Ultimate Paladin Build Guide for Baldur’s Gate 3

The Paladin Class in Baldur’s Gate 3 brings a unique set of challenges and rewards as its abilities revolve around the Oath sworn at character creation. Renowned for their proficiency in heavy armor, Paladins blend martial prowess with clerical healing skills. However, straying from their Oath can lead to the loss of vital Powers, making adherence crucial.

There are three distinct subclasses, or Oaths, available to players at character creation: Oath of the Ancients, Oath of Devotion, and Oath of Vengeance. Among these, the Oath of Devotion stands out as an ideal initial choice due to its alignment with combat-oriented abilities. Adhering strictly to your Oath ensures that you do not become an Oathbreaker, which represents a hidden subclass available for Paladins who stray from their path.

Updated January 1, 2025 by Erik Petrovich: As we venture into 2025, Baldur’s Gate 3 remains a cornerstone of conversation within the RPG community. For newcomers to Dungeons and Dragons or the turn-based mechanics of CRPGs, understanding the intricacies of a solid BG3 Paladin build is vital. This guide is designed to clarify the build systems and mechanics associated with Paladins, and includes detailed walkthroughs for each level-up decision necessary to optimize the Oath of Devotion Paladin build.

Paladin Class Introduction & Overview

The Baldur’s Gate 3 Paladin Class, Explained

Paladin Playstyle & Signature Abilities

“Fueled by the Oaths you swore to uphold justice and righteousness, you are a beacon of hope in dark times.”

The Paladin was the most favored class during its launch weekend according to Larian Studios. Its versatility and power make it an appealing choice for many players, with gameplay impacted by the selected Oath. As the only class bound by their Oath, breaking its tenets transforms a Paladin into an Oathbreaker, a unique and secret fourth subclass.

At the outset, Paladins acquire the Lay on Hands ability, allowing them to heal or cure ailments, along with Channel Oath abilities that unlock distinctive skills tied to their chosen Oath. The initiation of these abilities occurs during character creation, reinforcing the importance of Oath adherence.

Base Paladin Class Proficiencies: Armor, Weapons, Saving Throws, & Skill Choices

Upon creating your Paladin, you will have to make initial choices regarding Class Proficiencies and Skill Proficiencies. The proficiencies are crucial, as they cannot be altered post-creation without rebuilding your character. Here’s a breakdown of the proficiencies offered:

All Paladin Subclasses

The BG3 Paladin has three Oaths to explore, each offering unique skills and enhancing different aspects of gameplay. Additionally, the Oathbreaker subclass may be accessed by failing to uphold an Oath. As you progress through these subclasses, you will gain abilities exclusive to your selection. It’s worth noting that changing your subclass is possible through interaction with Withers, albeit starting over at Level 1 again.

For those seeking the ultimate Paladin build in BG3, the Oath of Devotion is the preferred choice:

Paladin Class Features – Level By Level

The max character level in Baldur’s Gate 3 is Level 12. As you progress through levels, you’ll unlock various features, spells, abilities, and subclass improvements. Below is a comprehensive table showcasing your expected rewards at each level:

Paladin Spell Slots & Prepared Spells – Level By Level

BG3 Paladin Subclass Choice – Oath of Devotion

Overview of BG3 Paladin Oath of Devotion Subclass

What Makes Oath of Devotion the Best BG3 Paladin Subclass?

“Following the ideal of the knight in shining armor, you act with honor and virtue to protect the weak and pursue the greater good.”

The Oath of Devotion Paladin excels in healing, buffing teammates, and dealing significant damage. This well-rounded class demands that players respect their Oath, creating a roleplay dynamic that enforces good. For example, commitment to the Oath of Devotion prohibits players from attacking innocents or lying to gain an advantage in fights.

These Paladins embody the truest form of knighthood and are particularly effective in melee combat when coupled with fellow melee allies who can leverage the Paladin’s buffs. At Level 1, they receive their first Channel Oath ability: Holy Rebuke, which retaliates against melee attackers.

As they progress, Level 3 introduces Sacred Weapon, enhancing Attack rolls with CHA. By Level 5, Oath of Devotion Paladins gain access to crucial spells like Protection from Evil and Good, Sanctuary, and Lesser Restoration, reinforcing their status as formidable supports.

Oath of Devotion Subclass Features – Level By Level

Your subclasses dictate what you unlock at each level, starting from Level 1. When creating your Paladin, select the Oath of Devotion. Below is a breakdown of subclass-specific features:

Best BG3 Paladin Build Character Creation Choices

BG3 Paladin Build Race, Background, Proficiency, Feats, & Stat Choices

Best BG3 Paladin Race: Githyanki

The Githyanki race stands out for its remarkable racial abilities and passives, making them a formidable choice for players looking to optimize their Paladins. This race unlocks exceptional spells like Misty Step at Level 5, Enhance Jump at Level 3, and an enhanced version of Mage Hand at Level 1, facilitating strategic movements in combat.

Not only does Githyanki offer durability and tactical advantages, but they also come with the Astral Knowledge ability, which grants proficiency in skills based on specific abilities, enhancing dialogue interactions. This gives Githyanki Paladins an edge in social dynamics, complementing their combat abilities.

Best Paladin Backgrounds in BG3: Noble or Folk Hero

Paladins, by nature, tend to inspire moments of heroism and positivity. Thus, backgrounds that reflect this can significantly enhance gameplay. Opt for a Noble or Folk Hero background to maximize your roleplay opportunities.

The Noble background provides proficiency in History and Persuasion, useful for scenarios involving influential figures or heroic deeds. On the other hand, the Folk Hero background offers expertise in Animal Handling and Survival, encouraging player engagement through mythic and character-driven acts of valor.

Best BG3 Paladin Skill Proficiencies: Insight and Persuasion

With the Noble background, you will gain Persuasion as a proficiency. From your available class proficiencies, consider choosing Insight or Religion for additional utility. Conversely, if you opt for the Folk Hero background, securing Insight and Persuasion is essential, as both skills are frequently utilized in dialogue checks throughout BG3.

Best BG3 Paladin Fighting Style for Oath of Devotion: Defence or Protection

Choosing your Fighting Style at Level 2 is crucial for an Oath of Devotion Paladin. Options include Defense, Duelling, Great Weapon Fighting, or Protection. The Defense style adds +1 to your Armor Class, increasing survivability. Alternatively, Protection allows you to impose disadvantage on enemy attacks, requiring a shield to function.

Overall, the Defense fighting style is more versatile and effective, while those who seek to engage in more intricate strategies should consider Protection. Be sure to remember to toggle the reaction when faced with multiple enemies.

Best BG3 Paladin Feats: Alert, Sentinel, Tough

• Alert Effects: Increases Initiative by +5 and prevents Surprise attacks.
• Sentinel Effects: Introduces three new abilities—Vengeance, Snare, and Opportunity Advantage; enabling counter-attacks and controlling enemy movements.
• Tough Effects: Grants an additional +2 HP per level, culminating in a potential +24 at Level 12.

Best Paladin Ability Scores & Stat Distribution

To optimize your BG3 Paladin build, prioritize Charisma for spellcasting, followed by Strength and Constitution to bolster combat effectiveness and survivability. The recommended distribution is as follows:

Best BG3 Paladin Leveling Choices

Best Paladin Spells, Feats, & Other Choices At Every Level

Advancement through each level in Baldur’s Gate 3 generally offers new abilities or spells to choose from. Notably, Paladins only gain choices at specific levels, with odd levels lacking updates besides the initial creation choices at Level 1.

• In Act 1, you reach approximately Level 5, unlocking your Paladin Subclass (Oath of Devotion), Level 1 Spells, Fighting Style, and your initial Feat.
• In Act 2, reaching around Level 9, you can select two additional spells (up to Level 2) and another Feat.
• During Act 3, hitting Level 12 and beyond, you gain access to two more spells (up to Level 3) and your third Feat.

The following table outlines recommended BG3 Paladin build choices for each level, focusing on spells, feats, and other enhancements tailored for the Oath of Devotion build.

Best Paladin Build Companions & Party Composition

Best Companions for Devotion Paladin Builds

The optimal Paladin companions in BG3 are Halsin for support, Gale for ranged damage, and Astarion for melee capabilities. While you can alter your companions’ classes and specializations, these three come well-equipped to form a balanced and effective party composition.

• Halsin: A Circle of the Moon Druid, Halsin’s hybrid class synergizes exceptionally well with the Paladin.
• Gale: An Evocation Wizard, Gale’s versatility makes him an essential ranged damage dealer.
• Astarion: As a Thief subclass, Astarion opens numerous doors for stealth and tactical initiation without attracting attention.

If you’d like a specific character to join your party, consult Withers to realign their class with one of these optimal Paladin-compatible roles, thus enabling you to experience their questlines without sacrificing party balance.

Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Paladin Build Equipment

Get the Best BG3 Paladin Gear in All Three Acts

This segment focuses on acquiring the best equipment for Oath of Devotion Paladins across all game Acts. While some early equipment retains effectiveness in later Acts, they can still provide a solid foundation for your build.

• Items with bolded names are newly available in each Act and can replace previous options.
• Items listed without bold should be retained from earlier Acts for their immense utility.

Best Oath of Devotion Paladin Items & Equipment: Act 1

Best Oath of Devotion Paladin Items & Equipment: Act 2

Best Oath of Devotion Paladin Items & Equipment: Act 3

Best BG3 Paladin Multiclass Choices

Maximize Your BG3 Paladin Build With Complementary Paladin Multiclass Options

Beginning at Level 2, players possess the option to multiclass by clicking the “Add Class”button within the level-up overview menu. This enables them to allocate their levels to any class within the game.

Bard Multiclass – Paladin 2/Bard 10