The Paladin is one of the most popular complex classes in Baldur’s Gate 3. As a warrior devoted to an Oath, your choices in and out of combat can have significant consequences. When playing a Paladin, consider which Oath best fits your character’s motivations and personality, as this will determine your abilities. With the proper Oath and build in BG3, the Paladin makes for a powerful frontline fighter and tank.
Table of Contents
Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Paladin Build (Subclass, Race, Background, Weapon)
Best Race: Half-Orc
With their strength and constitution, Half-Orc make excellent frontline Paladin. Its Relentless Endurance racial trait allows it to bounce back from the brink of death, making it very durable. Savage Attacks gives half-orc melee characters the potential to deal devastating critical hit damage. Focus on Strength and Constitution when determining ability scores to maximize these racial traits.
Best Background: Soldier
Soldiers are proficient in Athletics and Intimidation and start with chain mail, a shield, a longsword, a light crossbow with bolts, and other equipment suited for the battlefield. The key Soldier feature is Battlefield Tactics, which grants a +1 bonus to AC when fighting in rugged terrain.
When seeking inspiration, Soldiers may aim to achieve goals like slaying five enemies in one battle (Pentacrush), persuading allies to hold their ground (Stalwart Heart), following orders even in dire situations (Chain of Command), or defeating dangerous invading forces (Conquer the Conquerors).
Best Subclass: Oath of Vengeance
Paladins who take the Oath of Vengeance gain powerful abilities to hunt down their foes. At 3rd level, they can channel their divine power to either Abjure Enemy or take a Vow of Enmity. Abjure Enemy allows the Paladin to terrify a creature within 30 feet, potentially reducing their speed to 0 if they fail a Wisdom saving throw.
Additionally, Oath of Vengeance gains the Avenging Angel ability at the 7th level. This allows them to move up to half their speed when making an opportunity attack without provoking opportunity attacks themselves.
Best Weapon: Everburn Blade
The Everburn Blade deals 6-19 slashing damage plus an extra 1d4 fire damage on each hit. With the Finesse property, Dexterity-focused characters can wield this uncommon rarity weapon effectively. Weighing just 2.7 pounds, the Everburn Blade is ideal for close-quarters combat.
While its fire damage gives it an edge against certain foes, it will eventually become outclassed by other weapons. At 240 GP, it packs a fiery punch that can carry you through the early levels.
Other Details
- Best Attributes: 16 Strength, 16 Charisma, 14 Constitution
- Best Items:
- Grim Helmet for fire resistance
- Adamantine Armor for damage reduction
- Gauntlets for advantage when surrounded
- Luck of the Far Realm tattoo for guaranteed crits
- Best Spells:
- Level 2: Divine Smite, Improved Critical
- Level 3: Vow of Enmity, Abjure Enemy
- Level 4: Oath Spells, Great Weapon Master feat
- Level 5: Extra Attack, Branding Smite
- Level 6: Aura of Protection
- Level 7: Relentless Avenger
- Level 8: More Oath Spells, Ability Improvement
- Level 9: Blinding Smite, Elemental Weapon
- Level 10: Aura of Courage, Extra Lay on Hands
That’s everything you need to know on what to choose for the Paladin build in Baldur’s Gate 3. Since you’re here, don’t forget to check out the best Baldur’s Gate 3 Subclasses and Races guide.