Oathbreaker Paladin BG3, How to Become an Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3?
by Srinithi
Updated Aug 11, 2023
Oathbreaker Paladin BG3
In Baldur's Gate 3, the Oathbreaker emerges as a distinctive Subclass within the Paladin archetype. Notable for their unique approach, Oathbreaker Paladins are distinguished by their mastery of both Strength and Charisma. This dual focus empowers them to channel their prowess in combat and channel divine energies with equal fervor.
Their innate connection to both Strength and Charisma influences their combat prowess and spellcasting abilities, allowing for a versatile and dynamic play style. Furthermore, Oathbreaker Paladins exhibit impressive resilience and adaptability.
They boast a robust set of saving throw proficiencies in Wisdom and Charisma, reflecting their keen judgment and forceful presence. To complement their stalwart nature, these Paladins wield formidable Hit Dice of 1d10 per paladin level, highlighting their endurance and capability to withstand formidable challenges.
The Oathbreaker's proficiency extends to weaponry and armor, encompassing a wide spectrum of combat tools. Proficiency with Simple and martial weapons equips them for diverse combat scenarios, while their adeptness with all types of armor and shields ensures a steadfast defense on the battlefield.
In essence, the Oathbreaker embodies a Paladin who forges a unique path, harnessing both physical might and charismatic influence to serve their purpose. This subclass adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the Paladin class, offering players an opportunity to shape a character that blurs the lines between traditional virtue and personal conviction in the rich world of Baldur's Gate 3.
How to Become an Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3?
Paladins in Baldur's Gate 3 hold a prominent position as formidable champions, guided by their oaths that shape their actions and principles. However, the allure of deviating from the chosen path can lead a Paladin to become an Oathbreaker. Contrary to misconceptions, this shift doesn't inherently denote an evil alignment; rather, it signifies a departure from the original oath to embrace a new code of conduct.
Breaking the Bonds:
Choosing the route of an Oathbreaker involves relinquishing the abilities tied to your initial oath, opening doors to fresh skills and dialogue options. It's crucial to emphasize that this transformation emerges from a desire to redefine oneself rather than a descent into malevolence.
Different Oaths, Different Journeys:
Each Paladin subclass requires distinct actions to initiate the transformation into an Oathbreaker. Here, we outline the steps for various oaths:
1. Oath of the Ancients:
Characterized by allegiance to light and preservation, breaking this oath involves compromising righteousness. Acts such as killing an innocent, releasing the goblin Sazza in Emerald Grove, or choosing to revive Mayrina's husband with Auntie Ethel's wand serve as catalysts for change.
2. Oath of Vengeance:
This path demands the relentless pursuit of justice, even if it requires forsaking personal purity. Freeing Sazza in Emerald Grove acts as a catalyst for Oathbreakers under this oath.
3. Oath of Devotion:
Rooted in noble ideals, betraying this oath necessitates actions that contradict knightly virtues. Torturing Liam in the Shattered Sanctum, turning on the Goblin Camp after sparing Emerald Grove, or harming the weak without reason all mark the path to becoming an Oathbreaker for this subclass.
Encountering the Oathbreaker Knight:
Following your chosen deviation, a significant figure known as the Oathbreaker Knight appears, ushering in a new chapter of your Paladin's journey. This enigmatic presence contacts you after a long rest in a captivating cutscene. Engaging in conversation with this knight unveils insights into their history and the intricacies of embracing the mantle of an Oathbreaker.
Embracing the Transformation:
At this crossroads, you have two distinct options. To fully embrace the mantle of an Oathbreaker, accept the new powers bestowed upon you, forging a unique path characterized by the newfound abilities. Alternatively, a penance fee can be paid to restore your original oath, reaffirming your commitment to its ideals.
The journey to becoming an Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 is an exploration of individuality, conviction, and personal evolution. Your choices carry weight, guiding your character through a compelling narrative and demonstrating that the boundaries of oath and identity are not fixed but can be reshaped by the strength of your will.
Best Oathbreaker Paladin Build in BG3
Paladin Spells and Abilities After Breaking Your Oath:
Upon embracing the path of an Oathbreaker in Baldur's Gate 3, it's essential to note that your Paladin spells remain accessible. You retain access to powerful tools like Divine Smite, Divine Sense, and Lay on Hands, ensuring a versatile skill set even amidst your transformed allegiance.
Transitioning from a supportive tank hybrid, your newfound identity as an Oathbreaker reshapes your playstyle into that of an aggressive damage dealer and skilled necromancer, offering a dynamic and engaging combat experience.
Recommended Spells for Your Arsenal:
1. Cure Wounds:
Supplement Lay on Hands with this healing spell to address your party's health needs effectively.
2. Compelled Duel:
Utilize this spell as a strategic taunt, diverting enemy attention towards you and your formidable offensive capabilities.
3. Smites:
Incorporate Searing Smite and Thunderous Smite to deal extra damage and apply additional effects like fire damage or knocking enemies prone. Considering your innate Dreadful Aspect ability, you may opt against Wrathful Smite, as fear-inducing capabilities are already at your disposal.
4. Protection from Good and Evil:
Shield yourself or an ally from the influence of aberrations, celestials, elementals, fey, fiends, and undead.
5. Bless:
Empower yourself and up to two companions with enhanced attack rolls and saving throws through a 1d4 bonus.
6. Heroism:
Bestow an ally with temporary hit points each turn, offering a potential ten-turn boon to resilience.
Feats to Enhance Your Oathbreaker Journey:
Strategically selecting feats further refines your Oathbreaker Paladin's prowess. Here's a recommended progression:
1. Level Four:
Opt for the Ability Improvement feat, elevating your Charisma to 18. Should your Charisma already stand at 17, invest the additional point in Strength.
2. Level Eight:
Embrace the Great Weapon Master feat, enabling a bonus attack upon critical hits or enemy eliminations. Moreover, consider trading -5 to your attack roll for a substantial bonus of 10 damage.
3. Level Twelve:
Decide between the Charger feat, granting Charger: Weapon Attack and Charger: Shove, advantageous for initiating battles. Alternatively, opt for another Ability Improvement, either enhancing Charisma to 20 or further bolstering Strength.
In this evolution, your Oathbreaker Paladin seamlessly blends tactical spellcasting and martial prowess, forging an impactful and adaptable presence on the battlefield.
Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 stands as a captivating role-playing video game crafted by Larian Studios. This installment marks the third in the esteemed Baldur's Gate series, drawing its essence from the intricate Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing system. Initially introduced in early access format, the game ventured onto macOS, Windows, and the Stadia streaming platform on 6 October 2020.
It continued to evolve through early access until its full-fledged debut on Windows on 3 August 2023. Anticipated versions for macOS and PlayStation 5 are slated for 6 September 2023, accompanied by an impending Xbox Series X/S release of yet undisclosed timing. Regrettably, the Stadia iteration met its end due to the closure of the Stadia service. The game's launch was met with resounding critical acclaim, validating its status as a masterpiece.
Oathbreaker Paladin Bg3-FAQ
The Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 is known for its dual mastery of Strength and Charisma, allowing them to excel in both combat and divine energies.
Becoming an Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 doesn't inherently signify an evil alignment; it represents a departure from the original oath to embrace a new code of conduct.
Acts such as killing an innocent, releasing the goblin Sazza in Emerald Grove, or choosing to revive Mayrina's husband with Auntie Ethel's wand can lead to becoming an Oathbreaker for the Oath of the Ancients subclass.
After deviating from the original oath, the enigmatic Oathbreaker Knight appears in a cutscene, offering insights into their history and the path of embracing the Oathbreaker mantle.
Recommended feats include elevating Charisma to 18, embracing Great Weapon Master for bonus attacks, and considering the Charger feat for battle initiation. These choices shape a versatile and formidable Oathbreaker Paladin presence on the battlefield.