The Ultimate 5e Paladin Build Guide for 2024

In the realm of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, the paladin class stands as a paragon of divine might and martial prowess. As we venture into 2024, optimizing a 5e paladin build with the new rules in mind is important. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to forge an unassailable paladin, capable of smiting foes, shielding allies, and dominating the battlefield with unparalleled efficiency.

The paladin class uniquely melds martial combat skills with divine spellcasting, creating a versatile character archetype. Optimal paladin play hinges on balancing offensive output, defensive resilience, and supportive capabilities for their party. This hybrid nature allows paladins to adapt to various combat scenarios, making them indispensable team assets.

We have a dedicated article on picking the best race to use for your paladin in 2024, but we'll provide some basic suggestions here.

Race selection significantly impacts a paladin's effectiveness. While personal preference and campaign setting should be considered, certain races offer mechanical advantages that synergize exceptionally well with paladin abilities:

1. Aasimar: Thematically appropriate and mechanically robust, Aasimar provide Charisma bonuses and potent racial abilities that complement a paladin's divine essence.
2. Variant Human: The additional feat at first level can accelerate build development, granting early access to powerful options like Polearm Master or Great Weapon Master.
3. Half-Elf: Offering a +2 to Charisma and two +1s to other ability scores, Half-Elves provide a well-rounded statistical increase and additional proficiencies, enhancing paladin versatility.

The Aasimar race stands out for its thematic congruence and powerful abilities that align seamlessly with a paladin's divine calling.

Prioritizing ability scores is crucial for paladin optimization. The primary focus should be on Strength, Charisma, and Constitution:

• Strength: Crucial for melee attack rolls and damage. Aim for an initial score of 16 or higher.
• Charisma: Powers spellcasting, auras, and numerous class features. A starting score of 16 or above is ideal.
• Constitution: Enhances hit points and concentration saves. A minimum of 14 is recommended.

A typical starting array might be: Strength: 16, Dexterity: 10, Constitution: 14, Intelligence: 8, Wisdom: 10, Charisma: 16

Prioritize increasing Strength and Charisma to 20 through Ability Score Improvements, with Constitution as a secondary focus.

Your Paladin Oath defines your character's focus and grants unique abilities. While all oaths have merits, three stand out in 2024 for their power and versatility:

The Oath of Vengeance excels in single-target damage and pursuit. Its Channel Divinity options provide advantage against a specific foe or prevent enemy escape. The oath spells, including Hunter's Mark and Haste, significantly enhance damage output and mobility.

Key features:

• Vow of Enmity allows you to focus down key targets during battle
• Relentless Avenger gives you serious CC advantages utilising your opportunity attack
• Aura of Vengeance at 20th level for incredible mobility for a melee class.

See our full article on optimising your Paladin for an Oath of Vengeance build.

For those seeking battlefield control, the Oath of Conquest offers unparalleled crowd management through fear effects. This oath excels in area denial and can immobilize entire groups of enemies.

Standout abilities:

• Conquering Presence to instill fear in multiple targets
• Aura of Conquest to damage and immobilize frightened enemies
• Scornful Rebuke to punish attackers

In campaigns featuring extraplanar threats or abundant spellcasters, the Oath of Watchers provides exceptional defensive capabilities and support options.

Notable features:

• Watcher's Will to enhance saving throws against magic
• Aura of the Sentinel to improve party initiative
• Vigilant Rebuke to counter enemy spells and abilities

Feats can dramatically enhance a paladin's capabilities. Top choices for 2024 include:

This feat offers a substantial damage increase at the cost of accuracy. It's particularly effective when combined with sources of advantage or against low-AC targets. The bonus action attack on critical hits or kills synergizes well with Divine Smite for explosive damage turns.

PAM grants an additional bonus action attack and a reaction attack when enemies enter reach. This feat significantly increases damage per round and provides excellent synergy with other paladin abilities.

Sentinel enhances battlefield control, allowing paladins to halt enemy movement and protect allies more effectively. It's especially potent when combined with PAM, creating a formidable zone of control.

The choice between two-handed weapons and sword-and-shield setups depends on desired playstyle:

• Two-handed weapons: Offer higher damage potential, especially when combined with GWM. Greatswords and glaives are popular choices.
• Sword and shield: Provides enhanced defense with a +2 AC bonus from the shield. This setup works well with the Dueling fighting style for balanced offense and defense.

Heavy armor typically provides the optimal protection for paladins, offering the highest AC without requiring Dexterity investment.

Divine Smite, a paladin's signature ability, can turn ordinary hits into devastating blows. To optimize its use:

• Reserve highest-level spell slots for critical hits to maximize smite damage.
• Against formidable foes or undead/fiends, consider smiting on every successful hit.
• Use smite spells judiciously, as they require concentration and compete with other potent buff spells.

While a pure paladin is formidable, strategic multiclassing can elevate character potency:

A 1-3 level dip into Hexblade Warlock offers:

• Charisma-based weapon attacks, allowing focus on Charisma and Constitution
• Access to the Shield spell and Eldritch Blast for ranged options
• Short rest spell slots for more frequent smiting

Combining Paladin (typically 6-7 levels) with Sorcerer (often Divine Soul) provides:

• Expanded spell list and metamagic options
• Increased spell slots for smiting and utility
• Ability to quicken spells for nova rounds

Essential spells for paladins include:

• 1st level: Bless, Shield of Faith
• 2nd level: Find Steed, Aid
• 3rd level: Revivify, Aura of Vitality
• 4th level: Find Greater Steed, Banishment

Utilize Channel Divinity options strategically, often as a precursor to a full attack routine or to control the battlefield.

Effective paladin play revolves around:

• Positioning to maximize Aura of Protection benefits for allies
• Utilizing high AC and hit points to protect vulnerable party members
• Balancing damage output (against boss enemies) with tanking (when protecting allies)

Critical magic items for paladins include:

• Holy Avenger (for unparalleled damage and utility)
• Cloak of Protection (stacks with auras for exceptional saves)
• Belt of Giant Strength (allows focus on Charisma while maintaining high Strength)

A recommended progression for an optimized paladin:

1. Begin with 6-7 levels in Paladin to secure Extra Attack and Aura of Protection
2. Consider a 1-3 level dip in Hexblade Warlock or 3-5 levels in Sorcerer
3. Return to Paladin for higher-level oath features and improved auras

Key power spikes occur at levels 5 (Extra Attack), 6 (Aura of Protection), and 11 (Improved Divine Smite).

While mechanical optimization is crucial, a truly exceptional paladin comes to life through roleplaying. Incorporate oath tenets into decision-making processes, and allow your divine calling to influence interactions with the world. Consider how your character's power affects their perspective and relationships with others.

By adhering to this guide, you'll create a paladin that not only excels in combat but also brings depth and excitement to your D&D adventures in 2024. Remember, the most effective build is one that you enjoy playing and that complements your group's dynamic. May your smites be devastating and your faith unshakeable as you embark on your heroic journey