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The Paladin Class inBaldur’s Gate 3is one of the game’s most restrictive, as their core Class features and spells are determined by an Oath they are bound to.The Paladin Classis a Heavy armor user with Cleric-like healing and support abilities, but make a wrong move either in or out of combat, and you might lose access to Oath-based powers, the core part of each Paladin build.
InBaldur’s Gate 3, Paladins have three subclasses, or Oaths, to choose from at character creation:Oath of the Ancients, Oath of Devotion, and Oath of Vengeance. The Oath of Devotion is the best one to start with as it grants many useful combat-oriented, always-prepared spells. Just remember to keep to your Oath, and you won’tturn into an Oathbreaker– the fourth, hidden subclass for Paladins.
Updated July 23, 2025 by Erik Petrovich:With the release ofPatch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3, Paladin builds have gained another subclass option to choose from: the Oath of the Crown. Though this new subclass offers a new way to play this class, the best BG3 Paladin build that takes advantage of the class' strengths the most uses the Oath of Devotion subclass. As you journey through Baldur’s Gate 3, the best Paladin builds can benefit greatly from picking up a few permanent buffs. Though these often require you to go out of your way, the best permanent buffs can grant powerful stat upgrades and new abilities that push the best Paladin build to its limits. This guide has been updated to include brief information on the new Oath of the Crown Paladin subclass, as well as a new section that covers the best Paladin permanent buffs and stat upgrades that are worth hunting down.
Paladin Class Introduction & Overview
The Baldur’s Gate 3 Paladin Class, Explained
“Fuelled by the Oaths you swore to uphold justice and righteousness, you are a beacon of hope in dark times.”
Paladin Playstyle & Signature Abilities
The Paladin proved to be the game’smost popular classover its launch weekend, according to Larian Studios. Indeed, the class is impressively versatile and powerful, almost no matter which way one takes the class. The one condition of playing a Paladin is that RP can often be affected by one’s chosen Oath.
Paladins are the only class thatmustabide by their Oath, chosen at character creation in all situations. If they break their chosen Oath’s tenets, they may become an Oathbreaker, asecret fourth unlockable subclass for the Paladin.
Paladins have three unique features that the class gains at different levels. At Character Creation, Paladins gain access to Lay on Hands, a spell that can heal or cure disease and poison afflictions and is limited by Lay on Hands charges. They also gain Channel Oath abilities and charges, which fuel unique skills related to one’s chosen Oath.
At Level 6, Paladins get the Aura of Protection feature, solidifying them as the best choice for a Tank and Support build inBaldur’s Gate 3.
Base Paladin Class Proficiencies: Armor, Weapons, Saving Throws, & Skill Choices
When you first start creating your Paladin Build, BG3 offers a selection of basic Class Proficiencies, and a choice of three Paladin Skill Proficiencies.
In addition to Armor, Weapon, and Saving Throw proficiencies that vary for each class, the pool of Skills you can choose from are different for each class.
These cannot be changed once you get past character creation without resetting your build.
All Paladin Subclasses
There are a total of threeBG3Oaths (subclasses) Paladin players can try out, each of which focuses on different aspects of the class, and offers a selection of unique skills, proficiencies, and other features. There is also a fourth Oath, the Oathbreaker, that can only be unlocked by breaking another Oath.
As you level up in one of theseBG3Paladin subclasses, you will gain more abilities that are unique to your subclass choice.
Your choice of Paladin subclass can be changed by speaking with Withers, but you will start at Level 1 and have to make your BG3 Paladin build from scratch.
Though this chart displays information for all subclasses, if you want to make best Paladin buildBG3has to offer, you should go for the Oath of Devotion.
Oath of the Ancients
Oath of the Crown
(new with Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8)
N / A
Paladin Class Features – Level By Level
The max level inBaldur’s Gate 3is Level 12, and most of the time, each level you gain will grant something new for your Paladin build. In character creation, you gain the basics for the Paladin class, then steadily gain Feat Choices, new spells and abilities, subclass features, and increase your Proficiency Bonus.
This chart displays everything you can expect to get at each Level-Up as a Paladin in yourBaldur’s Gate 3journey.
+2
+3
+4
1 + CHA modifier
–
2 + CHA modifier
2
3 + CHA modifier
3
4 + CHA modifier
5 + CHA modifier
4
6 + CHA modifier
7 + CHA modifier
8 + CHA modifier
9 + CHA modifier
10 + CHA modifier
11 + CHA modifier
12 + CHA modifier
BG3 Paladin Subclass Choice – Oath of Devotion
Overview Of BG3 Paladin Oath of Devotion Subclass
“Following the ideal of the knight in shining armour, you act with honour and virtue to protect the weak and pursue the greater good.”
What Makes Oath of Devotion the Best BG3 Paladin Subclass?
The Oath of Devotion Paladin isa powerhouse of buffs, healing support, and brutal damage output. The trade-off for such awell-rounded Classis that it is the only one restricted by roleplay. By choosing an Oath, Paladins must do everything to live by it – the Oath of Devotion means that players can’t attack innocents, turn their back on those in dire need, or deceive their enemies to gain an advantage in combat.
These are"true" paladins, warriors of a higher order who literally tie their powers to this promise.
They are fantastic in melee, especially with at least another allied melee fighter in range who can take advantage of the Paladin’s buffs and close-range support (and the limited range of Lay on Hands). At Level 1, Oath of Devotion Paladins get their first Channel Oath ability:Holy Rebuke, which damages melee attackers.
At Level 3, Sacred Weapon adds CHA to Attack rolls as a new Channel Oath, alongside Turn the Unholy. Oath of Devotion Paladins also gainProtection from Evil and Good, Sanctuary, Lesser Restoration, and Silence always, prepared by Level 5.
This is one of the best PaladinBG3builds because of their strong healing spells and variety of weapon and armor proficiencies, making themmore versatile than pure Caster support classes. But when the Oath of Devotion Paladin goes down, the rest of the party can be thrown into disarray.
Oath of Devotion Subclass Features – Level By Level
In addition to everything you unlock while leveling as a Paladin, your Subclass also determines what you unlock at certain levels. As a Paladin, you can select a subclass at Level 1, in the character creation menu.
For the purposes of this guide to theBG3best Paladin build, choose the Oath of Devotion when prompted to choose a Subclass.
BG3 Paladin Build Race, Background, Proficiency, Feats, & Stat Choices
Best BG3 Paladin Race: Githyanki
The Githyanki race is one of theunsung powerhouses ofBaldur’s Gate 3thanks to its incredibly powerful racial abilities and passives – they might be hard to look at, but it’s hard to argue with a free Misty Step at Level 5. Indeed, Githyanki is able to cast this spell once per long rest at Level 5, alongside Enhance Jump at Level 3 and an improved version of Mage Hand from Level 1.
These abilities can get Paladins in and out of combat with ease and distract enemies with Mage Hand.
Aside from these powerful bonuses, though, Githyanki also gains theincredibly powerful Astral Knowledgeability. Until the next Long Rest, the player will gain Proficiency in all skills related to a specific Ability (like Athletics and Strength skill).
Paired with the Paladin’s own naturally high Charisma, this makes Githyanki Paladins some of the best party members for dice rolls in dialogue.
Some other races may offer more HP or Strength, which can be beneficial for a melee support role like the Oath of Devotion Paladin, but this single ability will unlock many more doors – figuratively and literally.
Best Paladin Backgrounds in BG3: Noble or Folk Hero
Because of their Oath, Paladins tend to create moments of positive Inspiration more often than other classes – players are basically forced to roleplay a good guy, after all, as mandated by the class’s three Oath choices.
As such,choose a Backgroundthat can take advantage of this tendency, such as theNoble or Folk Hero.
Nobles getproficiency in History and Persuasion, and tend to trigger Inspiration when performing acts of great heroism, like trying to save the Duke from the burning building, or when interacting with the iconic and powerful figures of the Sword Coast, like Ketheric or His Majesty, the hairless cat.
Folk Heroes, on the other hand, gain proficiency inAnimal Handling and Survivaland trigger inspiration when doing acts of heroism but more in a mythical and localized sense, like freeing the Hag’s thralls, rescuing named NPCs, and otherwise working to help the downtrodden and helpless.
Best BG3 Paladin Skill Proficiencies: Insight and Persuasion
If one chooses the Noble background, Persuasion will be added to the Paladin’s proficiencies. From the remaining Class proficiencies to choose from, consider either Insight or Religion, though Religion can come in handy if you are going for a true Holy warrior.
If you go for the Folk Hero background, though, pick up Insight and Persuasion from the list of Paladin starting skill choices. The Insight and Persuasion skills see a lot of use in dialogue checks throughoutBG3, and are worth becomingproficient in for virtuallyevery character that has access to them.
Best BG3 Paladin Fighting Style for Oath of Devotion: Defence or Protection
Oath of Devotion Paladins can choose from four Fighting Styles at Level 2:Defence, Duelling, Great Weapon Fighting, or Protection. The Defence bonus is the most widely applicable with a simple +1 to AC when wearing any Armor. The Protection Fighting Style offers a newReaction that imposes a Disadvantageon enemy rolls nearby, but requires the Paladin to have a Shield equipped.
Of these two choices, go with the Defence fighting style to make it harder for enemies to hit you, as it will be active all the time and doesn’t require players to remember to toggle a Reaction. It’s the most applicable in most situations and doesn’t require Paladins to have a specific equipment loadout.
However, players who don’t mind getting a little more advanced should go with Protection and prepare their shield.Remember to toggle the reaction and take itwhen surrounded by enemies in close combat.
Best Paladin Ability Scores & Stat Distribution
To create the bestBG3Paladin build, we recommend putting the majority of points into your Charisma, followed by Strength and Constitution.
The primary stats for most Oath of Devotion Paladin spells and abilities inBG3are Charisma and Strength, but Constitution should follow closely behind for survivability.
Dexterity, Strength, and Intelligence are not essential for the Oath of Devotion Paladin build.
16
10
14
8
-1
Best BG3 Paladin Leveling Choices
Best Paladin Spells, Feats, & Other Choices At Every Level
As you level up throughoutBaldur’s Gate 3, most classes will get some new class feature or spell to choose from each level. As a hybrid melee and spellcaster class, thisBG3Paladin build has a few levels where it won’t get anything to choose from – on Odd levels aside from your character creation choices at Level 1, Paladins do not have any leveling choices to make.
This table displays recommendedBG3Paladin build choices for every level, including recommended spells, Feats, and other leveling options. These recommendations tend to work well with the Oath of Devotion Paladin build and add great defensive abilities, enemy debuff and CC spells, and Feats that help you react and defend other party members from harm.
Hybrid damage & support class that complements Paladin well
Wizard
Ranged Damage
Access to all Spells makes Gale the most versatile starting companion
Rogue
Melee Damage/Utility
Lockpicking is incredibly useful outside of Combat, and Sneak Attacks can be deadly
The best Paladin companions inBG3are Halsin as your Support class, Gale as your primary Ranged damage source, and Astarion as your primary melee damage ally. Though you can change the class and specialization of any of your companions, these three come with strong pre-determined class and spec combos to balance out your Paladin party composition.
If you are dead set on including a character in your party, simply talk to Withers to respec them to one of the optimal Paladin companion classes listed above. This way, you won’t miss out on that character’s questline, and you won’t have to suffer from an improperly balanced party.
Get The Best BG3 Paladin Gear In All Three Acts
This section covers the best equipment for Oath of Devotion Paladins in BG3 across all three Acts. Some pieces from early Acts may still be powerful in later ones, though, and will remain equipped through several Acts.
Chest in the Selunite Outpost of the Underdark
Sold by a number of traders throughout Act 1
Found in the basement of the Risen Road tollhouse
Boots Of Aid And Comfort
The Whispering Promise
Purchased from Grat in the Goblin Camp, or Brem in the Zhentarim Hideout
Blood of Lythander
Explore the depths of the Rosymorn Monastery, after collecting all Ceremonial Weapons and earning the right to collect it.
One of the possible rewards for completing the “The Adamantine Forge” questline
Chest in the Selunite Outpost of the Underdark (Act 1)
Vivacious Cloak
Found a chest in the Grand Mausoleum in the Gauntlet of Shar
Purchased from Grat the Trader at the Goblin Camp (Act 1)
Periapt of Wound Closure
Purchased from Lady Esther just outside the Rosymorn Monastery (Act 1)
Purchased from Omeluum in the Myconid Colony (Act 1)
Purchased from Grat in the Goblin Camp, or Brem in the Zhentarim Hideout (Act 1)
Explore the depths of the Rosymorn Monastery, after collecting all Ceremonial Weapons and earning the right to collect it (Act 1)
Purchased from Arron in the Druid Grove (Act 1)
Boots of Aid and Comfort
Shield of Devotion
Purchased from Quartermaster Talli in the Last Light Inn (Act 2)
Best BG3 Paladin Build Consumables & Permanent Buffs
InBaldur’s Gate 3, Paladin builds can be enhanced further with the use of specific consumables. Certain potions, like the Elixir of the Colossus, will grant combat-oriented bonuses for this best Paladin build, while others, like the Elixir of Vigilance, will enhance the Paladin’s innate ability to defend and heal their allies.
If you spot any of these useful Paladin consumables as world loot or enemy loot, trader inventories, or otherwise, be sure to pick them up and store them in a bag for later use.
Consumable Effects
All Potions of Healing
Instantly restores a set amount of HP. As a Paladin, you can throw these at the foot of party members to shatter it and instantly heal them if you are out of Spell Slots.
Elixir of Viciousness
Reduces the number required to achieve a Critical Hit by 1. Can stack with other similar effects.
Elixir of the Colossus
Grants the Enlarged effect, physically increasing your size, granting extra damage on all weapon attacks, Advantage on Strength checks, and enhanced grappling.
Grants +5 to Initiative and prevents you from being Surprised.
Potion of Speed
Grants Hastened for 3 turns, increasing AC by 2 and granting Advantage on DEX saving throws and an additional Action, and increases movement by 30ft.
Best BG3 Paladin Build Permanent Buffs
ThroughoutBG3you will find numerous ways to permanently increase your stats, gain permanent passive bonuses, or otherwise grant your character a permanent buff. To push the bestBG3Paladin Oath of Devotion builds to the next level, keep an eye out for these five best Paladin permanent buffs as you adventure through the Sword Coast and beyond:
Auntie Ethel’s Hair
Grants +1 to any Ability Score of your choice
Must complete Mayrina’s quest in Act 1, but don’t kill Auntie Ethel. When she reaches low HP, she will offer to be spared. Accept her deal and you will gain Auntie Ethel’s Hair.
Awakened
All Illithid Powers now cost 1 Bonus Action instead of an Action
You must succeed all three Saving Throws inside the Githyanki Creche’s Zaith’isk to get this buff.
You may also absorb this skill when playing as Laezel by passing a DC 30 Arcana check (which will usually require a nat 20 roll) to take the power for your own.
Potion of Everlasting Vigour
Grants +2 Strength on consumption
You must make Astarion bite Araj Oblodra when she asks in Act 2 at Moonrise Towers. Astarion does not want to do this and will end a romantic relationship if forced.
Lovitar’s Love
Grants +2 to Attack Rolls and Wisdom Saving Throws when under 30% HP
Speak to Abdirak in the Shattered Sanctum inside the Goblin Camp. Ask him about being a follower of Lovitar, then pass two Intimidation checks.
The Tharchiate Codex
Once per Long Rest, gain 20 Temporary HP
Find and read “The Tharchiate Codex” within the Sorcerous Vault, which can only be accessed via Sorcerous Sundries in Baldur’s Gate City. You must use the Remove Curse spell to read it.
Mirror of Loss
Grants +2 to one Ability Score of your choice
Find the Mirror of Loss in the Cloister of Sombre Embrace within the House of Grief, found toward the end of Act 2.
Either offer the Necromancy of Thay (and the buff it grants) or pass a DC 25 Religion check to get +2 to any ability score of your choice.
Best BG3 Paladin Multiclass Choices
Maximize Your BG3 Paladin Build With Complimentary Paladin Multiclass Options
Players can choose to Multiclass beginning at Level 2. Look for the “Add Class” button on the top right of the level up overview menu – this will open up a new menu where players can allocate the level to any other class inBaldur’s Gate 3when selected.
Bard Multiclass – Paladin 2/Bard 10
Affectionately called the Bardadin by many in theBG3andDungeons and Dragonscommunity, this multiclass is one of the game’s most powerful. Though it’s possible to make a Bardadin that is primarily a Paladin, it’s actually better to put the majority of levels in the Bard class and put just two into Paladin.
A Level 10 Bard who goes with theCollege of Swords subclassgets extra attacks as well as access to improved versions of Bards' most useful support skills, like Bardic Inspiration.
Then two levels in Paladin unlocks the class' Smite abilities, allowing for a strong offensive melee presence to complement the Bard and Paladin’s intrinsic support skills.
Sorcerer Multiclass – Paladin 6/Sorcerer 6
Multiclassing with the Sorcerer class as a Paladin can be tricky, even though both classes rely on Charisma for their abilities. It’s important for melee characters to unlock their extra attacks, which the Paladin gets at Level 5, but Paladins also get a powerful Aura at Level 6. This leaves just 6 levels for the Sorcerer multiclass.
At Level 2, Sorcerers unlock the Metamagic system, which uses Sorcery Points to alter the way spells work for that turn. For instance, a Sorcerer can use aTwinned Spell to duplicatethe next spell cast, with the ability to target different options.
Putting 6 levels into Sorcerer and 6 into Paladin strikes a good balance of the benefits of both classes without sacrificing too much of their most powerful skills.
