Baldur's Gate 3: Best Paladin Class Build (July 2025 Guide)
I've spent over 500 hours mastering every Paladin subclass in Baldur's Gate 3, and with Patch 8's exciting new Oath of the Crown option, it's time to share the ultimate Paladin build guide. Whether you're smiting enemies with divine fury or protecting your allies as an unbreakable shield, this comprehensive guide will transform you into the holy warrior you were meant to be.
Table of Contents
Baldur's Gate 3: Quick Paladin Build Overview
| Build Element | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Race | Half-Orc or Githyanki |
| Subclass | Oath of Devotion (Classic) / Oath of Crown (Patch 8) |
| Starting Stats | STR 16, DEX 10, CON 14, INT 8, WIS 10, CHA 16 |
| Background | Noble or Folk Hero |
| Fighting Style | Defense or Protection |
| Key Feats | Alert, Sentinel, Tough |
| Multiclass | Sorcerer 6/Paladin 6 (Sorcadin) |
Understanding the Paladin Class in Baldur's Gate 3
The Paladin stands as one of Baldur's Gate 3's most versatile and powerful classes, combining devastating melee combat with divine spellcasting. What sets Paladins apart is their unique Oath system - a binding promise that grants incredible powers but demands unwavering dedication to your chosen principles.
Core Paladin Features
Divine Smite remains the Paladin's signature ability, allowing you to channel spell slots into explosive radiant damage on successful melee attacks. At higher levels, this can deal devastating 5d8 damage against fiends and undead.
Lay on Hands provides crucial healing support without consuming spell slots, making Paladins excellent emergency healers. You start with 3 charges at Level 1, increasing as you progress.
Aura of Protection (Level 6) transforms your Paladin into a walking fortress, adding your Charisma modifier to all saving throws for you and nearby allies - arguably one of the strongest defensive abilities in the game.
Choosing Your Sacred Oath
Oath of Devotion - The Classic Choice
The Oath of Devotion remains my top recommendation for new Paladin players. This subclass excels at:
- Holy Rebuke: Automatic radiant damage to melee attackers
- Sacred Weapon: Add Charisma modifier to attack rolls
- Turn the Unholy: Control battlefield against fiends and fey
- Always Prepared Spells: Protection from Evil and Good, Sanctuary, Lesser Restoration
Oath of the Crown - Patch 8's Tank Supreme
The new Oath of the Crown subclass, introduced in Patch 8 released on April 15, 2025, transforms Paladins into ultimate protectors:
- Champion Challenge: Force enemies to attack only you (9m radius)
- Turn the Tide: Area healing for all allies
- Divine Allegiance: Redirect ally damage to yourself
- Righteous Clarity: Grant proficiency bonus to attack rolls
Oath of Vengeance - The Damage Dealer
For players seeking maximum offensive potential:
- Inquisitor's Might: Add Charisma modifier as radiant damage
- Vow of Enmity: Gain advantage against a chosen enemy
- Misty Step: Crucial mobility at Level 5
- Relentless Avenger: Free movement after opportunity attacks
Oathbreaker - The Dark Path
Breaking your oath unlocks this hidden subclass:
- Control Undead: Command undead minions
- Aura of Hate: Boost damage for you and undead allies
- Animate Dead: Raise skeletal warriors
- Dreadful Aspect: Area fear effect
Optimal Race Selection
Half-Orc - The Survivor
My personal favorite for Paladin builds, Half-Orcs offer:
- Relentless Endurance: Survive lethal blows once per long rest
- Savage Attacks: Extra damage dice on critical hits
- Darkvision: Essential for dark environments
- Intimidation Proficiency: Synergizes with high Charisma
Githyanki - The Versatile Warrior
Githyanki race is one of the unsung powerhouses of Baldur's Gate 3 thanks to its incredibly powerful racial abilities:
- Astral Knowledge: Proficiency in all skills of one ability
- Misty Step: Free teleportation at Level 5
- Medium Armor Proficiency: Useful for multiclassing
- Enhanced Jump: Improved mobility
Zariel Tiefling - The Smite Master
Perfect for maximizing Divine Smite potential:
- Fire Resistance: 50% less fire damage
- Searing Smite: Free Level 1 smite spell
- Branding Smite: Free Level 2 smite spell
- Darkvision: See in darkness
Building Your Stats
The optimal stat distribution for most Paladin builds:
| Ability | Base | After Racials | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 16 | 16-17 | Primary |
| Dexterity | 10 | 10 | Dump |
| Constitution | 14 | 14-15 | Secondary |
| Intelligence | 8 | 8 | Dump |
| Wisdom | 10 | 10-12 | Tertiary |
| Charisma | 16 | 16-17 | Primary |
Strength determines your melee accuracy and damage. With heavy armor negating Dexterity's AC bonus, you can safely dump DEX.
Charisma powers your spellcasting, Aura of Protection, and dialogue options. As one of Baldur's Gate 3's most charismatic characters, Paladins excel in social situations.
Constitution keeps you alive on the frontlines. Aim for at least 14 to maintain concentration on crucial spells.
Level-by-Level Progression
Levels 1-4: The Foundation
Level 1: Choose your Oath, gain Lay on Hands and Divine Sense Level 2: Unlock Divine Smite and Fighting Style (Defense recommended) Level 3: Gain Oath-specific Channel Divinity abilities Level 4: First ASI/Feat - take Alert or +2 Strength
Levels 5-8: Power Spike
Level 5: Extra Attack doubles your damage potential Level 6: Aura of Protection - your party's best friend Level 7: Oath-specific aura abilities Level 8: Second ASI/Feat - Sentinel or Great Weapon Master
Levels 9-12: Endgame Dominance
Level 9: Level 3 spell slots for bigger smites Level 10: Aura of Courage - immunity to frightened Level 11: Improved Divine Smite - free damage on every hit Level 12: Final ASI/Feat - complete your build
Essential Gear Guide
Act 1 Equipment
| Slot | Item | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon | Everburn Blade | Commander Zhalk (Tutorial) |
| Armor | Chain Mail +1 | Roah Halfling Trader |
| Shield | Shield +1 | Various vendors |
| Helmet | Helmet of Smiting | Selunite Outpost |
| Gloves | Gloves of Power | Goblin Camp |
| Boots | Boots of Aid and Comfort | Grat the Trader |
Act 2 Power Items
- Gauntlets of Hill Giant Strength: Set Strength to 23
- Adamantine Splint Armor: Damage reduction and crit immunity
- Ketheric's Shield: Legendary protection with spell reflection
Act 3 Endgame Arsenal
- Balduran's Giantslayer: Double Strength modifier damage
- Helm of Balduran: Legendary helmet with multiple immunities
- Blood of Lathander: Once per long rest, heals for 2d12 HP upon reaching 0 HP
Multiclassing Mastery
The Sorcadin Build (Paladin 6/Sorcerer 6)
The Sorcadin build combines Divine Smite with full spellcasting levels, creating one of the game's most powerful multiclass options:
- Start Paladin 1 for heavy armor proficiency
- Level to Paladin 6 for Extra Attack and Aura of Protection
- Switch to Sorcerer for spell slots and Metamagic
- Use Quickened Spell for 4 attacks per turn
The Lockadin Build (Paladin 6/Warlock 6)
Perfect for the new Hexblade subclass in Patch 8:
- Charisma-based melee attacks
- Short rest spell slot recovery
- Eldritch Invocations for utility
- Hex + Divine Smite combo
The Bardadin Build (Paladin 2/Bard 10)
Affectionately called the Bardadin by many in the BG3 and Dungeons and Dragons community, this multiclass is one of the game's most powerful:
- Full spellcasting progression
- Bardic Inspiration support
- Jack of All Trades versatility
- College of Swords for Extra Attack
Combat Tactics and Strategy
Opening Moves
- Pre-combat Buffs: Cast Bless or Shield of Faith
- Positioning: Use your high AC to block chokepoints
- Target Priority: Focus casters and ranged threats
- Resource Management: Save high-level smites for crits
Mid-Combat Adaptation
- Healing Timing: Use Lay on Hands between attacks
- Spell Selection: Prioritize concentration spells
- Smite Discipline: Don't waste slots on weak enemies
- Aura Positioning: Keep allies within 10 feet
Defensive Excellence
The new Oath of the Crown excels at protection:
- Champion Challenge: Lock down multiple enemies
- Compelled Duel: Single target control
- Divine Allegiance: Save squishy allies
- Warding Bond: Share damage with tanks
Breaking Your Oath (And Why You Might Want To)
A paladin must follow their sworn oaths or lose their divine power. Common oath-breaking actions include:
Oath of Devotion Breakers
- Attacking neutral NPCs
- Allowing harm to innocents
- Making deals with evil entities
Oath of the Crown Breakers
- Breaking promises or contracts
- Undermining lawful authority
- Choosing chaos over order
Oath of Vengeance Breakers
- Showing mercy to sworn enemies
- Prioritizing peace over justice
- Abandoning your quest for revenge
Restoration Cost: 1,000 gold (first time), 2,000 gold (second), 10,000 gold (third)
Party Synergies
Best Companions for Paladins
- Life Cleric: Double down on support and healing
- Battle Master Fighter: Tactical battlefield control
- Thief Rogue: Sneak Attack from your tanking
- Evocation Wizard: Safe AoE damage around you
Positioning and Tactics
- Keep ranged allies behind your Aura of Protection
- Use your body to block enemy movement
- Coordinate smites with ally damage for burst kills
- Save reactions for opportunity attacks or Protection fighting style
Patch 8 Meta Changes
Patch 8 adds cross-play, photo mode, and 12 new subclasses to Baldur's Gate 3, significantly impacting Paladin gameplay:
Shadow Blade Synergy
The new Shadow Blade spell creates powerful multiclass opportunities:
- 2d8 psychic damage weapon
- Advantage in dim light
- Scales with spell slots
- Works with Divine Smite
Booming Blade Integration
With the addition of Booming Blade cantrip, magic users can now play a high Charisma or Strength melee build:
- Extra thunder damage on hit
- Punishes enemy movement
- No spell slot cost
- Stacks with Divine Smite
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Maximizing Divine Smite
- Critical Fishing: Hold smites for critical hits (doubled dice)
- Undead/Fiend Targeting: Extra d8 damage against these types
- Spell Slot Economy: Level 2 slots offer best damage/cost ratio
- Reaction Timing: Toggle smite reactions for control
Dialogue Mastery
With high Charisma, Paladins excel in conversations:
- Take the lead in important negotiations
- Use Persuasion for peaceful resolutions
- Intimidation works well with Half-Orc bonuses
- Consider Guidance cantrip for crucial checks
Equipment Optimization
- Radiating Orb Build: Stack items that apply this debuff
- Spell Save DC Items: Boost your spell effectiveness
- Initiative Gear: Act first to establish battlefield control
- Healing Amplifiers: Enhance Lay on Hands efficiency
FAQs
What's the best Paladin subclass for beginners?
I recommend starting with Oath of Devotion. It offers straightforward abilities, excellent defensive options, and forgives minor roleplay mistakes better than other oaths. The always-prepared healing spells provide great utility without complex resource management.
Should I multiclass my Paladin?
Multiclassing depends on your goals. Pure Paladins gain Improved Divine Smite at Level 11, adding free damage to every attack. However, Sorcadin (Paladin/Sorcerer) builds offer more spell slots for smiting and Metamagic versatility. I suggest staying pure for your first playthrough.
How do I avoid breaking my oath accidentally?
Save frequently before major decisions. Read dialogue options carefully - aggressive or deceptive choices often break oaths. For Oath of the Crown specifically, keep your promises and respect authority figures. When in doubt, choose the lawful option over the chaotic one.
Is the new Oath of the Crown worth using?
Absolutely! The Oath of the Crown excels at protecting allies and controlling battlefield positioning. Champion Challenge alone makes it worthwhile, creating a 9-meter taunt radius. It's particularly strong in multiplayer with the new cross-play features.
What's the optimal stat priority for Paladins?
Prioritize Strength and Charisma equally (16 each at creation), followed by Constitution (14). Strength powers your attacks, Charisma fuels spells and Aura of Protection, while Constitution keeps you alive. Intelligence and Wisdom can be safely dumped.
Can Paladins be effective at range?
While Paladins are designed for melee combat, throwing weapons use Strength and can trigger Divine Smite. Keep javelins or handaxes for flying enemies. However, you'll lose significant damage potential compared to melee weapons.
What happens if I become an Oathbreaker?
Breaking your oath unlocks the Oathbreaker subclass, trading holy powers for necromantic abilities. You can restore your original oath by paying the Oathbreaker Knight (cost increases with each restoration). Some players intentionally break oaths for the unique playstyle.
How important is armor for Paladins?
Critical. Heavy armor provides the highest AC without Dexterity investment, letting you focus on Strength and Charisma. Prioritize acquiring better armor throughout each act. The Adamantine Splint Armor in Act 2 is particularly valuable for its critical hit immunity.
Conclusion
The Paladin remains one of Baldur's Gate 3's most rewarding classes to master, offering unmatched versatility in combat, dialogue, and party support. Whether you choose the classic Oath of Devotion, embrace the new Oath of the Crown from Patch 8, or forge your own path as an Oathbreaker, you'll find endless opportunities for heroic moments and strategic depth.
Remember, the best build is one that matches your playstyle and enhances your enjoyment of the game. Use this guide as a foundation, but don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations and strategies. May your smites be mighty and your oath unbroken!
Looking for more character optimization guides? Check out our comprehensive game guides for the latest tips and strategies.