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Every class and multi-class in Baldur’s Gate 3 has something fun and unique to offer, but some are better than others for beginners. For veterans, the best class is whatever they’ll have the most fun with. For new players who are still just learning to use the map, it’s a little more complicated. Surviving a fight, adapting to various playstyles, and experiencing thrilling ways to engage with the world are must-haves. For that reason, the Paladin is arguably the best class in Baldur’s Gate 3 for beginners. Here are some of the top reasons why.
Going It Solo
At the start of Baldur’s Gate 3, the player won’t have a party to support them in battle. Though other party members will soon join, it’s worth knowing which class will be able to sustain itself in the absence of others. Even once other party members join, battles can always go wrong, leaving the player with just one character standing. In that event, the Paladin is arguably the best class, especially for beginners. The class has a little bit of everything, so even if the rest of the party falls, the Paladin probably has what it takes to save the day.
Staying Alive
Beginners of games by this renowned developer tend to get more punishment than they should because they’re more prone to make mistakes. For that reason, durability is crucial. Enemies in Baldur’s Gate 3 will chew through unprepared players on all but the easiest setting, so anything that keeps players alive is undoubtedly beneficial. Paladins have decent HP, so they can take a couple of solid hits before going down, especially once they’ve leveled up a bit. They’re also proficient in all armor types, as well as shields. That means a higher AC and a lower chance of getting hit in the first place.
Party Roles
Are you in need of DPS? The Paladin’s proficiency in multiple weapon types allows them to do good damage with whatever they happen to pick up. Conversely, they have the HP and armor to take a hit if you need a tank. Serving as a solid support, the Paladin is also a top healer in the game. The flexibility this provides means the player can shift their role with every new character that joins or leaves the party. This flexibility is also nice because it means that new players can experiment with different playstyles to learn what they really enjoy.
Skill Variety
Not everything in Baldur’s Gate 3 is about combat. Having interesting ways to interact with the game’s beautiful world and fascinating NPCs is vital. The Paladin can use skills like Religion and Insight to gain a deeper look into what’s happening around them, letting the player in on secrets of the story and setting. Intimidation and Persuasion, meanwhile, let the player handle NPCs as they see fit. Whether that’s as the classic Good Guy Paladin or something else is up to you. Getting to know the world is something players should do first, and as a Paladin, that’s easy.
Lay on Hands
The Paladin’s unique class action, Lay on Hands, allows them to heal another creature with a touch. This can be used to restore HP or cure an entity of all diseases and poisons. Many enemies in the game are happy to impose debilitating status effects on your party members, and it’s a relief not to have to hoard antidotes. Though Lay on Hands isn’t the most powerful healing ability, it’s a quick and reliable way to get some extra mending in. Whether you’re between battles or in the middle of one, you’ll be grateful for the extra HP.
Divine Sense
The Divine Sense class action grants the Paladin Advantage on attack rolls against Celestials, Fiends, and the Undead. Baldur’s Gate 3’s story gets wild, and the player will have plenty of opportunities to deploy Divine Sense against its intended foes. Gaining Advantage is one of the most important parts of any battle since it allows the player to roll two dice and take the best result. It’s not as versatile as Lay on Hands, but it can turn the tide in the player’s favor in the battles when Divine Sense applies.
Taking an Oath
When creating a Paladin, the player has the choice of three Oaths to take. Each Oath bestows a special power in exchange for following certain religious tenets. Violate those tenets, and the Paladin’s Oath is broken, surrendering their power with it. The Oath of the Ancients grants Healing Radiance, a handy AoE healing ability. The Oath of Devotion gives Holy Rebuke, bestowing an ally with an aura that damages any enemy that strikes them. The Oath of Vengeance grants Inquisitor’s Might, imbuing weapons with Radiant damage and Dazing enemies for a turn.
Be Your Own Paladin
What type of Paladin should you actually be in Baldur’s Gate 3? Will you keep your Oath or break it? Will you be a paragon of good or an avatar of evil? Do you intend to meet your enemy at the frontline in a clash of steel or weave holy magic from the back ranks? Perhaps the thing that Baldur’s Gate 3 does best is offer the player choices. In many ways, the Paladin exemplifies that attitude. For offering players diverse options while still remaining strong and carving out a unique identity among the other classes, there may be no better class for beginners in Baldur’s Gate 3 than the Paladin.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
