The Ultimate Guide to Crafting the Perfect Paladin Build in Baldur's Gate 3

The Paladin Class in Baldur's Gate 3 is known for its strict limitations. Their unique abilities and spells are determined by the Oath they adhere to. Paladins excel in heavy armor and possess healing and support skills akin to those of a Cleric. However, deviating from their Oath, both in and out of combat, can result in the loss of their oath-based powers, which are crucial to their character development.

In the Early Access version of Baldur's Gate 3, Paladins can choose between two subclasses, namely the Oath of the Ancients and the Oath of Devotion. The Oath of Devotion is recommended for beginners as it offers more combat-oriented spells that are always at the ready. Remaining true to your chosen Oath is essential to prevent becoming an Oathbreaker.

This build has been specifically created for the Early Access edition of Baldur's Gate 3. Once the game is fully launched on August 3, 2023, please revisit this page for the latest tips on constructing the most optimal Paladin build in BG3.

Best Paladin Build Overview

"Following the ideal of the knight in shining armour, you act with honour and virtue to protect the weak and pursue the greater good."

The Oath of Devotion Paladin possesses exceptional abilities in buffing, healing support, and dealing devastating damage. However, this well-rounded Class comes with a roleplay restriction that sets it apart from others. When Paladins choose the Oath of Devotion, they must wholeheartedly adhere to its principles. They are prohibited from attacking innocents, abandoning those in dire need, or resorting to deceitful tactics against enemies for combat advantage. These Paladins embody true warriors of a higher order who tie their powers to this sacred promise.

In melee combat, they excel, particularly when accompanied by another allied melee fighter who can utilize the Paladin's buffs and close-range support. Additionally, their healing spells are formidable, and their proficiency in various weapons and armor sets them apart from pure Caster support classes. Overall, this Paladin build shines in Baldur's Gate 3 due to its versatility and strength in both offense and defense.

Oath of Devotion Paladin Character Creation

Best Paladin Race: Gold Dwarf

The Gold Dwarf is a superior subrace in Baldur's Gate 3, offering characters an additional HP point both at the start of the game and with each level-up. This accumulates to a total of 5 extra HP, which may not appear significant initially, but as the game progresses, Gold Dwarves will surpass other races in terms of their health points. Their inherent resistance to Poison and possession of Darkvision, fundamental traits of Dwarves, further enhance their overall advantages.

Best Paladin Subclass: Oath of Devotion

Ability Scores will now be tied to Class instead of Race in the upcoming release of Baldur's Gate 3. Regardless of the Race chosen by players for their character, they will have the freedom to allocate +2/+1 to two desired Ability Scores.

The Oath of Devotion Paladin is essentially a regular Paladin, a warrior committed to a higher cause. This particular Oath grants the Paladin access to various beneficial supportive spells, allowing them to become a crucial player within the party. If the Oath of Devotion Paladin is defeated, it can disrupt the entire group dynamics.

Upon reaching Level 1, Oath of Devotion Paladins acquire their introductory Channel Oath ability: Holy Rebuke, inflicting damage upon melee attackers.

At Level 3, the Sacred Weapon enhances Attack rolls by incorporating CHA as a additional Channel Oath, in conjunction with Turn the Unholy.

By Level 5, Oath of Devotion Paladins are equipped with a repertoire of abilities, including Protection from Evil and Good, Sanctuary, Lesser Restoration, and Silence, which are constantly at the ready.

Best Paladin Proficiencies and Background: Noble or Soldier

Because of the solemn Oath they uphold, Paladins have a natural tendency to create meaningful moments filled with positive inspiration more frequently than other classes. After all, players are essentially compelled to embody virtuous characters. To align with this inclination, it is wise to select a Background that can effectively leverage this trait, such as the Noble or Folk Hero backgrounds. By choosing the Noble background, the Paladin's proficiencies will be enhanced with the skill of Persuasion. Among the remaining proficiencies offered by the class, consider focusing on either Insight or Persuasion, although Religion can prove to be invaluable if you aspire to become an authentic and devout Holy warrior.

Best Oath of Devotion Fighting Style

At Level 2, Oath of Devotion Paladins have the option to choose one of four Fighting Styles: Defence, Duelling, Great Weapon Fighting, or Protection. The Defence Fighting Style grants a versatile +1 bonus to AC when equipped with any type of Armor. On the other hand, the Protection Fighting Style provides a unique Reaction ability that inflicts Disadvantage on nearby enemy rolls, but this requires the Paladin to use a Shield.

Of these two options, opt for the Defence fighting style if you want to minimize the chances of enemies landing hits on you. This style remains active constantly and does not demand players to manually toggle a Reaction. On the other hand, players who are open to a more sophisticated approach should choose Protection and prepare themselves by equipping a shield.

Best Oath of Devotion Paladin Spells

Level 2: Bless, Searing Smite

Level 4: Shield of Faith

Level 5: Branding Smite

Baldur's Gate 3 is currently in Early Access and will have its full PC release on August 3, 2023. The PlayStation 5 version will follow on September 6, 2023, while the Xbox Series X/S version is currently being developed.