What is the best weapon for a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3?
The best weapon for a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 depends on your playstyle, the specific build you are aiming for, and the situation you are in. Paladins are versatile melee combatants who excel in dealing high burst damage, especially with their Divine Smite ability, which allows them to expend spell slots to deal additional radiant damage on a hit. Therefore, the ideal weapon for a Paladin should complement their ability to deal consistent damage while also providing utility or survivability in combat.
One of the most effective weapons for a Paladin is a two-handed weapon, such as a greatsword or a greataxe. These weapons offer high damage output, which synergizes well with the Paladin's Divine Smite. For example, the Everburn Blade, which you can obtain early in the game from Commander Zhalk during the Nautiloid ship sequence, is a great choice. This greatsword deals additional fire damage, making it a powerful option for early to mid-game. Another excellent choice is the Sword of Justice, which you can acquire by defeating Anders in the Paladins of Tyr questline. This weapon not only deals good damage but also provides a defensive buff, making it a well-rounded choice for a Paladin.
If you prefer a more defensive playstyle, a one-handed weapon paired with a shield might be more suitable. The Blood of Lathander, a legendary mace found in the Githyanki Creche, is an exceptional choice for this build. This weapon not only deals radiant damage but also provides a powerful healing ability and a blinding effect to nearby enemies, making it a versatile tool for both offense and defense. Pairing it with a shield increases your Armor Class, making you more durable in combat.
For those who favor versatility, a versatile weapon like a longsword or warhammer can be a good option. These weapons allow you to switch between one-handed and two-handed use, giving you flexibility in combat. The Phalar Aluve, a longsword found in the Underdark, is a great example. This weapon has a unique ability that allows you to either buff your allies or debuff your enemies, making it a valuable asset in both offensive and supportive roles.
When choosing a weapon, it's important to consider your Paladin's Oath and how it aligns with your combat strategy. For example, Oath of Devotion Paladins might benefit more from weapons that enhance their defensive capabilities, while Oath of Vengeance Paladins might prefer weapons that maximize their damage output. Additionally, consider the enchantments and special abilities of the weapon. Weapons that deal additional elemental damage or have crowd control effects can significantly enhance your effectiveness in combat.
One common mistake to avoid is neglecting your weapon's synergy with your other abilities. For example, using a weapon that deals fire damage might not be ideal if you are fighting enemies resistant to fire. Always consider the types of enemies you will be facing and choose a weapon that complements your strengths and counters your enemies' weaknesses. Another mistake is focusing solely on damage output without considering utility. A weapon that provides additional effects, such as healing or crowd control, can be more valuable in certain situations than one that simply deals more damage.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your Paladin's weapon choice include using feats and multiclassing. The Great Weapon Master feat, for example, can significantly increase your damage output with two-handed weapons, making it a strong choice for Paladins who favor greatswords or greataxes. Multiclassing into a class like Fighter or Warlock can also provide additional benefits, such as increased combat versatility or access to powerful spells that enhance your weapon attacks.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, Paladins benefit from weapons that allow them to make the most of their Divine Smite ability. This means prioritizing weapons with high damage dice and additional effects that can trigger on a hit. Additionally, Paladins have access to the Improved Divine Smite feature at level 11, which adds extra radiant damage to all melee weapon attacks, further enhancing the effectiveness of high-damage weapons.
In conclusion, the best weapon for a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 depends on your specific build and playstyle. Two-handed weapons like greatswords and greataxes are excellent for maximizing damage output, while one-handed weapons paired with shields offer a more defensive approach. Versatile weapons provide flexibility, and weapons with unique abilities can add significant utility to your combat strategy. Always consider your Paladin's Oath, the types of enemies you will be facing, and the synergy between your weapon and other abilities. By carefully selecting and optimizing your weapon, you can maximize your Paladin's effectiveness in combat and make the most of their powerful Divine Smite ability.
One of the most effective weapons for a Paladin is a two-handed weapon, such as a greatsword or a greataxe. These weapons offer high damage output, which synergizes well with the Paladin's Divine Smite. For example, the Everburn Blade, which you can obtain early in the game from Commander Zhalk during the Nautiloid ship sequence, is a great choice. This greatsword deals additional fire damage, making it a powerful option for early to mid-game. Another excellent choice is the Sword of Justice, which you can acquire by defeating Anders in the Paladins of Tyr questline. This weapon not only deals good damage but also provides a defensive buff, making it a well-rounded choice for a Paladin.
If you prefer a more defensive playstyle, a one-handed weapon paired with a shield might be more suitable. The Blood of Lathander, a legendary mace found in the Githyanki Creche, is an exceptional choice for this build. This weapon not only deals radiant damage but also provides a powerful healing ability and a blinding effect to nearby enemies, making it a versatile tool for both offense and defense. Pairing it with a shield increases your Armor Class, making you more durable in combat.
For those who favor versatility, a versatile weapon like a longsword or warhammer can be a good option. These weapons allow you to switch between one-handed and two-handed use, giving you flexibility in combat. The Phalar Aluve, a longsword found in the Underdark, is a great example. This weapon has a unique ability that allows you to either buff your allies or debuff your enemies, making it a valuable asset in both offensive and supportive roles.
When choosing a weapon, it's important to consider your Paladin's Oath and how it aligns with your combat strategy. For example, Oath of Devotion Paladins might benefit more from weapons that enhance their defensive capabilities, while Oath of Vengeance Paladins might prefer weapons that maximize their damage output. Additionally, consider the enchantments and special abilities of the weapon. Weapons that deal additional elemental damage or have crowd control effects can significantly enhance your effectiveness in combat.
One common mistake to avoid is neglecting your weapon's synergy with your other abilities. For example, using a weapon that deals fire damage might not be ideal if you are fighting enemies resistant to fire. Always consider the types of enemies you will be facing and choose a weapon that complements your strengths and counters your enemies' weaknesses. Another mistake is focusing solely on damage output without considering utility. A weapon that provides additional effects, such as healing or crowd control, can be more valuable in certain situations than one that simply deals more damage.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your Paladin's weapon choice include using feats and multiclassing. The Great Weapon Master feat, for example, can significantly increase your damage output with two-handed weapons, making it a strong choice for Paladins who favor greatswords or greataxes. Multiclassing into a class like Fighter or Warlock can also provide additional benefits, such as increased combat versatility or access to powerful spells that enhance your weapon attacks.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, Paladins benefit from weapons that allow them to make the most of their Divine Smite ability. This means prioritizing weapons with high damage dice and additional effects that can trigger on a hit. Additionally, Paladins have access to the Improved Divine Smite feature at level 11, which adds extra radiant damage to all melee weapon attacks, further enhancing the effectiveness of high-damage weapons.
In conclusion, the best weapon for a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 depends on your specific build and playstyle. Two-handed weapons like greatswords and greataxes are excellent for maximizing damage output, while one-handed weapons paired with shields offer a more defensive approach. Versatile weapons provide flexibility, and weapons with unique abilities can add significant utility to your combat strategy. Always consider your Paladin's Oath, the types of enemies you will be facing, and the synergy between your weapon and other abilities. By carefully selecting and optimizing your weapon, you can maximize your Paladin's effectiveness in combat and make the most of their powerful Divine Smite ability.