I love her combos plus being able to use other players kits in the middle of combat feels great plus getting free health off enemys is a welcome bonus
2025/12/20 Edited to
... Read moreChoosing your Paladin subclass in Baldur's Gate 3 can feel like a monumental decision! I remember agonizing over it, wanting to make sure I picked the absolute best one to dominate Faerûn. After countless hours adventuring, I’ve had a blast exploring what each oath brings to the table. If you're looking for that perfect blend of divine power and combat prowess, you’ve come to the right place!
Paladins are incredibly versatile. You get heavy armor, powerful offensive spells, crucial healing, and amazing crowd control. But it's your sworn Oath that truly defines your playstyle. Let me share my experiences with each, helping you find your champion.
Oath of Devotion: The Classic Holy Knight
My first Paladin playthrough was Oath of Devotion, and it felt like playing the quintessential DnD hero. Their Channel Divinity, 'Sacred Weapon,' is fantastic for boosting attack rolls, turning even basic weapons into instruments of divine justice. I loved 'Turn the Unholy,' a lifesaver against fiends and undead. If you love being the party's unwavering shield and a beacon of light, always ready to protect the innocent and smite evil head-on, Devotion is a solid choice. Their aura also makes nearby allies surprisingly tanky.
Oath of the Ancients: Nature's Holy Warrior
Next, I tried Oath of the Ancients, a refreshing change! This subclass feels like a Paladin infused with druidic grace. 'Nature's Wrath' Channel Divinity can entangle enemies, giving you precious control. The real gem is 'Healing Radiance,' a bonus action that heals yourself and allies in an area, letting you keep dishing damage while providing vital support. I found this oath perfect for a more supportive, yet still combat-capable, Paladin. If you enjoy bright, radiant spells, keeping your team healthy, and feeling like a guardian of nature, Ancients is incredibly rewarding. Their 'Aura of Warding' provides excellent resistance to spell damage.
Oath of Vengeance: The Relentless Avenger
When I wanted a Paladin with more bite, I tried Oath of Vengeance, and it delivered! This subclass is all about hunting down and punishing evil. 'Vow of Enmity' is a standout, giving you advantage on attack rolls against a target – perfect for melting high-priority enemies. 'Inquisitor's Might' adds radiant damage, making your strikes truly devastating. Playing a Vengeance Paladin felt like a constant pursuit of justice, offering incredibly satisfying bursts of damage. If you love dishing out massive damage, focusing down foes, and relentlessly pursuing your enemies, this is the subclass for you. They're a pure offensive powerhouse.
Oathbreaker: The Darker Path
The Oathbreaker is unique. You become it by breaking one of the other Oaths – a fantastic role-playing opportunity! Their abilities are menacing, focusing on fear and controlling undead. 'Spiteful Suffering' debuffs enemies, and 'Control Undead' lets you turn foes against each other. While powerful, it definitely changes your playthrough's vibe. I'd recommend it for a second run if you want to explore a morally ambiguous, but potent, Paladin experience.
Which Paladin Subclass is Best for You?
Ultimately, the "best" Paladin subclass in BG3 depends on your playstyle. Do you want to be an unyielding protector (Devotion)? A nature-loving healer (Ancients)? A relentless damage dealer (Vengeance)? Or a dark commander (Oathbreaker)? Each offers unique strengths and magical powers that make combat thrilling. I've found that no matter which oath I choose, Paladins in BG3 provide an incredibly fun and powerful experience, letting you customize your divine warrior exactly how you like. Find the one that feels most epic for your adventure!