What is the best Paladin subclass in BG3?

For players seeking potent offensive capabilities and a righteous path, the Oath of Vengeance is widely considered the best Paladin subclass in Baldur's Gate 3.

The Dominance of Oath of Vengeance

The Oath of Vengeance Paladin stands out for its aggressive, justice-driven playstyle, empowering the character to relentlessly pursue and defeat foes who commit great evil. This subclass is ideal for players who prefer to engage enemies head-on, delivering powerful blows with righteous fury. A Paladin adhering to the Oath of Vengeance is a force of pure, uncompromising retribution, making them highly effective in combat scenarios against the most menacing adversaries.

Adhering to the Oath: Tenets of Vengeance

Maintaining the Oath of Vengeance requires a firm commitment to its core tenets. These principles guide the Paladin's actions and decisions throughout their journey in Baldur's Gate 3, influencing how they interact with the world and their enemies.

• Fight the Greater Evil: This tenet demands that the Paladin prioritize combating the most significant and widespread threats. It means focusing efforts on powerful antagonists or groups responsible for severe harm, rather than being sidetracked by lesser transgressions. For example, a Vengeance Paladin would focus on dismantling an entire cult rather than just apprehending a petty thief.
• No Mercy for the Wicked: Once an enemy is identified as truly wicked, a Vengeance Paladin is expected to show no leniency or quarter. This translates to pursuing their swift and decisive defeat, often choosing direct confrontation and elimination over negotiation or rehabilitation. This tenet reinforces the subclass's powerful offensive capabilities, encouraging the player to end threats definitively.

Upholding these tenets not only aligns with the Paladin's moral compass but also unlocks their full potential, ensuring access to their unique Oath Spells and Channel Oath abilities which enhance their combat prowess. Deviating from these tenets can result in breaking the oath, leading to consequences within the game.

Why Vengeance Stands Out

The combination of its thematic focus on aggressive justice and its inherent abilities makes the Oath of Vengeance a formidable choice. It encourages a proactive and damage-oriented approach to combat, aligning well with the Paladin's role as a divine frontline warrior. This subclass excels at singling out and eliminating high-priority targets, making it a valuable asset in challenging encounters.

To summarize the Oath of Vengeance Paladin:

Choosing the Oath of Vengeance means embracing a path where righteous fury is your guiding force, ensuring that the wicked meet their swift and undeniable end.