When it comes to character creation in Baldur’s Gate 3, there are several factors to consider to optimize your character for the challenges that lie ahead. One of the most significant decisions you can make is the choice of race for your Paladin. While each race has unique strengths and weaknesses, there are certain races that synergize exceptionally well with the Paladin class. In this article, we will explore the best race for a Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3, delving into the advantages and synergies that each race offers.
The Aasimar, with their celestial heritage, makes an excellent choice for a Paladin. Their innate resistance to radiant and necrotic damage grants them a defensive edge in combat, and their Healing Hands ability provides valuable healing support to the party. Moreover, the Aasimar’s Lightbringer transformation can be channeled through the Paladin’s Divine Smite, creating a devastating combination of radiant damage that can decimate enemies. Transitioning smoothly to the next paragraph, let’s explore another exceptional race for Paladins.
Dwarves, renowned for their resilience and tenacity, also excel as Paladins. Their Constitution bonus boosts their hit points, making them more durable in combat. Additionally, their Dwarven Resilience feature grants them advantage on saving throws against poison and resistance to poison damage, providing them with an added layer of protection. Furthermore, the Dwarf’s Battleaxe Proficiency synergizes well with the Paladin’s martial prowess, allowing them to wield powerful axes with increased effectiveness. In the next paragraph, we will delve into the merits of the Genasi race for Paladins.
The Variant Human: A Versatile Choice
The Variant Human is an excellent choice for Paladins due to its versatility and customizability. Unlike other races, Variant Humans gain a +1 bonus to all ability scores, allowing them to distribute their bonuses to optimize their Paladin build. Additionally, they receive a feat at level 1, which can significantly enhance their combat capabilities or utility. Some of the most recommended feats for Paladins include:
| Feat | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Great Weapon Master | Increased damage output with heavy weapons |
| Polearm Master | Extended reach and bonus attack with polearms |
| Sentinel | Prevents enemies from moving away from you |
| Lucky | Reroll failed ability checks, attack rolls, or saving throws |
The Variant Human’s versatility allows them to adapt to different playstyles and party compositions. They can excel in both melee combat and spellcasting, making them a valuable asset to any adventuring group.
The Custom Lineage: Tailoring Your Paladin
The Custom Lineage option in Baldur’s Gate 3 allows players to craft a character that perfectly aligns with their vision. For paladins, this flexibility can be particularly valuable, as it enables them to customize their race to complement their playstyle and maximize their effectiveness in battle.
Advantages of Customizing Your Race
The primary benefit of customizing your race as a paladin is the ability to choose specific ability score increases and feats that synergize with the paladin’s core abilities. For instance, a paladin who focuses on melee combat may want to increase their Strength and Constitution scores, while a paladin who prefers spellcasting may prioritize Dexterity and Charisma.
Moreover, certain feats can significantly enhance a paladin’s capabilities. The Heavy Armor Master feat, for example, reduces the encumbrance penalty of heavy armor, allowing paladins to wear the sturdiest armor without sacrificing mobility. The Great Weapon Master feat, on the other hand, increases the damage output of two-handed weapons, complementing the paladin’s Divine Smite ability.
By carefully selecting their race and customizing their ability scores and feats, players can create a paladin who is uniquely suited to their preferred playstyle, maximizing their potential in both combat and role-playing scenarios.
| Ability Score | Recommended Increase | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | +2 | Boosts melee combat prowess |
| Dexterity | +2 | Enhances AC and initiative |
| Constitution | +2 | Increases hit points and concentration saves |
| Intelligence | +1 | Improves spellcasting proficiency (for multiclassing) |
| Wisdom | +1 | Enhances perception and Insight checks |
| Charisma | +2 | Boosts spellcasting abilities and saving throws |
The Mountain Dwarf: Resilience and Tenacity
The Mountain Dwarf is a formidable race for Paladins in Baldur’s Gate 3, offering a unique combination of resilience and tenacity.
Ability Score Increase
Mountain Dwarves receive +2 to Strength and +2 to Constitution, enhancing their combat prowess and durability. Strength contributes to melee damage and Athletics checks, while Constitution strengthens hit points, Concentration saves, and Stamina.
Dwarven Combat Training
This racial ability grants proficiency in Battleaxes, Handaxes, Throwing Hammers, Warhammers, and Light and Medium Armor. Paladins can leverage this proficiency to excel in close-quarters combat and effectively utilize the various armor options available.
Dwarven Resilience
Dwarves have advantage on saving throws against poison, a common hazard in Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. They also have proficiency in the History skill, providing them with contextual knowledge and potential roleplaying opportunities.
| Ability Score Increase | Racial Ability 1 | Racial Ability 2 |
|---|---|---|
| +2 Strength, +2 Constitution | Dwarven Combat Training | Dwarven Resilience |
The Hill Dwarf: Bountiful Health and Wisdom
Hill dwarfs are renowned for their ruggedness, both physically and mentally. Their exceptional Constitution grants them an innate resilience, allowing them to shrug off injuries and endure the rigors of battle with ease. Moreover, their Wisdom is equally impressive, giving them the discernment and insight needed to navigate the treacherous landscapes of Baldur’s Gate 3.
Racial Traits:
| Trait | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Dwarven Toughness | Increases hit point maximum by 1 per character level |
| Dwarven Combat Training | Proficiency in battleaxes, handaxes, light hammers, and warhammers |
| Dwarven Resilience | Advantage on saving throws against poison and disease |
| Tool Proficiency | Proficiency in smith’s tools or brewer’s supplies |
Hill dwarfs make exceptional paladins, combining their inherent durability and wisdom with the divine power bestowed upon them. Their ability to shrug off injuries and endure harsh conditions ensures they can remain steadfast in the face of overwhelming odds, while their perceptive nature allows them to make wise decisions and inspire their allies with unwavering conviction.
Furthermore, their racial traits provide significant benefits for paladins. Dwarven Toughness grants them substantial hit points, increasing their longevity and survivability in heated battles. Dwarven Combat Training enhances their martial prowess, enabling them to wield powerful weapons and deal devastating blows to their enemies. And Dwarven Resilience safeguards them against poison and disease, common hazards in the perilous world of Faerûn.
The Halfling: Nimble and Resourceful
Halflings are a small and nimble race, making them ideal for the Paladin class in Baldur’s Gate 3. They possess several traits that give them an edge in battle and exploration.
Racial Traits
- Nimble: Halflings have a +2 bonus to Dexterity, making them agile and evasive on the battlefield.
- Brave: They possess a +1 bonus to Saving Throws against being frightened, empowering them to stand firm in the face of fearsome enemies.
- Lucky: Halflings have the “Lucky” trait, allowing them to reroll one attack roll, ability check, or saving throw per short rest.
- Halfling Nimbleness: Their small size grants them the ability to move through the spaces of creatures that are one size larger than them.
Halfling Paladin Builds
There are several effective Halfling Paladin builds available in Baldur’s Gate 3. Here are two popular options:
- Ranged Paladin: Focusing on Dexterity for their primary stat, these Paladins specialize in using ranged weapons such as bows, crossbows, or javelins. They excel at dealing damage from a distance while providing support to allies with spells.
- Melee Paladin: Opting for Strength as their primary stat, these Paladins prioritize close-quarters combat. They wield one-handed or two-handed weapons, utilizing their Paladin abilities to enhance their attacks and protect themselves and their party.
Conclusion
Halfling Paladins offer a unique combination of agility, bravery, and versatility in Baldur’s Gate 3. Whether choosing a ranged or melee build, Halfling Paladins can adapt to various situations and excel in both combat and exploration.
The Wood Elf: Grace and Sharpened Senses
As a denizen of the ancient forests, the Wood Elf possesses an innate connection to the natural world. Their graceful movements and keen senses grant them a distinct advantage in the chaotic battlefields of Baldur’s Gate 3.
Enhanced Dexterity
Wood Elves are born with an exceptional dexterity that translates into superior finesse and agility. This attribute is crucial for Paladins, allowing them to wield their weapons with precision and finesse, delivering devastating blows while maintaining their balance.
Darkvision
Adapting to the dimness of the forest canopy, Wood Elves have developed acute darkvision. This ability extends their visual range in low-light conditions, enabling them to navigate shadowy battlefields and spot hidden threats with ease.
Fleet of Foot
The Wood Elf’s natural agility manifests in their Fleet of Foot racial trait. This grants them a bonus action to disengage or dash, providing them with unmatched mobility on the battlefield. They can quickly reposition themselves to aid allies, pursue fleeing enemies, or escape perilous situations.
Keen Senses
Wood Elves possess exceptional perception, thanks to their Keen Senses trait. This grants them proficiency in the Perception skill, enabling them to detect hidden traps, notice subtle movements, and gather valuable information from their surroundings.
Weapon Proficiency
In addition to their innate abilities, Wood Elves receive proficiency in two martial weapons of their choice, including longswords and war hammers. This versatility allows Paladins to adapt their combat style to various situations and effectively engage with different enemies.
Stat Enhancements
Wood Elves gain a +2 bonus to Dexterity and a +1 bonus to Wisdom, further enhancing their combat prowess and connection to holy power.
| Ability | Bonus |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | +2 |
| Wisdom | +1 |
The Drow: Shadowy and Evasive
Drow, also known as dark elves, are one of the most iconic races in Forgotten Realms lore. They are known for their obsidian skin, lilac eyes, and silver-white hair. Drow are also highly skilled in stealth and archery.
As a paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3, a drow can bring some unique advantages to the party.
1. Superior Darkvision
Drow have superior darkvision, which allows them to see in the dark up to 120 feet. This can be a major advantage in dungeons or other dark environments.
2. Fey Ancestry
Drow have fey ancestry, which gives them advantage on saving throws against being charmed.
3. Sunlight Sensitivity
Drow have sunlight sensitivity, which gives them disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks made in bright sunlight.
4. Drow Weapon Training
Drow are proficient with the rapier, shortsword, and hand crossbow.
5. Drow Magic
Drow have access to the cantrip Dancing Lights.
6. Languages
Drow can speak Common and Undercommon.
7. Subraces
There are two subraces of drow in Forgotten Realms lore: the drow elves and the drow noble.
| Subrace | Ability Score Increase | Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Drow Elf | +2 Dexterity, +1 Charisma | Drow Magic: The drow elf can cast Dancing Lights once per day without expending a spell slot. |
| Drow Noble | +2 Dexterity, +1 Intelligence | Superior Darkvision: The drow noble has superior darkvision, which allows them to see in the dark up to 120 feet. |
The High Elf: Arcane Insight and Precision
As High Elves, Paladins gain access to two potent racial abilities that complement their divine calling. Arcane Insight grants a +5 bonus to Arcana checks, aiding in deciphering ancient writings and arcane rituals. This ability enhances their understanding of the magical world, potentially leading to tactical advantages in battle.
Precision, on the other hand, bestows a +2 bonus to Dexterity-based attacks. This bonus increases their accuracy in melee combat, ensuring their strikes land with greater force. Combined with their Paladin abilities, High Elf Paladins become a formidable force on the battleground, capable of both holy defense and pinpoint strikes.
Racial Traits Summary
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Arcane Insight | +5 bonus to Arcana checks |
| Precision | +2 bonus to Dexterity-based attacks |
The Half-Elf: A Blend of Abilities
The half-elf is a race whose lineage combines the grace and longevity of elves with the adaptability and resilience of humans. As such, they inherit a unique blend of abilities ideal for a paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3.
### Versatility and Customization
Half-elves have the versatility and customization options that make them adaptable to various paladin builds. They possess a +2 bonus to Charisma, crucial for paladin spellcasting and saving throws.
### Elven Ancestry
Their elven ancestry grants them proficiency in Perception and Insight, enhancing their awareness and intuition on the battlefield.
### Skill Proficiency
Half-elves have the choice of selecting two out of a wide array of skills, including Persuasion, Deception, Stealth, and History, providing flexibility in their social and exploration abilities.
### Darkvision
Their elven heritage grants them darkvision, allowing them to navigate dimly lit environments with ease, advantageous in dungeons and stealthy situations.
### Fey Ancestry
Half-elves have Fey Ancestry, granting them proficiency in the Charisma-based skill of their choice, further enhancing their paladin’s charisma-based abilities.
### Long Rest
Like their elven counterparts, half-elves require only four hours of sleep during a long rest instead of the usual eight, giving them an advantage in time-sensitive situations.
### Piercing Resistance
Half-elves have piercing resistance due to their elven heritage, providing them with additional protection against a common damage type.
### Mortal Heritage
They also benefit from mortal heritage, granting them resilience against diseases and poisons, a valuable asset against sinister threats.
### Flexible Alignment
Half-elves are not inherently bound to any alignment, allowing them to choose their paladin’s path according to their beliefs and aspirations.
Overall, the half-elf race provides a well-rounded and adaptable foundation for a paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3, offering a blend of versatility, customization, and unique racial abilities.
Comparing and Contrasting the Races
When selecting a race for your Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3, numerous factors should be considered. Each race possesses unique traits and abilities that can significantly influence your character’s gameplay. This guide will compare and contrast the various races to assist you in making an informed decision.
Human
Humans excel in versatility, lacking any glaring weaknesses or exceptional strengths. They possess a +1 bonus to all ability scores, which allows for more balanced character development. Additionally, they gain the “Inspiring Leader” feat, which enhances the morale of their companions.
Githyanki
Githyanki are psionically gifted warriors driven by their innate desire for vengeance. They receive +2 to Strength and Intelligence, boosting their physical and mental prowess. Moreover, their Psionic Strike ability allows them to augment their attacks with psychic energy, dealing additional damage.
Halfling
Halflings are quick and nimble individuals with a natural affinity for stealth and agility. They gain +2 to Dexterity, making them highly elusive and proficient in ranged combat. Additionally, their “Nimble” trait grants them advantage on saving throws against being grappled or restrained.
Half-Elf
Half-Elves inherit the best qualities of both humans and elves. They receive +2 to Charisma, enhancing their charisma-related skills and spells. Their “Fey Ancestry” trait allows them to charm or calm certain humanoids, providing diplomatic advantages.
Half-Orc
Half-Orcs are hardy and fierce warriors with a strong constitution. They gain +2 to Strength, boosting their melee capabilities. Their “Menacing” trait grants them proficiency in Intimidation checks, making them formidable foes in combat.
Elf
Elves are long-lived and graceful beings imbued with agility and dexterity. They obtain +2 to Dexterity, increasing their combat prowess and movement capabilities. Their “Keen Senses” trait grants them proficiency in Perception checks, providing them with heightened awareness.
Drow (Dark Elf)
Drow are sinister and cunning elves with a natural affinity for the dark arts. They receive +2 to Dexterity and Charisma, enhancing both their physical and social abilities. Their “Drow Magic” trait allows them to cast the “Dancing Lights” cantrip at will, providing illumination and scouting capabilities.
Tiefling
Tieflings are descendants of fiends, possessing infernal heritage that grants them unique abilities. They gain +2 to Intelligence and Charisma, bolstering their mental and social prowess. Their “Hellish Resistance” trait grants them resistance to fire damage, making them more resilient against certain attacks.
Aarakocra
Aarakocra are winged humanoids with a keen eye for detail. They obtain +2 to Dexterity and Wisdom, enhancing their perception and mobility. Their “Flight” trait allows them to take to the skies for long distances, providing strategic advantages in combat and exploration.
Dragonborn
Dragonborn are humanoids with draconic ancestry, imbued with elemental powers. They receive +2 to Strength and Charisma, making them formidable melee combatants and charismatic leaders. Their “Breath Weapon” trait allows them to exhale a damaging breath attack once per long rest, dealing elemental damage to their foes.
Best Race for Paladin in BG3
When choosing the best race for a Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3, there are several factors to consider. These include the Paladin’s role in the party, the party’s composition, and the player’s preferences. Here is a breakdown of the best races for Paladins in BG3:
Humans:
Humans are a solid choice for Paladins because of their versatility and adaptability. They have a +1 to all ability scores, which allows them to be well-rounded in all areas. Additionally, humans can choose a feat at character creation, which can further customize their Paladin.
Aasimar:
Aasimar are a good choice for Paladins who want to focus on radiant damage. They have a +2 to Charisma, which is the primary ability score for Paladins. Additionally, Aasimar have the Lightbringer racial ability, which allows them to deal extra radiant damage once per long rest.
Dragonborn:
Dragonborn are a good choice for Paladins who want to focus on physical damage. They have a +2 to Strength, which is the secondary ability score for Paladins. Additionally, Dragonborn have the Breath Weapon racial ability, which allows them to deal elemental damage once per short rest.
People Also Ask
What is the best subclass for Paladin in BG3?
The Oath of Devotion is a good choice for Paladins who want to focus on protecting their allies and fighting evil. The Oath of the Ancients is a good choice for Paladins who want to focus on nature and healing. The Oath of Vengeance is a good choice for Paladins who want to focus on retribution and punishing evil.
What are the best feats for Paladin in BG3?
The Great Weapon Master feat is a good choice for Paladins who want to focus on physical damage. The Sentinel feat is a good choice for Paladins who want to focus on protecting their allies. The Tough feat is a good choice for Paladins who want to increase their survivability.
