In Baldur’s Gate 3, paladins have consistently been the most popular class, with clerics being the least played class. This is interesting, since it sidelined more typically fantasy-aligned spellcasting classes like the wizard and even the fighter, which is usually the recommended pick for those unfamiliar to Dungeons & Dragons. With thousands of players choosing this option over every other class, it begs the question – what is so great about the paladin?
There are many things to consider when choosing a class in Baldur’s Gate 3, including the type of damage players wish to deal, the role they want to play in the party, whether they want to be magic or martial based, and so much more. With all these factors considered, what has made the paladin class the most popular choice?
Paladins Are The Most Multi-Faceted Class
Paladins Excel In Every Area Of Combat And Make Great Tanks
In both Baldur’s Gate 3 and Dungeons & Dragons, paladins can interact with every area of combat. They’re spellcasters, but unlike the majority of magic users, have lots of health and are able to tank with their high armor classes. They can wear any type of armor, meaning players can also build them to be suited for stealth or front line battle. The iconic Divine Smite is usually the defining feature of the class when it comes to abilities, which makes them particularly heavy hitters.
Alongside excelling in both spellcasting and martial melee combat, paladins also gain access to the Lay on Hands ability, which is a multipurpose healing spell which can be used a few times per long rest. While also replenishing hit points, it can cure an ally of poison and other ailments. Though their general healing ability may not always be as effective as a cleric or druid, it may be the difference between winning and losing a battle. A bonus is that, although it does cost an action, Lay on Hands does not cost a spell slot.
Related
What Is The Strongest Baldur’s Gate 3 Paladin Subclass?
Paladins can take one of four Oath in Baldur’s Gate 3, defining their subclass, but they are not created equally in terms of abilities and spells.
Paladins are spellcasters, healers, heavy hitters and hard to kill – it’s no wonder their reputation earned them the number one spot in popularity among players, according to statistics from the official Baldur’s Gate 3 X (formerly Twitter) account. They’re a good pick for anyone who is first picking up the game, especially those who do not usually play games centered around combat, as there is no area where they particularly lack. Paladins generally excel in Baldur’s Gate 3 – one of the hardest fights in the early game is arguably the fake paladins of Tyr who players encounter when killing or recruiting Karlach as a companion.
Paladin Oaths Encourage Players To Play In Character
Paladin Oaths Nudge Players Toward Certain Play Styles
Another defining feature of paladins is their sacred oaths, gained at third level. This defines their subclass, and often says a lot about their character. For example, Minthara is a paladin who has taken up the Oath of Vengeance, and she uses her divine powers to punish those who have wronged her – notably, Orin, Lolth, and The Absolute. While there are many oaths to take up in the lore of Dungeons & Dragons, there are only three paladin subcasses available in Baldur’s Gate 3 – Vengeance, Devotion and the Oath of the Ancients.
There is technically also a fourth subclass, if the player breaks their oath – the Oathbreaker. Depending on the subclass chosen, the player becomes encouraged to interact with the game in slightly different ways so they do not break their chosen oath. For example, a Vengeance paladin’s goal is to strike down wrongdoers, meaning players may have more motivation to hunt down Baldur’s Gate’s various antagonists – while a paladin following the Oath of the Ancients may constantly search for more peaceful ways to deal with conflict.
Becoming an Oathbreaker will
make the Oathbreaker Knight appear
– If players speak to the Oathbreaker Knight as the Dark Urge, they can experience exclusive dialogue regarding how a child of Bhaal became a paladin in the first place. This may be a reference to, or left in the game from, the start of production, where the default class of the Dark Urge was originally going to be a paladin.
Since each paladin subclass gives the player a vague idea of how their character will interact with the world, this allows them to feel like they’re in control of someone with an actual personality, perhaps different from their own. Either way, this is very reminiscent of DnD, and serves as a great introduction to how tabletop RPGs work for those who usually stick to video games. The concept of oaths also helps provide grounds for some backstory for player characters, including facets like how and why were said oaths sworn.
Paladins Make Great Main Characters
Paladins Generally Have High Charisma
A paladin’s spellcasting ability modifier is charisma, meaning that they will usually be built to have this stat be high. A high-charisma character is one of the best assets players can have in Baldur’s Gate 3 – not only can this lead to interactions being more fun in general, but it allows them to talk their way out of many tricky situations and battles. For a character consistently beginning interactions, this is an incredibly useful skill to have.
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15 Best Items For Paladins In Baldur’s Gate 3 (& Where To Find Them)
Paladins in Baldur’s Gate 3 are capable of supporting the party as both tanks and damage dealers, and these items will assist with both roles.
If a player has chosen to play a solo run, a paladin Tav may be the best choice, due to the overall versatility of the class. Though there is a paladin companion available, Minthara, many players will not end up recruiting her, since she must survive Act 1. Most players, especially good-aligned paladins, will likely slay her in the goblin camp and not think twice about not having left her alive. Especially in their first playthrough, players may not have a paladin in their camp, meaning them filling the role instead will benefit the composition of their BG3 party.
Having great bonuses in combat and verbal interaction, paladin characters will easily proceed past the main areas of the game and will make progressing through the story a much easier feat. The class is also a solid foundation to build a character out of, as the subclasses push towards certain actions and ideals. In almost every way, the paladin is undoubtedly the safest choice of class in Baldur’s Gate 3, and players have recognized its potential since release.
Sources: Baldur’s Gate 3/Twitter, IGN
Developed and published by Larian Studios, Baldur’s Gate 3 is an upcoming role-playing game set to release in August of 2023. Players will create a character to embark on a large-scale journey and can do so solo or cooperatively with a friend. Combat is a turn-based style this time around.
- Platform(s)
- PC , macOS , PS5 , Xbox Series X
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
