Top Paladin Build for Baldur's Gate 3 You Need to Try

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The top Paladin build in Baldur’s Gate 3 is an incredible force to reckon with. Combining magic and combat skills, they can effectively take down foes in various ways while also providing support to teammates, making them one of the most formidable classes in the game. You don’t even have to play the noble hero—take Minthara, for example, a Paladin character in the story. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to create the ultimate Paladin build in BG3.

Top Paladin Class Build in Baldur’s Gate 3

(Image credit: Larian Studios)

The best Paladin build in Baldur’s Gate 3 emphasizes several key aspects:

High Hit Points/Armor Class
Focus on Melee Combat
Charisma and Dialogue Skills

While healing and support spells can be beneficial, the Paladin isn’t as proficient in these areas as the Cleric. With Shadowheart in your party, healing duties are well-covered. You do have Lay On Hands available if needed, but your main role will be to engage enemies and deliver powerful attacks. With that in mind, here’s how to craft an optimal Paladin build:

Race: Half-Orc
Key Attributes: Strength, Charisma, Constitution
Subclass: Oath of Vengeance
Background: Charlatan
Class Skills: Persuasion and Athletics
Equipment: Heavy Armor, shield, your choice of one-handed versatile weapon (such as a longsword), and throwing weapons

The reasoning behind choosing Half-Orc is that they excel in melee fighting and tanking, making them a solid choice. In this case, the Oath of Vengeance subclass is highly effective, though you’ll have to level up a bit to unlock its full potential—this enables you to draw enemy fire and engage with powerful melee attacks.

The Charlatan background and selected skills complement the other aspect of this build—being a charismatic character who thrives outside of combat. You can choose Insight over Athletics if you prefer to enhance this allure, but having the Athletics bonus for the Shove action is quite handy, especially with your strong character.

Paladin Builds at Higher Levels: As you progress, look for magical gear that enhances your protection in close combat and increases your weapon damage. Investing in enchanted armor and shields is essential. If you’re interested in boosting your support and control capabilities, consider multiclassing into the Bard for a few levels to better manage enemies and enhance your charm even further.

Alternatively, focus on increasing your mobility. Since you have limited ranged options, it’s important to close in on enemies quickly, protecting your allies from threats. The Rogue’s ability to dash as a bonus action starting at level two could prove to be very advantageous, especially if you want to combine it with Sneak Attack for those devastating smites.