Comparing Paladin Subclasses: Which Oath to Take?

In the realm of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), the Paladin stands as a paragon of divine might, combining martial prowess with celestial magic.

The choice of a Paladin subclass, known as an Oath, significantly shapes a character's abilities and role within an adventuring party. This analysis delves into the various Paladin subclasses, comparing their mechanical strengths and strategic applications to aid players in selecting the most suitable Oath for their playstyle and campaign.

The Oath of Vengeance ranks among the most potent Paladin subclasses, excelling in single-target combat and enemy control. Its Channel Divinity options provide significant tactical advantages:

• Vow of Enmity: Grants advantage on attack rolls against a specific target, substantially increasing damage output.
• Abjure Enemy: Inflicts the frightened condition and potentially reduces enemy speed to 0, effectively neutralizing threats.

The Vengeance Paladin's spell list further enhances its combat effectiveness:

• Hunter's Mark: Increases damage and tracking capabilities
• Misty Step and Dimension Door: Provide mobility to maintain engagement with priority targets
• Bane and Protection from Energy: Offer additional control and defensive options

This subclass synergizes well with the Paladin's Divine Smite feature, particularly when combined with critical hits, resulting in devastating burst damage against priority targets (especially undead and fiends).

The Oath of Conquest specializes in battlefield control through fear-based mechanics. Its spell list exemplifies this focus:

• Fear: Comparable in power to Hypnotic Pattern, affecting multiple enemies
• Hold Person and Dominate Person: Provide additional crowd control options

While the Conquest Paladin excels at managing multiple threats, it may face challenges with single-target save spells. However, its ability to lock down areas of the battlefield through fear effects remains unparalleled among Paladin subclasses.

Embodying the archetypal holy knight, the Oath of Devotion offers a balanced mix of offensive and defensive capabilities. Key features include:

• Aura of Devotion: Prevents charm effects within its radius, protecting both the Paladin and allies
• Purity of Spirit: Grants constant protection from evil and good at higher levels
• Channel Divinity options effective against undead and fiends

The Devotion Paladin's capstone ability, Holy Nimbus, creates an aura of sunlight with both offensive and defensive properties, solidifying its role as a frontline combatant and protector.

The Oath of Redemption presents a distinct playstyle focused on non-violence and support:

• Passive damage reflection mechanic punishes attackers without direct engagement
• Channel Divinity options enhance social interactions and provide defensive support
• Ability to heal allies and redirect damage to the Paladin

This subclass excels in tanking and social scenarios, making it an optimal choice for players prioritizing defense and diplomacy over raw damage output.

Centered on law and civilization, the Oath of the Crown offers unique tactical options:

• Champion Challenge: Forces enemies to engage the Paladin, protecting allies
• Turn the Tide: Provides moderate party healing

While potentially less consistent than other subclasses, the Crown Paladin shines in urban or politically-focused campaigns.

Specializing in combating extraplanar threats, the Oath of the Watchers provides potent abilities against specific enemy types (aberrations, celestials, elementals, fey, fiends). However, its effectiveness may be limited in campaigns not featuring these threats prominently.

The Oathbreaker subclass, designed for evil-aligned characters, focuses on fear effects, melee damage, and undead control. Notable features include:

• Access to spells like Darkness and Animate Dead
• Scornful Rebuke and Invincible Conqueror for increased offensive capabilities

While potentially powerful, the Oathbreaker's alignment restrictions and complex ability interactions may limit its suitability in some campaigns.

When selecting a Paladin subclass, consider the following factors:

1. Multiclassing potential, particularly with Hexblade warlock for Charisma-based combat optimization
2. Campaign setting and prevalent enemy types
3. Party composition and role fulfillment
4. Personal playstyle preferences

It's worth noting that Paladin subclass capstones are obtained at level 20, which may have limited impact due to multiclassing and the rarity of high-level play.

In conclusion, the most effective Paladin subclasses balance combat prowess with build flexibility and multiclass synergy. While Oath of Vengeance and Oath of Conquest are highly regarded for their offensive and control capabilities, the optimal choice depends on individual playstyle, campaign context, and party dynamics. By carefully considering these factors, players can create a mechanically effective and thematically satisfying Paladin character tailored to their specific D&D 5e experience.