increase your hit points or War Caster to maintain concentration on spells like Shield of Faith.

In terms of D&D rules, remember that Paladins prepare their spells each day, so choose spells that suit the challenges you expect to face. Also, keep in mind that Lay on Hands can be used to cure diseases and poison, which can be invaluable in certain scenarios.

In specific scenarios, such as facing a powerful spellcaster, use your Aura of Protection to help your party resist harmful spells. In a tough boss fight, combine your Divine Smite with your Oath abilities to deal massive damage while keeping your party alive with healing spells.

By following these strategies and tips, you can create a Paladin who excels at both tanking and healing, making them a valuable asset to any party in Baldur's Gate 3.