When you play as a Paladin inBaldur’s Gate 3,you start by swearing one of three oaths that determine your subclass. The choices influence how you will develop at key points throughout the adventure. Here is our ranking of the best Paladin subclasses inBaldur’s Gate 3.
Note:You don’t have to limit yourself to one character class. If you would like, you can mix two or three of them. For more information, check out our guide explaininghow to multiclass inBaldur’s Gate 3.
Baldur’s Gate 3– best Paladin subclasses, ranked
When you choose a Paladin, you must swear an oath before you’ve even developed a feel for your character. Hopefully, you do have an idea whether you want to rely on might or magic, which should prove helpful as you choose your subclass.Take a moment to consider how you want to play, and then select the Paladin subclass that fits that style.
1. Oath of the Ancients (Best)
The Oath of the Ancientsis for players who enjoy performing acts of kindness and preserving love and light. Choosing the subclass adds theHealing Radianceability, which heals the character and nearby allies.
As this Paladin levels up, they gain numerous spells that allow them to perform their duties more effectively. Spells gained includeSpeak with AnimalsandEnsnaring Strikeat level three, as well asMisty StepandMoonbeamat level five. At level seven, they learnAura of Warding, which lessens magical damage allies receive. Level nine addsProtection from EnergyandPlant Growth.
2. Oath of Vengeance (Good)
The Oath of Vengeancemeans showing no mercy for those who back an evil cause (I’ve noticed there are many such individuals inBaldur’s Gate 3). You tread the moral high road, and you’ll do your best to rid the world of those villains you have realized do not deserve life. TheInquisitor’s Mightability adds the ability to deal Radiant damage, and you’re able to apply it either to your own weapon or to one carried by an ally.
At level three, you gain theBaneandHunter’s Markspells. Level five addsHold PersonandMisty Step. ThenRelentless Avengercomes at level seven, and level nine impartsHasteandProtection from Energy.
3. Oath of Devotion (Okay)
The Oath of Devotionrequires and rewards a head-on, fearless approach in order to maintain goodness. You don’t run from evil, because that just wouldn’t be right. Instead, you protect the weak from those who would crush them. TheHoly Rebukeability extends that oath to your party members. They will retaliate with Radiant damage when hit by an enemy’s melee attacks.
A Paladin of this subclass addsProtection from Evil and GoodandSanctuaryat level three. These are both extremely helpful defensive spells that can keep an ally safe when they are facing powerful foes. At level five, the Paladin also learnsLesser Restoration(which eliminates a disease or condition) andSilence. Level seven brings about theAura of Devotionto protect allies from becoming charmed. And at level nine, they gainRemove CurseandBeacon of Hope, which help out cursed comrades and improve positive effects they might receive.
4. Oathbreaker (Worst?)
If you want a Paladin with a dark heart, then the Oathbreaker subclass is the option for you.You can only activate the subclass by breaking an oath you swore initially. For instance, you might kill an innocent person or creature in Emerald Grove, early in the game. Or you might try your hand at a little necromancy. The actual misdeed required depends on which oath you swore.
A Paladin who follows the Oathbreaker’s path gains access toHellish RebukeandInflict Woundsat level three, reflecting their tragic detour. They’re now consorting with the lost and the undead. TheCrown of MadnessandDarknessspells come along at level five, enabling the spread of moral corruption. These abilities make the Paladin a fearsome character that can be fun to play, as long as you don’t mind walking a darker path.If you change your mind and decide to fight on behalf of good once more, you’ll have to pay 2,000 gold to the Oathbreaker Knight to restore your original oath.It’s not a decision to be made lightly.
We’ve ranked the subclasses above, but any Paladin (Oathbreaker morally excepted) is a good option.Choose the subclass that best suits your style of play. And if you change your mind, check our guide onhow to respec your characterswith a little help fromWithers.
Baldur’s Gate 3is available onSteam.
Jason Venter
Jason Venter is a contributing writer for PC Invasion since 2022 who can trace his love for video games back to the Apple IIe port of Mario Bros. in the late 80s. He remains a diehard Nintendo fan to this day and loves JRPGs, adventure games, and platformers in particular, but he still plays games in most genres and on most hardware. After founding indie gaming site HonestGamers in 1998, he served as an editor at Hardcore Gamer Magazine during its entire print run. He has since freelanced for a variety of leading sites including IGN, GameSpot, and Polygon. These days, he spends most of his time writing game guides and entertaining readers with his fantasy novels.
