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Baldur’s Gate 3: Understanding the Oath of the Crown Paladin
Baldur’s Gate 3 has introduced 12 new subclasses, including the Oath of the Crown Paladin. This addition is part of the newly released Patch 8, which is anticipated to be the final content update for Baldur’s Gate 3. Along with a suite of new subclasses for each playable class, the update also introduced a photo mode and full crossplay capabilities—making it one of the most significant changes to the game recently. Subclasses fundamentally alter how a character plays, offering specialized abilities that highlight unique facets of their class.
For Paladins, these subclasses manifest as Oaths—principles your character vows to uphold in line with their roleplaying decisions. Oath of the Crown Paladins are committed to justice and order, typically serving as embodiments of authority within the rich lore of the Forgotten Realms. Notably, a Paladin’s subclass can shift based on the player’s choices: straying from your Oath can lead to becoming an Oathbreaker Paladin. While this transformation isn’t inherently negative, it can disrupt a well-planned character build. Below is a guide to effectively creating and maintaining an Oath of the Crown Paladin.
Oath of the Crown Paladin Subclass Overview
Oath of the Crown Features
The core purpose of selecting a subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 is to enhance your character with additional features. You receive these benefits alongside your primary class features—specifically, you gain a new Oath of the Crown feature at each odd-numbered level (excluding level 11).
Most features associated with your Paladin subclass are termed oath spells. These spells are automatically learned and always prepared, allowing you to dedicate your remaining spell slots to different options. The table below outlines the features you gain as you progress as an Oath of the Crown Paladin.
| Level | Feature |
|---|---|
| 1 | Oath of the Crown Tenets: Your commitment to Law, Loyalty, and Responsibility. Righteous Clarity: Use a Bonus Action and a Channel Oath charge to add your target’s Proficiency Bonus to their attack rolls (one Channel Oath charge per Short or Long Rest). |
| 3 | Champion Challenge: Use a Bonus Action and a Channel Oath charge to force nearby enemies to attack you, imposing Disadvantage if they choose other targets. Turn the Tide: Heal allies within your vicinity using a Bonus Action and a Channel Oath charge. Oath Spells: Learn and always have prepared Command and Compelled Duel (single-target). |
| 5 | Oath Spells: Spiritual Weapon (a spectral weapon dealing 1d8+1 damage with its own initiative turn) and Warding Bond (boosts an ally’s defense and saving throws, with the caster taking damage in return). |
| 7 | Divine Allegiance: Use your Reaction to heal an ally within 1.5 meters of you for an amount equal to twice your Paladin level, but you take the same Radiant damage. |
| 9 | Oath Spells: Spirit Guardians and Crusader’s Mantle (a 9-meter aura granting allies an additional 1d4 Radiant damage). |
The Oath of the Crown excels at tanking—drawing enemy fire with Champion Challenge, Command, or Compelled Duel to protect your teammates. Enhancing your defense with Righteous Clarity or Warding Bond ensures you remain in the fray while abilities like Spiritual Weapon, Spirit Guardians, and Crusader’s Mantle bolster your melee damage beyond standard attacks.
Tenets of the Oath of the Crown Explained
Upon choosing the Oath of the Crown at level 3, you commit to upholding three tenets: Law, Loyalty, and Responsibility. Making choices that conflict with these principles can summon the Oathbreaker Knight, presenting the option to become an Oathbreaker Paladin. Oathbreakers are characterized by a more aggressive playstyle, gaining abilities that can frighten foes and raise the deceased. While this can be beneficial, it can also stray you from your envisioned Paladin build.
Notable decisions that could lead to breaking your Oath include siding with corrupt figures, refusing to aid allies in need, or even failing to fulfill commitments. Minor actions, such as running from the law or neglecting quest requirements before a crucial point, may also result in an oath breach.
Optimal Build for Oath of the Crown Paladins in Baldur’s Gate 3
Best Stats and Feats
As a Paladin, your spellcasting relies on Charisma, so it’s advisable to prioritize it among your stats. Additionally, enhancing your Constitution can improve your HP, enabling you to withstand the pressure from numerous enemies.
For those looking to finely tune their characters, there is little need to invest heavily in Dexterity, Intelligence, or Wisdom.
Recommended Gear and Feats
As an Oath of the Crown Paladin, your role in combat will be to absorb damage, so focus on feats that enhance your defensive abilities. Below are some ideal feats for a Paladin:
- Alert: A +5 bonus to Initiative rolls, allowing you to establish an early presence on the battlefield and rendering you immune to surprise attacks.
- Durable: Fully restore health during Short Rests.
- Heavy Armor Master: Gain proficiency in heavy armor for superior defense.
- Sentinel: Use a reaction to strike back at enemies attacking your allies within melee range. This pairs well with reach weapons.
- Great Weapon Master: Trade a -5 penalty to hit for a +10 bonus to damage on melee attacks.
- Charger: Make a dash into battle without risking opportunity attacks.
In terms of equipment, prioritize heavy armor and powerful weapons. Items such as Phalar Aluve, Viconia’s Walking Fortress, and Balduran’s Helm are excellent choices for mid to late-game scenarios. Any items crafted in the Adamantine Forge will serve well in the hands of your Oath of the Crown Paladin, while the Helldusk Armor should ideally go to other party members since it provides heavy armor proficiency that a Paladin should already possess.
Should You Convert Minthara to an Oath of the Crown Paladin?
Minthara, one of the companions in Baldur’s Gate 3, starts within the Oath of Vengeance subclass. While this works fine, converting her to the Oath of the Crown is a valid option. This shift may mean sacrificing some of her offensive abilities for greater defensive capability, benefiting the overall team dynamic. Though it may not align perfectly with her character or recruitment narrative, from a gameplay perspective, it remains a practical choice.
In summary, these insights should equip you with the essentials to build a formidable Oath of the Crown Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3. Though various configurations are possible based on your chosen spells and gear, these foundational guidelines aim to help you create a resilient Paladin ready to tackle the game’s toughest challenges.
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