Why Play a Paladin?
The Paladin is one of the most powerful and flavourful classes in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. Combining heavy armour, strong melee attacks, healing magic, and the devastating Divine Smite, the Paladin excels as a frontline warrior who can also support the party. If you want to feel heroic — or deliciously anti-heroic — this is your class.
Ability Score Priority
When allocating your ability scores, follow this priority order:
- Strength (primary): Powers your attacks and damage rolls if you're going melee.
- Charisma (secondary): Fuels your spellcasting, Aura of Protection, and social skills.
- Constitution (tertiary): Bolsters your hit points and Concentration saves for maintained spells.
A solid starting spread using Standard Array or Point Buy: STR 16, CON 14, CHA 15 (bump CHA to 16 with your racial bonus).
Choosing Your Sacred Oath
Your Oath defines your subclass and determines bonus spells and special abilities. Here are the most popular choices:
| Oath | Playstyle | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Oath of Devotion | Classic paladin tank | Sacred Weapon, Holy Nimbus |
| Oath of Vengeance | Aggressive single-target damage | Vow of Enmity (Advantage), Misty Step |
| Oath of the Ancients | Nature-flavoured protector | Aura of Warding vs. spells |
| Oathbreaker | Dark/anti-hero roleplay | Animate Dead, Dread Lord |
For raw power, Oath of Vengeance is frequently considered the strongest offensive option. For support and durability, Oath of the Ancients is outstanding.
The Power of Divine Smite
Divine Smite lets you expend a spell slot after a successful hit to deal extra radiant damage — 2d8 for a 1st-level slot, plus 1d8 per slot level above 1st, up to 5d8 total. It also deals an extra 1d8 against undead and fiends. Critically, you declare it after you hit, so you can save your slots for when it matters most — like when you confirm a critical hit (which doubles the smite dice).
Multiclassing Options
Paladin 6 / Warlock X (The "Padlock")
This is one of the most famous multiclass combinations in 5e. Warlock spell slots recharge on a Short Rest, giving you a constant supply of high-level smite fuel. Add Eldritch Blast as a ranged fallback and Hexblade's Curse for even more damage. Aim for at least Paladin 6 before branching — you want Aura of Protection first.
Paladin 2 / Sorcerer X
Known as the "Sorcadin," this build uses Sorcerer spell slots and Quickened Spell to stack multiple smites in a single turn. It's a glass cannon approach — devastating damage but much less tanky than a pure Paladin.
Key Feats to Consider
- Great Weapon Master: Pairs beautifully with Divine Smite for massive burst damage turns.
- War Caster: Helps maintain Concentration spells like Bless when you take damage.
- Sentinel: Locks down enemies trying to flee or attack your allies — perfect for a defender Paladin.
Sample Level Progression
- Level 1–2: Lay on Hands, Fighting Style, Divine Smite come online. You're already strong.
- Level 5: Extra Attack doubles your damage output. This is your first major power spike.
- Level 6: Aura of Protection adds your CHA modifier to all saving throws for you and nearby allies. One of the best features in the game.
- Level 11: Improved Divine Smite adds 1d8 radiant to every melee hit automatically.
Final Verdict
The Paladin is the rare class that excels at dealing damage, surviving punishment, and supporting the team simultaneously. Whether you're a beacon of righteousness or a fallen knight walking a dark path, the Paladin is endlessly satisfying to play.