How do I build a Paladin for both smiting and tanking in Baldur's Gate 3?
Building a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 for both smiting and tanking requires a balance between offensive and defensive capabilities. Paladins are naturally durable due to their heavy armor proficiency and access to healing spells, but optimizing them for both roles involves careful planning. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you create a Paladin who can deal devastating smites while also standing firm on the frontlines.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. Paladins in Baldur's Gate 3 use Divine Smite, a class feature that allows them to expend spell slots to deal extra radiant damage on a successful melee attack. This makes them excellent burst damage dealers. For tanking, Paladins rely on their high Armor Class (AC) from heavy armor, their Lay on Hands ability for healing, and their Aura of Protection, which grants a bonus to saving throws for themselves and nearby allies. Balancing these two roles means maximizing your damage output while ensuring you can survive and protect your party.
For race selection, consider races that complement the PaladinÔÇÖs strengths. Half-Orcs are excellent for their Savage Attacks feature, which increases critical hit damage, and their Relentless Endurance, which allows them to stay standing after taking lethal damage. Humans are also a solid choice for their versatility and bonus skill proficiency. Dragonborn can be a thematic choice, offering a breath weapon and resistance to a damage type, though they lack direct combat bonuses.
When assigning ability scores, prioritize Strength for melee attacks and damage, followed by Charisma for spellcasting and Aura of Protection. Constitution is also important for hit points and concentration checks. A good starting spread might be 16 Strength, 10 Dexterity, 14 Constitution, 8 Intelligence, 10 Wisdom, and 16 Charisma. This setup ensures you hit hard, have decent survivability, and can support your party with your aura.
For your subclass, the Oath of Devotion is a strong choice for tanking due to its Sacred Weapon feature, which adds Charisma to attack rolls, and its Aura of Devotion, which prevents charm effects. The Oath of Vengeance is more offensive, with features like Vow of Enmity, which grants advantage on attack rolls against a single target. Both subclasses are viable, so choose based on your preferred playstyle.
In combat, your primary strategy should be to position yourself on the frontlines, drawing enemy attention while dealing damage with your weapon and Divine Smite. Use your Lay on Hands ability to heal yourself or allies as needed. Your Aura of Protection will passively boost your partyÔÇÖs saving throws, so try to stay close to them. When facing tough enemies, use your Channel Divinity abilities to gain an edge. For example, Sacred Weapon can help you land crucial hits, while Vow of Enmity ensures you hit consistently.
One common mistake is overusing Divine Smite early in the game when spell slots are limited. While itÔÇÖs tempting to smite every turn, conserve your slots for critical moments, such as when you land a critical hit or need to finish off a dangerous enemy. Another mistake is neglecting your Charisma. While it might seem secondary to Strength, Charisma boosts your spellcasting and Aura of Protection, making it essential for both smiting and tanking.
Advanced techniques include multiclassing. A popular option is to dip into Sorcerer or Warlock for additional spell slots and utility. Sorcerer provides access to spells like Shield and Misty Step, enhancing your survivability and mobility. Warlock offers short-rest spell slots, which can be used for more smites, and the Hex spell for extra damage. However, multiclassing delays your Paladin progression, so weigh the benefits carefully.
In terms of equipment, prioritize weapons with high damage output, such as greatswords or longswords, and look for armor with high AC. Magic items that boost your Strength, Charisma, or Constitution are also valuable. For example, a Belt of Giant Strength can significantly increase your melee effectiveness, while a Cloak of Protection enhances your defenses.
Finally, consider your role in the party. As a Paladin, youÔÇÖre not just a damage dealer or tank; youÔÇÖre also a support character. Use your spells like Bless to buff your allies, and donÔÇÖt hesitate to use your Lay on Hands to keep them alive. Your Aura of Protection is a powerful tool, so position yourself to maximize its benefit.
In summary, building a Paladin for both smiting and tanking in Baldur's Gate 3 involves balancing offensive and defensive capabilities. Focus on Strength and Charisma, choose a subclass that complements your playstyle, and use your abilities strategically in combat. Avoid common mistakes like overusing Divine Smite or neglecting Charisma, and consider advanced techniques like multiclassing for additional versatility. With the right build and tactics, your Paladin will be a formidable force on the battlefield, capable of dealing devastating smites while protecting your party.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. Paladins in Baldur's Gate 3 use Divine Smite, a class feature that allows them to expend spell slots to deal extra radiant damage on a successful melee attack. This makes them excellent burst damage dealers. For tanking, Paladins rely on their high Armor Class (AC) from heavy armor, their Lay on Hands ability for healing, and their Aura of Protection, which grants a bonus to saving throws for themselves and nearby allies. Balancing these two roles means maximizing your damage output while ensuring you can survive and protect your party.
For race selection, consider races that complement the PaladinÔÇÖs strengths. Half-Orcs are excellent for their Savage Attacks feature, which increases critical hit damage, and their Relentless Endurance, which allows them to stay standing after taking lethal damage. Humans are also a solid choice for their versatility and bonus skill proficiency. Dragonborn can be a thematic choice, offering a breath weapon and resistance to a damage type, though they lack direct combat bonuses.
When assigning ability scores, prioritize Strength for melee attacks and damage, followed by Charisma for spellcasting and Aura of Protection. Constitution is also important for hit points and concentration checks. A good starting spread might be 16 Strength, 10 Dexterity, 14 Constitution, 8 Intelligence, 10 Wisdom, and 16 Charisma. This setup ensures you hit hard, have decent survivability, and can support your party with your aura.
For your subclass, the Oath of Devotion is a strong choice for tanking due to its Sacred Weapon feature, which adds Charisma to attack rolls, and its Aura of Devotion, which prevents charm effects. The Oath of Vengeance is more offensive, with features like Vow of Enmity, which grants advantage on attack rolls against a single target. Both subclasses are viable, so choose based on your preferred playstyle.
In combat, your primary strategy should be to position yourself on the frontlines, drawing enemy attention while dealing damage with your weapon and Divine Smite. Use your Lay on Hands ability to heal yourself or allies as needed. Your Aura of Protection will passively boost your partyÔÇÖs saving throws, so try to stay close to them. When facing tough enemies, use your Channel Divinity abilities to gain an edge. For example, Sacred Weapon can help you land crucial hits, while Vow of Enmity ensures you hit consistently.
One common mistake is overusing Divine Smite early in the game when spell slots are limited. While itÔÇÖs tempting to smite every turn, conserve your slots for critical moments, such as when you land a critical hit or need to finish off a dangerous enemy. Another mistake is neglecting your Charisma. While it might seem secondary to Strength, Charisma boosts your spellcasting and Aura of Protection, making it essential for both smiting and tanking.
Advanced techniques include multiclassing. A popular option is to dip into Sorcerer or Warlock for additional spell slots and utility. Sorcerer provides access to spells like Shield and Misty Step, enhancing your survivability and mobility. Warlock offers short-rest spell slots, which can be used for more smites, and the Hex spell for extra damage. However, multiclassing delays your Paladin progression, so weigh the benefits carefully.
In terms of equipment, prioritize weapons with high damage output, such as greatswords or longswords, and look for armor with high AC. Magic items that boost your Strength, Charisma, or Constitution are also valuable. For example, a Belt of Giant Strength can significantly increase your melee effectiveness, while a Cloak of Protection enhances your defenses.
Finally, consider your role in the party. As a Paladin, youÔÇÖre not just a damage dealer or tank; youÔÇÖre also a support character. Use your spells like Bless to buff your allies, and donÔÇÖt hesitate to use your Lay on Hands to keep them alive. Your Aura of Protection is a powerful tool, so position yourself to maximize its benefit.
In summary, building a Paladin for both smiting and tanking in Baldur's Gate 3 involves balancing offensive and defensive capabilities. Focus on Strength and Charisma, choose a subclass that complements your playstyle, and use your abilities strategically in combat. Avoid common mistakes like overusing Divine Smite or neglecting Charisma, and consider advanced techniques like multiclassing for additional versatility. With the right build and tactics, your Paladin will be a formidable force on the battlefield, capable of dealing devastating smites while protecting your party.