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 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 Paladin 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 area-of-effect ability that can blind enemies, making it a great tool for controlling the battlefield. Additionally, it grants a passive healing effect, which can be invaluable in prolonged fights.
When choosing a weapon, it's important to consider the synergy with your Paladin's abilities and the rest of your party. For example, if you have a Cleric or another support character who can provide healing and buffs, you might prioritize a weapon that maximizes your damage output. On the other hand, if your party lacks survivability, a weapon that offers defensive bonuses or crowd control might be more beneficial.
One common mistake to avoid is neglecting your weapon's enchantment level. Higher enchantment levels not only increase the weapon's damage but also improve your chance to hit, which is crucial for landing your Divine Smites. Always look for opportunities to upgrade your weapon, whether through finding better loot, purchasing from vendors, or completing quests that reward powerful gear.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your Paladin's weapon choice include considering the type of damage your weapon deals. For example, certain enemies may have resistances or vulnerabilities to specific damage types. Radiant damage, which is commonly dealt by Paladins through Divine Smite, is particularly effective against undead and fiends. Therefore, a weapon that deals additional radiant damage, such as the Blood of Lathander, can be especially powerful in these scenarios.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, Paladins are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, as well as shields. This gives you a wide range of options when choosing your weapon. However, it's important to note that some weapons have special properties that can affect your combat effectiveness. For example, versatile weapons can be used with one or two hands, allowing you to switch between a more defensive or offensive stance as needed.
Specific examples of effective weapon choices for a Paladin include the aforementioned Everburn Blade and Blood of Lathander, as well as the Phalar Aluve, a longsword found in the Underdark. The Phalar Aluve has a unique ability that allows you to either buff your allies or debuff your enemies, making it a versatile choice for a Paladin who wants to support their party while still dealing significant damage.
In conclusion, the best weapon for a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 depends on your playstyle, party composition, and the specific challenges you face. Two-handed weapons like greatswords and greataxes are excellent for maximizing damage output, while one-handed weapons paired with shields offer a more balanced approach. Always consider the enchantment level and special properties of your weapon, and don't be afraid to experiment with different options to find the one that best suits your needs. By carefully selecting and optimizing your weapon, you can ensure that your Paladin remains a formidable force on the battlefield.
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 Paladin 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 area-of-effect ability that can blind enemies, making it a great tool for controlling the battlefield. Additionally, it grants a passive healing effect, which can be invaluable in prolonged fights.
When choosing a weapon, it's important to consider the synergy with your Paladin's abilities and the rest of your party. For example, if you have a Cleric or another support character who can provide healing and buffs, you might prioritize a weapon that maximizes your damage output. On the other hand, if your party lacks survivability, a weapon that offers defensive bonuses or crowd control might be more beneficial.
One common mistake to avoid is neglecting your weapon's enchantment level. Higher enchantment levels not only increase the weapon's damage but also improve your chance to hit, which is crucial for landing your Divine Smites. Always look for opportunities to upgrade your weapon, whether through finding better loot, purchasing from vendors, or completing quests that reward powerful gear.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your Paladin's weapon choice include considering the type of damage your weapon deals. For example, certain enemies may have resistances or vulnerabilities to specific damage types. Radiant damage, which is commonly dealt by Paladins through Divine Smite, is particularly effective against undead and fiends. Therefore, a weapon that deals additional radiant damage, such as the Blood of Lathander, can be especially powerful in these scenarios.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, Paladins are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, as well as shields. This gives you a wide range of options when choosing your weapon. However, it's important to note that some weapons have special properties that can affect your combat effectiveness. For example, versatile weapons can be used with one or two hands, allowing you to switch between a more defensive or offensive stance as needed.
Specific examples of effective weapon choices for a Paladin include the aforementioned Everburn Blade and Blood of Lathander, as well as the Phalar Aluve, a longsword found in the Underdark. The Phalar Aluve has a unique ability that allows you to either buff your allies or debuff your enemies, making it a versatile choice for a Paladin who wants to support their party while still dealing significant damage.
In conclusion, the best weapon for a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 depends on your playstyle, party composition, and the specific challenges you face. Two-handed weapons like greatswords and greataxes are excellent for maximizing damage output, while one-handed weapons paired with shields offer a more balanced approach. Always consider the enchantment level and special properties of your weapon, and don't be afraid to experiment with different options to find the one that best suits your needs. By carefully selecting and optimizing your weapon, you can ensure that your Paladin remains a formidable force on the battlefield.