Paladin

Class

Fuelled by the Oath you swore to uphold justice and righteousness, you are a beacon of hope in dark times.

Primary Ability: Strength
Spellcasting Ability: Charisma
HP: 10 + CON modifier base, 6 + CON modifier per level
Recommended Attributes (before Bonuses)
15 STR, 12 DEX, 13 CON
8 INT, 10 WIS, 14 CHA

Subclasses

* Unlike most Subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3, Oathbreaker cannot be chosen while making your character. You will have to become an Oathbreaker later on by breaking your Oaths. We discuss this process in detail in our database entry for the Oathbreaker.

Class Details

A Level 1 Paladin has access to the following abilities and features (in addition to the features of their chosen domain):

Class Features

Channel Oath
Lay on Hands
Divine Sense

Proficiencies

Weapons – Simple Weapons, Martial Weapons
Armour – Light Armour, Medium Armour, Heavy Armour, Shields
Skills – (Choose 2) Athletics, Insight, Intimidation, Medicine, Persuasion, Religion

Starting Equipment

Armour – Scale Mail of the Ancients, Leather Boots, Wooden Shield
Weapons – Warhammer, x2 Javelin
Consumables – x2 Health Potion, Scroll of Revivify

Fire Bolt

Command
Compelled Duel
Cure Wounds
Wrathful Smite
Bless
Divine Favour
Heroism
Protection from Evil and Good
Searing Smite
Shield of Faith
Thunderous Smite

Aid
Branding Smite
Lesser Restoration
Magic Weapon
Protection from Poison

Warden of Vitality
Blinding Smite
Crusader’s Mantle
Daylight
Elemental Weapon
Remove Curse
Revivify

Paladin Class Progression

Features

PB – Proficiency Bonus; LoH – Lay on Hands

Lvl	PB	Features	Actions	LoH
1	2	Channel Oath	Divine Sense	1
2	2	2x Level 1 Spell Slot, Fighting Style	Divine Smite (Reaction, Critical Reaction Weapon Damage)
3	2	Level 1 Spell Slot, Divine Health
4	2	Feat		2
5	3	Level 1 Spell Slot, 2x Level 2 Spell Slot, Extra Attack
6	3		Aura of Protection
7	3	Level 2 Spell Slot
8	3	Feat
9	4	2x Level 3 Spell Slot
10	4		Aura of Courage	3
11	4	Level 3 Spell Slot	Improved Divine Smite
12	4	Feat

Spell Slots

Character Level (Column â¬‡), Spell Level (Row âž¡)

Level	Cantrips	1st	2nd	3rd
1	1
2	1	2
3	1	3
4	1	3
5	1	4	2
6	1	4	2
7	1	4	3
8	1	4	3
9	1	4	3	2
10	1	4	3	2
11	1	4	3	3
12	1	4	3	3

Tips & Strategies

Which Paladin Subclass Should I Pick?

The Subclass you choose will depends on what kind of playstyle you want for your Paladin. Oath of the Ancients will make them more supportive, giving them extra healing and defensive Spells. Oath of Devotion gives you a bit of utility, granting things such as maximized healing rolls and immunity to Charm. If you want to take a more aggressive approach, Oath of Vengeance can increase the damage either your Paladin or your ally inflict, and can grant Haste. If you want to boost your offense even more, then you can be an Oathbreaker. However, you will first have to break the Oath you’ve chosen to change into this Subclass (we discuss this in detail in our database entry for the Oathbreaker).

Paladin Strengths

Paladins are highly versatile, and arguably one of the strongest Classes in the game. Their combination of melee attacks and support Spells make them very useful in battle, while also making them into a great tank. Your Class-specific dialogue will usually come in the form of reinforcing your Oath, allowing you to either resist temptation, punish wrongdoers, or place innocents under your protection.

Paladin Weaknesses

Paladin’s versatility means that they aren’t a master of any one aspect — classes like Fighter will be able to fight better in melee, while Wizards can cast more powerful Spells. Paladins will also have to frequently choose whether to use their Spell Slots on an offensive attack like Smite, or healing magic.