How do I optimize a Paladin for both tanking and smiting in Baldur's Gate 3?
Optimizing a Paladin for both tanking and smiting in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a careful balance of ability scores, class features, and strategic combat choices. Paladins are naturally durable due to their heavy armor proficiency and access to healing spells, but they also excel at dealing burst damage through their Divine Smite ability. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you create a Paladin who can effectively tank while also delivering devastating smites.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss ability scores. Strength is your primary stat for melee attacks, so aim to start with at least 16 in Strength. Constitution is crucial for tanking, as it increases your hit points and helps you maintain concentration on spells. A score of 14-16 in Constitution is ideal. Charisma is also important for Paladins, as it boosts your spellcasting and the effectiveness of your Aura of Protection, which grants a bonus to saving throws for you and nearby allies. Aim for 14-16 in Charisma. Dexterity can be kept at 10, as heavy armor negates the need for high Dexterity. Intelligence and Wisdom can be left at 10 or lower, as they are less critical for a PaladinÔÇÖs core functions.
For race, consider options that complement your tanking and smiting goals. Half-Orcs are excellent for their Relentless Endurance, which allows them to survive a killing blow, and their Savage Attacks, which increases critical hit damage. Humans are versatile with their bonus to all ability scores, and Dragonborn offer resistance to a damage type and a breath weapon. Tieflings, particularly those with the Zariel subrace, gain access to smite-like spells, which can synergize well with your Paladin abilities.
When choosing your Paladin Oath, consider the Oath of Devotion for its defensive capabilities, such as Sacred Weapon and Aura of Devotion, which protect against charm effects. The Oath of Vengeance is another strong choice, offering abilities like Vow of Enmity to gain advantage on attacks against a single target, and Relentless Avenger to keep enemies close. Both oaths provide useful tools for tanking and smiting.
In combat, your primary role as a tank is to draw enemy attention and protect your allies. Use your high AC from heavy armor and a shield to absorb attacks. Position yourself between enemies and your squishier party members. Use your Lay on Hands ability to heal yourself or allies as needed. For smiting, save your spell slots for critical hits or when facing tough enemies. Divine Smite can be used after you hit an enemy, allowing you to decide when to expend a spell slot for maximum effect. This flexibility is key to optimizing your damage output.
Spell selection is also important. Shield of Faith is a great early-game spell to boost your AC further. Bless can help your party hit more often and save against debilitating effects. Cure Wounds and Lesser Restoration are useful for healing and removing conditions. At higher levels, consider spells like Aura of Vitality for sustained healing and CrusaderÔÇÖs Mantle to boost your partyÔÇÖs damage.
One common mistake is overusing Divine Smite early in combat, leaving you without spell slots for healing or utility spells later. Pace yourself and use smites strategically. Another mistake is neglecting your Charisma, which can weaken your Aura of Protection and spellcasting. Always keep an eye on your positioning to ensure your aura benefits as many allies as possible.
Advanced techniques include multiclassing. A popular option is to dip into Sorcerer or Warlock for additional spell slots and utility. Sorcerer provides access to metamagic, allowing you to quicken spells or twin them for greater flexibility. Warlock offers short-rest spell slots, which can be used for smites, and invocations that enhance your abilities. However, multiclassing can delay your access to higher-level Paladin features, so weigh the pros and cons carefully.
In terms of D&D rules, remember that Divine Smite can be used with any melee weapon attack, including opportunity attacks. This means you can smite enemies who try to move away from you, adding to your tanking effectiveness. Also, note that smite damage increases with higher-level spell slots, so prioritize using higher slots for tougher enemies.
Specific scenarios where this build shines include boss fights, where your smites can deal massive damage, and large-scale battles, where your tanking abilities can protect your party from multiple threats. For example, in a fight against a powerful boss, you can use Vow of Enmity to gain advantage on attacks, then unleash a series of smites to quickly deplete their health. In a battle with many enemies, position yourself to draw aggro and use your aura to protect your allies from area effects.
In summary, optimizing a Paladin for tanking and smiting involves careful ability score allocation, strategic use of class features, and thoughtful spell selection. By balancing your defensive and offensive capabilities, you can create a Paladin who excels at protecting allies and dealing devastating damage. Avoid common pitfalls like overusing smites or neglecting Charisma, and consider advanced techniques like multiclassing for additional versatility. With these strategies, your Paladin will be a formidable force on the battlefield.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss ability scores. Strength is your primary stat for melee attacks, so aim to start with at least 16 in Strength. Constitution is crucial for tanking, as it increases your hit points and helps you maintain concentration on spells. A score of 14-16 in Constitution is ideal. Charisma is also important for Paladins, as it boosts your spellcasting and the effectiveness of your Aura of Protection, which grants a bonus to saving throws for you and nearby allies. Aim for 14-16 in Charisma. Dexterity can be kept at 10, as heavy armor negates the need for high Dexterity. Intelligence and Wisdom can be left at 10 or lower, as they are less critical for a PaladinÔÇÖs core functions.
For race, consider options that complement your tanking and smiting goals. Half-Orcs are excellent for their Relentless Endurance, which allows them to survive a killing blow, and their Savage Attacks, which increases critical hit damage. Humans are versatile with their bonus to all ability scores, and Dragonborn offer resistance to a damage type and a breath weapon. Tieflings, particularly those with the Zariel subrace, gain access to smite-like spells, which can synergize well with your Paladin abilities.
When choosing your Paladin Oath, consider the Oath of Devotion for its defensive capabilities, such as Sacred Weapon and Aura of Devotion, which protect against charm effects. The Oath of Vengeance is another strong choice, offering abilities like Vow of Enmity to gain advantage on attacks against a single target, and Relentless Avenger to keep enemies close. Both oaths provide useful tools for tanking and smiting.
In combat, your primary role as a tank is to draw enemy attention and protect your allies. Use your high AC from heavy armor and a shield to absorb attacks. Position yourself between enemies and your squishier party members. Use your Lay on Hands ability to heal yourself or allies as needed. For smiting, save your spell slots for critical hits or when facing tough enemies. Divine Smite can be used after you hit an enemy, allowing you to decide when to expend a spell slot for maximum effect. This flexibility is key to optimizing your damage output.
Spell selection is also important. Shield of Faith is a great early-game spell to boost your AC further. Bless can help your party hit more often and save against debilitating effects. Cure Wounds and Lesser Restoration are useful for healing and removing conditions. At higher levels, consider spells like Aura of Vitality for sustained healing and CrusaderÔÇÖs Mantle to boost your partyÔÇÖs damage.
One common mistake is overusing Divine Smite early in combat, leaving you without spell slots for healing or utility spells later. Pace yourself and use smites strategically. Another mistake is neglecting your Charisma, which can weaken your Aura of Protection and spellcasting. Always keep an eye on your positioning to ensure your aura benefits as many allies as possible.
Advanced techniques include multiclassing. A popular option is to dip into Sorcerer or Warlock for additional spell slots and utility. Sorcerer provides access to metamagic, allowing you to quicken spells or twin them for greater flexibility. Warlock offers short-rest spell slots, which can be used for smites, and invocations that enhance your abilities. However, multiclassing can delay your access to higher-level Paladin features, so weigh the pros and cons carefully.
In terms of D&D rules, remember that Divine Smite can be used with any melee weapon attack, including opportunity attacks. This means you can smite enemies who try to move away from you, adding to your tanking effectiveness. Also, note that smite damage increases with higher-level spell slots, so prioritize using higher slots for tougher enemies.
Specific scenarios where this build shines include boss fights, where your smites can deal massive damage, and large-scale battles, where your tanking abilities can protect your party from multiple threats. For example, in a fight against a powerful boss, you can use Vow of Enmity to gain advantage on attacks, then unleash a series of smites to quickly deplete their health. In a battle with many enemies, position yourself to draw aggro and use your aura to protect your allies from area effects.
In summary, optimizing a Paladin for tanking and smiting involves careful ability score allocation, strategic use of class features, and thoughtful spell selection. By balancing your defensive and offensive capabilities, you can create a Paladin who excels at protecting allies and dealing devastating damage. Avoid common pitfalls like overusing smites or neglecting Charisma, and consider advanced techniques like multiclassing for additional versatility. With these strategies, your Paladin will be a formidable force on the battlefield.