Since release, one class in Baldur’s Gate 3 consistently stands out: the Paladin. The holy warriors are not only extremely popular, but they also create strong builds time and again. A fan cannot quite understand where the popularity comes from and asks about it.
This is the most popular class:
- Shortly after the release of Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian published some statistics, which show, among other things, the class choices of the players.
- The result back then: by far, the most players play as a Paladin. Clerics are the least popular class, even though they have some of the strongest builds in the game.
- The beloved companion Minthara is, by the way, a Paladin.
In our special, you can find all classes and races overview.
What makes Paladins so good? Already in the tier list of the best classes in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Paladin is rated as an S-tier. Except for one specialization, every alignment is incredibly strong. This is mainly due to two mechanics: Smite and Auras.
Smite are different spells with varying effects that are only available to Paladins. They amplify the next attack, resulting in sometimes absurd damage numbers, sometimes with additional effects. An underrated talent makes the spells even stronger. Auras, on the other hand, provide passive buffs for the entire group, significantly improving saving throws.
MyMMO author Fabienne Kissel has already analyzed in detail why the Paladin is so popular. In addition to their high damage output, they wear heavy armor and can take a lot of hits. They are tanks that can also deal significant damage.
However, there is one aspect that is unanimously considered a huge advantage even in the community: Paladins have a lot of charisma. And that is particularly important for players in a computer role-playing game. Users explain this on Reddit.
The face of the group and holy bonks
The character with the highest charisma is usually the “face of the group.” They can better convince, intimidate, or persuade NPCs. In Baldur’s Gate 3, characters with high charisma can even shop for cheaper prices.
At the table with pen & paper equipment, this has less weight, as you are playing as a group. However, if you are playing solo, which often happens in Baldur’s Gate 3, it is of course desirable for your “main character” to take the lead. This is reflected in the statistics, where the most popular classes are all charisma classes:
- Paladin
- Wizard
- Warlock
- Rogue (the only exception)
- Bard
Only after that do other classes follow. On Reddit, users also explain that Paladins have enormous role-playing potential – solely due to their oaths. In Baldur’s Gate 3, it is quite easy to accidentally break your oath and thus unlock a “secret” class. So as a Paladin, you have to be extremely careful about how you actually play the game and whom you threaten.
Of course, there are also the known advantages: can take a lot of damage, deal a lot of damage, and is useful for the group. However, it is said that it is easier to play the class itself to understand why it is so popular. Pure explanations would not do justice to the Paladin.
The Paladin is thus something like the perfect all-rounder – only in one aspect does it lag behind. Other classes have access to more and stronger spells. Therefore, MyMMO editor and D&D nerd Benedict Grothaus says: The truly best class in Baldur’s Gate 3 can simply do everything
