The Paladin class is counted among the most powerful classes in BG3. It has four subclasses, each specializing in a particular role. The Oath of Vengeance build is combat-oriented, while the Oath of Devotion build is a support subclass. However, the Oath of Ancients build adds a bit of flavor from the Druid class into the mix in Baldur’s Gate 3.
With spells like Nature’s Wrath, the Oath of Ancients Paladins share a strong connection with nature, and their tenet includes Kindle the Flame through acts of kindness and mercy. They also boast healing properties with a ton of healing spells. This allows them to serve well in a supportive role in the party.
Is Oath of Ancients Paladin any good in BG3?
The Oath of Ancients paladins are masters of utilizing natural energy and forces of good around them. They are great support characters that provide healing and crowd-control when necessary. They can utilize Heavy Armour to absorb a lot of punishment.
However, Oath of the Ancients Paladins lacks firepower when compared to other sub-classes like Oathbreaker. If you ever want to become an Oathbreaker, simply break the rules of the Oath of Ancients by being mean and cruel.
We don’t recommend muti-classing with Oath of Ancients paladin as they keep getting better until level 11 (bonus 1-8 radiant damage per attack).
Starting Abilities and Skills for Oath of Ancients Paladin Build in BG3
The primary abilities of Ancient Paladins are Charisma and Strength, which make them able to communicate better with NPCs and help them in landing accurate hits on targets.
| Class | Paladin | – |
| Sub-Class | Oath of Ancients | – |
| Race | Elf | The best race choice for the Paladin, The Oath of Ancients build will be the Elf. You will get Fey Ancestry, which lets you gain an Advantage on Saving Throws against being Charmed. Similarly, another powerful trait that comes with Elves is Darkvision, allowing them to see in dark areas like the Underdark region. |
| Sub-Race | Wood Elf | Picking Wood Elf as a sub-race will further improve your movement speed. |
| Ability Points Distribution | 16 STR, 16 CHA, 14 CON | Keep the rest at default |
| Skills | Persuasion, Insight | – |
Best Background
Choosing a suitable background is essential as it affects your character’s starting proficiencies after character creation.
The best background choice for the Paladin Oath of Ancients build in Baldur’s Gate 3 is Soldier. They are proficient in Athletics, which is a Strength skill. It helps your character jump higher, cover longer distances, and avoid hazardous areas. Soldier also has Intimidation, a Charisma skill that lets you attempt hostile actions and manipulate whatever you desire.
You can also opt for Outlander as a background to take benefits from its Athletics and Survival skill proficiencies.
Best Feats for Oath of Ancients Paladin Build in Baldur’s Gate 3
Feats act as bonus stats for your character on top of the ones you already have in your arsenal. The game allows you to either take a feat to gain new traits or expertise or go for Ability Improvement every four levels in progression. The latter is simply a method to add a two-point score to your top abilities.
| Level | Feat | Description |
| 4 | Ability Improvement | Invest both points in Charisma skill to bring it up to 18. |
| 8 | Ability Improvement | Once again, go for Charisma skill and max it out at 20. |
| 12 | Savage Attacker | This will allow you to roll your damage die twice and choose the highest value to inflict maximum possible damage on enemies. |
Best Spells for Oath of Ancients Paladin Build in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Oath of Ancient Paladin, build in Baldur’s Gate 3, has some really good spells in its arsenal for combat and dialogue scenarios. Below are some of the best spells to consider while playing as an Oath of Ancients Paladin at different levels.
| Level | Spell | Description |
| 1 | Shield of Faith, Bless, Ensnaring Strike | Shield of Faith increases AC by 2, while Bless gives three creatures 1d4 to attack and damage rolls. With Ensnaring Strike, you will ensnare enemies by invoking thorny plants, making them take 1d8 piercing damage whenever a new turn begins. |
| 2 | Magic Weapon | This level 2 Transmutation spell transforms your normal weapon into a magical one by infusing it with Arcane energy. Now, it will receive a +1 bonus to damage and attack rolls upon usage. |
| 3 | Elemental Weapon, Revivify | This spell increases the attack rolls of our weapon and grants an extra 1d4 damage of your choice. Revivify is a Necromancy spell and is among the most useful level 3 spells regarding party utility and survival. You can bring a companion back to life by casting this spell in a situation. |
Best Armor and Weapons
Our Oath of Ancients build works well with the following gear options.
Weapon: Go with the Pelorsun Blade and work with the Dueling fighting style. This blade inflicts 3-13 piercing damage and is highly effective against undead enemies.
Helm: Wear Haste Helm to get momentum for three turns at the start of combat.
Shield: Choosing a shield such as Abdel’s Trusted Shield would be wise if you selected the Dueling fighting style. It adds an additional +2 to your current armor Class and protects you against missile attacks. Enemies that use melee against you will be knocked back, making them prone.
Gloves: Gloves of the Growling Underdog are a good choice for your handwear. They provide you with an advantage on your attack rolls if two or more enemies surround you. You also get a +1 bonus on strength-saving throws.
Amulet: Absolute’s Talisman, as it provides you an advantage on death-saving throws.
Ring: Emerald Ring. Increases your movement speed by 3m.
Oath of Ancients Paladin Build Level Progression in Baldur’s Gate 3
| Level | Unlocks | Description |
| 1 | Race, Background, and Ability Points Distribution. Healing Radiance sub-class action. | It heals your character and close party members by returning five hit points. |
| 2 | Fighting style selection, Divine Smite spell | Dueling for the best results. Divine Smite lets you deal an extra 2d6 Radiant Damage besides damage from your melee weapons. |
| 3 | Nature’s Wrath action | It blocks an enemy’s movement, reduces their hit accuracy, and makes them vulnerable by invoking primeval forces. |
| 4 | The first Feat unlocks | Ability Improvement to increase your Charisma ability. |
| 5 | Extra Attack class feature | It allows you to make two attacks in one turn. This is a pretty cool feature and lets you eliminate more enemies in a smaller number of turns. |
| 6 | Aura of Protection | It is a Saving Throw bonus for you and your allies. Your enemies will have little chance of damaging you with their hits. |
| 7 | Level 3 spell slot | Select from Searing Smite, Divine Favor, and Lesser Restoration. |
| 8 | The second Feat slot unlocks. | Ability improvement to maximize your Charisma ability. |
| 9 | Revivify and Plant Growth spell | Plant Growth is one of those spells that makes Ancient Paladins different from their counterpart subclasses. This spell allows you to summon weeds in the enemy’s way, reducing their movement speed considerably. |
| 10 | Aura of Courage | It protects you from getting Frightened. In this way, enemies won’t be able to immobilize you in combat. |
| 11 | Improved Divine Smite, Level 3 Spell slot | Allows you to deal 1d8 Radiant damage in addition to your melee weapon damage. |
| 12 | The final Feat slot unlocks | Savage Attacker to inflict the highest possible damage on your enemies. |
