If you’ve chosen to tread the path of the Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3, it’s a pretty awesome choice, considering how powerful the Paladin class is in this epic RPG. But within this class, you need to take an oath that greatly shapes your journey. But only for that, you’ve sworn a vow doesn’t imply you’re bound to it forever. Yes, that’s right! If you want some change or are just curious about how things might turn out differently, you can break your oath and become an Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3.
What is an Oathbreaker in Baldur’s Gate 3?
In BG3, becoming an Oathbreaker doesn’t automatically slap a big “evil” label on your character. It’s not like you’re suddenly sprouting horns or laughing maniacally every chance you get. An Oathbreaker is just a Paladin who’s decided to, well, break their oath and walk down a new path, forging their unique standards.
Have you ever had a moment where you knew what you were “supposed” to do, but another choice felt more, I don’t know, right? That’s the crossroad where your Paladin might stand. There’ll be situations in Baldur’s Gate 3 where your oath might push you in one direction, but your gut pulls you another way. Choosing to follow your gut? That’s where the Oathbreaker journey begins. But, fair warning: spotting these moments might be a bit tricky. Don’t stress, though! We are here to help you navigate through them.
The Scenarios that Can Lead to Become an Oathbreaker Paladin
You may probably wonder, “How exactly do I become one?” The transformation isn’t about clicking a button or choosing an option from a drop-down menu, it’s a bit more nuanced than that. Imagine you’re knee-deep in a quest, and a wild moral dilemma appears. Maybe it’s choosing between saving a village or pursuing an evil sorcerer, or perhaps it’s deciding whether to trust a mysterious stranger with a dark past. These are the moments that truly test your Paladin’s oath.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, you’ll come across such nail-biting scenarios that can lead you down the Oathbreaker path. Some decisions may be more obvious than others, but they let you stop and think, or even second-guess, your current course of action. It’s like when you’re watching a movie, and you’re yelling at the screen, “Don’t go into that creepy house!” But in this game, you are the protagonist, and sometimes the creepy house is just too tempting.
How to Become an Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3
Each oath you might take as a Paladin has its own flavor, its own vibe. And, just like any good recipe, there’s a specific way to, well, mess it up if you’re aiming to break it.
- Oath of the Ancients: This one’s about fighting for the light, preserving life, and appreciating nature’s beauty. Basically, you’re like a cosmic eco-warrior. To toss this oath aside, you’ve got to:
- Go all rogue and, you know, take down an innocent.
- Give a free pass to goblin, Sazza, over at Emerald Grove.
- Play the villain by taking down both the Owlbear and its cute little cub in Owlbear Cave.
- By utilizing Auntie Ethel‘s wand and, against all advice, returning the dead husband of Mayrina back to life.
- And there’s the whole business of ending the life of Tiefling Pandima at Emerald Grove.
- Oath of Devotion: Think shining armor, valiant knight, all that jazz. Protect the weak, chase after the strong, and stay honorable. But if you’re looking to stray:
- Maybe get a little dark and decide to torture poor Liam, who’s in a pretty tight spot at the Shattered Sanctum in the Goblin Camp.
- Betray the Goblin Camp once you’ve persuaded Minthara that Emerald Grove is off-limits.
- After your accident on the shore, get rid of all those Tieflings who captured Lae’zel.
- Allow the Arka to murder Sazza in Emerald Grove.
- Or, you know, just go around flexing your might against those who can’t stand up to you.
- Oath of Vengeance: This one’s intense; it’s about delivering justice, no matter the cost. Your mission is to punish the evil characters, without bothering about their sob stories. If you want to shake things up:
- Again, that goblin Sazza in Emerald Grove? Let her roam free here as well.
Although, word on the street is there might be more cases to break this pledge as you journey further in Baldur’s Gate 3.
These are just the tip of the oath-breaking iceberg. Every decision you make carries weight, and before you know it, you might just find yourself at the Oathbreaker crossroads.
Encountering the Oathbreaker Paladin
Let’s say you’ve gone ahead and gotten rid of that oath: after you’ve done the deed, you’re in for a cinematic treat in which The Oathbreaker Knight will make a grand appearance. And then comes the invite and the next time you decide to kick back and take a long rest, the Oathbreaker Paladin will be available around your camp, waiting for a chat. He’s got some useful details about his past and some profound insights into the life of an Oathbreaker.
Here’s where you’re at a crossroads again: you can embrace this new rebel life, get some Oathbreaker powers, and strut around with newfound abilities. Or, if you’re having second thoughts, there’s a way out. A small fee which will cost 1000 gold, and you’re back on the straight and narrow, oath restored. But if the shady Oathbreaker path is beckoning to you, you should go headfirst into this exciting fresh challenge and try to shock opponents with your exceptional Paladin skills. Whatever you decide, it’s all a part of the wild ride that is Baldur’s Gate 3.
What’s the Role of an Oathbreaker in BG3?
Being an Oathbreaker isn’t just about going rogue and being all “I’m too cool for oaths now.” It’s a different ballgame. Gone are your trusty holy spells, replaced by something… darker unholy magic. Remember how you used to be this solid blend of support, dishing out buffs, and then jumping into the frontline with your sword? As an Oathbreaker, you’re pivoting more towards the “damage-dealer” persona. Think less about slaying the undead and more about recruiting them to your team. Moreover, you have got your iconic Divine Smite.
If you’ve ever glanced over at the Warlocks and thought, “Hey, their sword-and-sorcery combo looks fun,” you’re in for a treat. Oathbreakers are kinda like the dark, edgy cousins of Warlocks. With that, you can slash enemies with your weapon and then hit them with some creepy Necrotic spell.
