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 hit. 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 weapon deals additional fire damage on top of its base damage, making it a powerful option for early to mid-game. To acquire it, you need to defeat Commander Zhalk, which can be challenging but is achievable with careful planning and use of your party's abilities.
Another excellent option is the Sword of Justice, which you can obtain during the "Hunt the Devil" quest in Act 1. This weapon not only deals good damage but also provides a defensive buff, making it a well-rounded choice for a Paladin. To get this weapon, you need to side with Anders and defeat Karlach, or you can choose to side with Karlach and take the weapon from Anders after the fight. The Sword of Justice grants the Tyr's Protection ability, which can be useful in tough battles.
For those who prefer a more defensive playstyle, a one-handed weapon paired with a shield can be a great choice. The Adamantine Shield, which you can craft in the Adamantine Forge in the Underdark, is one of the best shields in the game. It provides excellent defensive stats and can be paired with a one-handed weapon like the Phalar Aluve, a longsword that offers both offensive and supportive capabilities. The Phalar Aluve can be found in the Underdark and has a unique ability called Sing, which buffs your allies and debuffs your enemies.
When optimizing your Paladin's weapon choice, consider the following tips. First, always prioritize weapons that enhance your damage output, as this will maximize the effectiveness of your Divine Smite. Second, consider the weapon's special abilities and how they synergize with your Paladin's abilities and your party's overall strategy. For example, a weapon that provides a buff or debuff can be more valuable than one that simply deals high damage. Third, don't overlook the importance of weapon proficiency. Ensure that your Paladin is proficient with the weapon you choose to avoid penalties in combat.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting your weapon's special abilities and focusing solely on raw damage. While high damage is important, the utility provided by certain weapons can be a game-changer in tough battles. Additionally, avoid spreading your stats too thin. Paladins benefit from high Strength or Dexterity, depending on your weapon choice, as well as high Charisma for their spellcasting and aura abilities. Make sure to allocate your ability points wisely to maximize your effectiveness in combat.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your Paladin's weapon choice include considering the weapon's synergy with your party's composition. For example, if you have a party member who can consistently apply conditions like prone or stunned, a weapon that deals additional damage to such targets can be highly effective. Additionally, consider the weapon's reach and how it affects your positioning in combat. A reach weapon like a glaive can allow you to attack from a safer distance, while a weapon with a shorter reach might require you to be more aggressive.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, Paladins are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, so you have a wide range of options to choose from. The Divine Smite ability is a key feature of the Paladin class, and it can be used with any melee weapon attack, making it highly versatile. However, the damage output of Divine Smite is directly tied to the weapon's base damage, so choosing a weapon with a high damage die is generally beneficial.
Specific examples of effective weapon choices for a Paladin include the Everburn Blade for early game, the Sword of Justice for a balanced option, and the Phalar Aluve for a more supportive role. Each of these weapons offers unique benefits that can enhance your Paladin's effectiveness in different ways. By carefully considering your playstyle, party composition, and the specific challenges you face, you can choose the best weapon for your Paladin and maximize your potential in Baldur's Gate 3.
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 weapon deals additional fire damage on top of its base damage, making it a powerful option for early to mid-game. To acquire it, you need to defeat Commander Zhalk, which can be challenging but is achievable with careful planning and use of your party's abilities.
Another excellent option is the Sword of Justice, which you can obtain during the "Hunt the Devil" quest in Act 1. This weapon not only deals good damage but also provides a defensive buff, making it a well-rounded choice for a Paladin. To get this weapon, you need to side with Anders and defeat Karlach, or you can choose to side with Karlach and take the weapon from Anders after the fight. The Sword of Justice grants the Tyr's Protection ability, which can be useful in tough battles.
For those who prefer a more defensive playstyle, a one-handed weapon paired with a shield can be a great choice. The Adamantine Shield, which you can craft in the Adamantine Forge in the Underdark, is one of the best shields in the game. It provides excellent defensive stats and can be paired with a one-handed weapon like the Phalar Aluve, a longsword that offers both offensive and supportive capabilities. The Phalar Aluve can be found in the Underdark and has a unique ability called Sing, which buffs your allies and debuffs your enemies.
When optimizing your Paladin's weapon choice, consider the following tips. First, always prioritize weapons that enhance your damage output, as this will maximize the effectiveness of your Divine Smite. Second, consider the weapon's special abilities and how they synergize with your Paladin's abilities and your party's overall strategy. For example, a weapon that provides a buff or debuff can be more valuable than one that simply deals high damage. Third, don't overlook the importance of weapon proficiency. Ensure that your Paladin is proficient with the weapon you choose to avoid penalties in combat.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting your weapon's special abilities and focusing solely on raw damage. While high damage is important, the utility provided by certain weapons can be a game-changer in tough battles. Additionally, avoid spreading your stats too thin. Paladins benefit from high Strength or Dexterity, depending on your weapon choice, as well as high Charisma for their spellcasting and aura abilities. Make sure to allocate your ability points wisely to maximize your effectiveness in combat.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your Paladin's weapon choice include considering the weapon's synergy with your party's composition. For example, if you have a party member who can consistently apply conditions like prone or stunned, a weapon that deals additional damage to such targets can be highly effective. Additionally, consider the weapon's reach and how it affects your positioning in combat. A reach weapon like a glaive can allow you to attack from a safer distance, while a weapon with a shorter reach might require you to be more aggressive.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, Paladins are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, so you have a wide range of options to choose from. The Divine Smite ability is a key feature of the Paladin class, and it can be used with any melee weapon attack, making it highly versatile. However, the damage output of Divine Smite is directly tied to the weapon's base damage, so choosing a weapon with a high damage die is generally beneficial.
Specific examples of effective weapon choices for a Paladin include the Everburn Blade for early game, the Sword of Justice for a balanced option, and the Phalar Aluve for a more supportive role. Each of these weapons offers unique benefits that can enhance your Paladin's effectiveness in different ways. By carefully considering your playstyle, party composition, and the specific challenges you face, you can choose the best weapon for your Paladin and maximize your potential in Baldur's Gate 3.