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 successful weapon attack. Therefore, the ideal weapon for a Paladin should complement their ability to deal consistent and high damage while also providing utility or survivability.
First, let's discuss the mechanics involved. Paladins are proficient with simple and martial weapons, as well as shields. This means they can use a wide variety of weapons, including swords, axes, maces, and polearms. The choice of weapon often comes down to whether you want to focus on single-target damage, area-of-effect (AoE) damage, or a balance of both. Two-handed weapons like greatswords and greataxes are excellent for maximizing damage output, while one-handed weapons like longswords or warhammers paired with a shield offer a good balance between offense and defense. Polearms, such as glaives or halberds, provide reach, allowing you to attack from a distance and control the battlefield.
Step-by-step, here's how to choose the best weapon for your Paladin. First, consider your party composition. If you are the primary tank or frontliner, you might want to prioritize survivability by using a one-handed weapon and a shield. This setup allows you to absorb more damage while still dealing respectable damage with your attacks and Divine Smites. If your party already has a tank or you prefer to focus on dealing damage, a two-handed weapon is the better choice. Greatswords, for example, deal 2d6 damage per hit, making them one of the highest-damage weapons in the game. Greataxes deal 1d12 damage, which is slightly less consistent but can hit harder on average.
Next, consider the weapon's special properties. Some weapons in Baldur's Gate 3 have unique abilities that can significantly enhance your effectiveness in combat. For example, the Everburn Blade, which you can obtain early in the game by defeating Commander Zhalk on the Nautiloid, deals additional fire damage on every hit. This makes it an excellent choice for a Paladin, as the extra damage stacks with Divine Smite, allowing you to deal massive burst damage in a single attack. Another example is the Sword of Justice, which you can acquire during the "Hunt the Devil" quest. This weapon provides a +1 bonus to attack rolls and damage, making it a reliable choice for mid-game Paladins.
Important tips and considerations include understanding the synergy between your weapon and your Paladin's abilities. For example, if you are using a two-handed weapon, you might want to invest in the Great Weapon Master feat, which allows you to take a -5 penalty to your attack roll in exchange for a +10 bonus to damage. This feat is particularly powerful for Paladins, as it can turn a regular attack into a devastating blow, especially when combined with Divine Smite. Additionally, consider the type of enemies you will be facing. If you expect to fight a lot of undead or fiends, a weapon that deals radiant damage or has a bonus against such creatures will be particularly effective.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting your weapon's enchantment level. As you progress through the game, you will encounter enemies with higher armor classes, making it more difficult to land hits. Using a weapon with a higher enchantment bonus, such as a +1 or +2 weapon, will help you overcome these challenges. Another mistake is not considering the weight of your weapon. While two-handed weapons deal more damage, they also require more strength to wield effectively. If your Paladin has a lower strength score, you might find it more beneficial to use a one-handed weapon and a shield, which can still deal significant damage while providing additional protection.
Advanced techniques and optimizations include using your weapon in combination with other abilities and spells. For example, the Thunderous Smite spell can be used to knock enemies prone, giving you advantage on your next attack. This can be particularly effective when using a two-handed weapon, as the advantage increases your chances of landing a critical hit, which can then be amplified with Divine Smite. Another optimization is to use the Polearm Master feat if you are using a polearm. This feat allows you to make an opportunity attack when an enemy enters your reach, giving you more chances to deal damage and control the battlefield.
Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of weapon properties, such as finesse, reach, and versatile. Finesse weapons, like rapiers, allow you to use your Dexterity modifier instead of Strength for attack and damage rolls, which can be useful if you are building a Dexterity-based Paladin. Reach weapons, like glaives, allow you to attack from a distance, which can be useful for controlling the battlefield and keeping enemies at bay. Versatile weapons, like longswords, can be used with one or two hands, giving you flexibility in your combat style.
Specific examples and scenarios include the early game, where the Everburn Blade is an excellent choice for a Paladin due to its additional fire damage. In the mid-game, the Sword of Justice provides a reliable +1 bonus to attack and damage, making it a solid choice for Paladins who want to balance offense and defense. In the late game, legendary weapons like the Holy Avenger, which deals additional radiant damage and provides resistance to spell damage, are the ultimate goal for any Paladin. These weapons are often tied to specific quests or hidden locations, so be sure to explore thoroughly and complete side quests to obtain them.
In conclusion, the best weapon for a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 depends on your playstyle, party composition, and the specific challenges you are facing. Whether you prefer the raw damage of a two-handed weapon, the balance of a one-handed weapon and shield, or the versatility of a polearm, there are plenty of options to choose from. By understanding the mechanics, considering your build, and optimizing your gear, you can create a Paladin who is a formidable force on the battlefield.
First, let's discuss the mechanics involved. Paladins are proficient with simple and martial weapons, as well as shields. This means they can use a wide variety of weapons, including swords, axes, maces, and polearms. The choice of weapon often comes down to whether you want to focus on single-target damage, area-of-effect (AoE) damage, or a balance of both. Two-handed weapons like greatswords and greataxes are excellent for maximizing damage output, while one-handed weapons like longswords or warhammers paired with a shield offer a good balance between offense and defense. Polearms, such as glaives or halberds, provide reach, allowing you to attack from a distance and control the battlefield.
Step-by-step, here's how to choose the best weapon for your Paladin. First, consider your party composition. If you are the primary tank or frontliner, you might want to prioritize survivability by using a one-handed weapon and a shield. This setup allows you to absorb more damage while still dealing respectable damage with your attacks and Divine Smites. If your party already has a tank or you prefer to focus on dealing damage, a two-handed weapon is the better choice. Greatswords, for example, deal 2d6 damage per hit, making them one of the highest-damage weapons in the game. Greataxes deal 1d12 damage, which is slightly less consistent but can hit harder on average.
Next, consider the weapon's special properties. Some weapons in Baldur's Gate 3 have unique abilities that can significantly enhance your effectiveness in combat. For example, the Everburn Blade, which you can obtain early in the game by defeating Commander Zhalk on the Nautiloid, deals additional fire damage on every hit. This makes it an excellent choice for a Paladin, as the extra damage stacks with Divine Smite, allowing you to deal massive burst damage in a single attack. Another example is the Sword of Justice, which you can acquire during the "Hunt the Devil" quest. This weapon provides a +1 bonus to attack rolls and damage, making it a reliable choice for mid-game Paladins.
Important tips and considerations include understanding the synergy between your weapon and your Paladin's abilities. For example, if you are using a two-handed weapon, you might want to invest in the Great Weapon Master feat, which allows you to take a -5 penalty to your attack roll in exchange for a +10 bonus to damage. This feat is particularly powerful for Paladins, as it can turn a regular attack into a devastating blow, especially when combined with Divine Smite. Additionally, consider the type of enemies you will be facing. If you expect to fight a lot of undead or fiends, a weapon that deals radiant damage or has a bonus against such creatures will be particularly effective.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting your weapon's enchantment level. As you progress through the game, you will encounter enemies with higher armor classes, making it more difficult to land hits. Using a weapon with a higher enchantment bonus, such as a +1 or +2 weapon, will help you overcome these challenges. Another mistake is not considering the weight of your weapon. While two-handed weapons deal more damage, they also require more strength to wield effectively. If your Paladin has a lower strength score, you might find it more beneficial to use a one-handed weapon and a shield, which can still deal significant damage while providing additional protection.
Advanced techniques and optimizations include using your weapon in combination with other abilities and spells. For example, the Thunderous Smite spell can be used to knock enemies prone, giving you advantage on your next attack. This can be particularly effective when using a two-handed weapon, as the advantage increases your chances of landing a critical hit, which can then be amplified with Divine Smite. Another optimization is to use the Polearm Master feat if you are using a polearm. This feat allows you to make an opportunity attack when an enemy enters your reach, giving you more chances to deal damage and control the battlefield.
Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of weapon properties, such as finesse, reach, and versatile. Finesse weapons, like rapiers, allow you to use your Dexterity modifier instead of Strength for attack and damage rolls, which can be useful if you are building a Dexterity-based Paladin. Reach weapons, like glaives, allow you to attack from a distance, which can be useful for controlling the battlefield and keeping enemies at bay. Versatile weapons, like longswords, can be used with one or two hands, giving you flexibility in your combat style.
Specific examples and scenarios include the early game, where the Everburn Blade is an excellent choice for a Paladin due to its additional fire damage. In the mid-game, the Sword of Justice provides a reliable +1 bonus to attack and damage, making it a solid choice for Paladins who want to balance offense and defense. In the late game, legendary weapons like the Holy Avenger, which deals additional radiant damage and provides resistance to spell damage, are the ultimate goal for any Paladin. These weapons are often tied to specific quests or hidden locations, so be sure to explore thoroughly and complete side quests to obtain them.
In conclusion, the best weapon for a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 depends on your playstyle, party composition, and the specific challenges you are facing. Whether you prefer the raw damage of a two-handed weapon, the balance of a one-handed weapon and shield, or the versatility of a polearm, there are plenty of options to choose from. By understanding the mechanics, considering your build, and optimizing your gear, you can create a Paladin who is a formidable force on the battlefield.