Should You Become an Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)?

If you’re at a crucial juncture in Baldur’s Gate 3, trying to pick a class and maybe even dabbling into the world of subclasses, the choices can be mind-boggling, with each class offering its flavor and playstyle. And if you’re leaning towards the path of a Paladin, then there’s an intriguing subclass that might have caught your eye: the Oathbreaker. It’s not like your typical Paladin, this guide talks about this dark and mysterious subclass and see if it’s the right fit for your BG3 journey.

How to Unlock the Oathbreaker Subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3?

You won’t see the Oathbreaker subclass when you first roll a Paladin in BG3. First things first, to even get a whiff of the Oathbreaker’s dark allure, you’d need to break your Paladin oath. It’s a journey from the light to the shadows.

So, when you’re starting with your Paladin, you’ll have a few oaths (or subclasses) to choose from:

1. Oath of the Ancients
2. Oath of Vengeance
3. Oath of Devotion

Choose one, but remember, if you’re planning to become the Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3, you’ll need to intentionally shatter this chosen oath later on.

Once you’ve done the (un)thinkable and broken your oath, a mysterious figure known as the Oathbreaker Knight will appear. And let me tell you, this dude’s got history! He was a Paladin who also broke his oath many moons ago. When he appears, he gives you the dramatic choice: either seek redemption and return to the light or dive deeper into the shadows and completely commit to the Oathbreaker subclass.

And if you take the plunge, you’ll find yourself reshaping your Paladin’s abilities, selecting from a range of new and darker spells and powers exclusive to the Oathbreaker.

Features and Spells of the Oathbreaker Paladin

If you’ve made the daring choice to turn to the dark side (or should I say the “dark knight” side), let’s discuss the nice stuff that makes being an Oathbreaker so unique. First off, the Oathbreaker Paladin in BG3 isn’t only a slightly modified version of the other Paladin subclasses. The spells and abilities that come with the Oathbreaker are distinct and pack quite a punch.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll get to play with as an Oathbreaker:

• Level 1: You start with Spiteful Suffering.
• Level 3: You get Control Undead, Dreadful Aspect, and two fab Oath Spells: Hellish Rebuke and Inflict Wounds. Yes, it’s as wicked as it sounds.
• Level 5: You get to add Crown of Madness and Darkness to your Oath Spell repertoire.
• Level 7: Here comes the Aura of Hate – a little bit of a mood, if you ask me.
• Level 9: Rounding things off, you get Bestow Curse and Animate Dead as your Oath Spells. Yes, you’re practically a necromancer at this point.

Even though you’ve got a whole new set of strong abilities, you still need to progress in your spells just like any Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3. So you’re not missing out on the general Paladin goodies; you’re adding a sprinkle (or maybe a downpour?) of darkness to the mix. So, all these new magic and tricks? They’re bound to make your adventures in Baldur’s Gate 3 a wild ride. Just remember to use them wisely, or, you know, wreak havoc. Your choice!

What is the Role of the Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3?

You’ve got the spells, the powers, and the backstory, but let’s break down what this actually means when you’re knee-deep in goblin troubles and dungeon dilemmas. So, how does the Oathbreaker stack up against the other Paladin subclasses in this game?

1. Damage Dealer Deluxe: First off, the Oathbreaker ain’t your home’s Paladin. Instead of singing Kumbaya around a campfire and blessing everyone, you’re more about getting in the thick of it and dishing out the damage. Spells like Inflict Wounds, Hellish Rebuke, Control Undead, and Animate Dead are all about making things go extreme in various fun and dark ways.
2. Healer? Maybe Not So Much: Remember that classic Paladin move, Lay on Hands, it’s where you channel your inner healer vibes and help out your comrades. Well, as an Oathbreaker, you’re trading in your healer’s hat for more of a damage-caster crown. So if your party’s strategy relies on you being the main medic, maybe reconsider this dark path—or at least make sure you have another healer in your crew.
3. Team Dynamics: If you’ve already got a healer (or two) and are looking for someone to add a bit more firepower to your team, the Oathbreaker is perfect. Moreover, with the Smite ability still in your inventory, you’re not only a one-trick pony. You can adapt to different situations, keeping enemies on their toes.
4. Party Composition: Think of the Oathbreaker as that spicy ingredient in a dish. It can be the star of the show, but you’ve got to balance it out with the right flavors (or, in this case, party members). If everyone is a damage dealer, who’s gonna keep the party alive when things get dicey?

Should You Become an Oathbreaker Paladin or Not?

To be an Oathbreaker or not in Baldur’s Gate 3, that’s the big question. Remember, gaming is all about exploring, experimenting, and enjoying the narrative twists and turns. Maybe the Oathbreaker is the edgy Paladin you’ve always dreamt of playing. Or perhaps you’ve read all this and thought, “Nah, I’ll stick to my sunshine-and-rainbows Paladin vibes.”

In BG3, you’ll find these tantalizing, heart-pounding situations that may drive you down the Oathbreaker road. Many choices seem more clear-cut than others, but even those give you pause to consider alternative options. It’s like being in a movie and wanting to scream, “Don’t go into that creepy place!” However, you play the main character in this game, and there will be times when the haunted mansion looks too good to pass up.

Whichever path you choose, the beauty of Baldur’s Gate 3 is that there’s no one-size-fits-all – it’s your adventure, your story. And whether you’re wielding the powers of darkness or shining as a beacon of light, there’s a world of epic battles, tricky choices, and unforgettable moments waiting for you in the game storyline.