Can Oathbreaker Still Smite in Baldur’s Gate 3? The Fallen Knight’s Arsenal
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Yes, an Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3 can still smite, but not with the Divine Smite you might expect. Instead, they gain access to Unholy Smite. This darker version uses the same mechanics, expending spell slots to deal additional necrotic damage on a successful melee weapon attack, reflecting their corrupted oath and embrace of shadow magic.
Understanding the Oathbreaker Paladin in BG3
The Oathbreaker is a unique Paladin subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3, representing a fallen knight who has forsaken their sacred oath. This transgression grants them access to different powers and abilities compared to their more righteous counterparts. While they lose access to certain holy spells and features associated with their original oath, they gain access to unholy alternatives that emphasize damage, crowd control, and even control over undead. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics and viability of this compelling subclass.
The Core Mechanics of Unholy Smite
Unlike the standard Paladin who channels divine power for Divine Smite, the Oathbreaker calls upon necrotic energies. The functionality remains largely the same. Upon hitting a creature with a melee weapon attack, the Oathbreaker can choose to expend a Paladin spell slot. Doing so adds necrotic damage to the attack in addition to the weapon’s normal damage. The amount of damage increases with the level of the spell slot expended, making it a potent tool for burst damage.
The key difference is the damage type. Necrotic damage is particularly effective against certain enemy types and can provide a strategic advantage in specific encounters. However, it’s crucial to remember that some creatures resist or are immune to necrotic damage, requiring a more tactical approach to combat.
Oathbreaker Abilities: Beyond the Smite
While Unholy Smite is a significant component of the Oathbreaker’s arsenal, the subclass offers a range of other powerful abilities that define its playstyle:
- Spiteful Suffering: A potent necrotic damage spell that can debuff enemies, hindering their combat effectiveness.
- Control Undead: Grants the ability to command undead creatures, turning them into temporary allies.
- Dreadful Aspect: A powerful crowd control ability that frightens enemies, making them easier to manage in chaotic battles.
- Aura of Hate: This passive aura boosts the damage of nearby fiends and undead, and significantly, also boosts your own melee damage.
These abilities combine to create a Paladin subclass that excels at dealing damage, controlling the battlefield, and manipulating the forces of darkness.
Why Choose the Oathbreaker?
The Oathbreaker presents a compelling option for players who want a Paladin that breaks from tradition. Here’s a brief summary of why this dark subclass might be the right choice for you:
- High Damage Output: With Unholy Smite and other offensive abilities, the Oathbreaker can deal significant damage, especially when exploiting weaknesses to necrotic damage.
- Crowd Control: Abilities like Dreadful Aspect and Control Undead provide excellent crowd control options, allowing you to manage large groups of enemies effectively.
- Unique Playstyle: The Oathbreaker offers a distinct playstyle compared to other Paladin subclasses, focusing on damage, control, and dark magic.
- Story Potential: Playing as an Oathbreaker opens up unique roleplaying opportunities, allowing you to explore themes of corruption, redemption, and the struggle between good and evil. Curiously, the Baldur’s Gate 3 story doesn’t seem to treat Oathbreaker Paladins as intrinsically evil.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into the Oathbreaker
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3, providing more context and clarity for prospective players:
1. Can I multiclass as an Oathbreaker?
Yes, you can multiclass as an Oathbreaker. Common and effective multiclass options include Warlock (for additional spellcasting and eldritch invocations) and Sorcerer (for metamagic options that can enhance your smites and spells).
2. What happens if I accidentally break my Oath?
If you accidentally break your oath, you’ll be visited by an Oathbreaker Knight who will inform you of your fallen status and grant you the Oathbreaker subclass.
3. Can I redeem myself and restore my original Oath?
Yes, it is possible to restore your original Oath by paying gold to the Oathbreaker Knight. This will reset your subclass and allow you to choose a different Oath.
4. Is the Oathbreaker Paladin considered an “evil” class?
While Oathbreakers channel dark magic and often embrace morally ambiguous choices, they are not inherently evil. You can play an Oathbreaker with a complex moral code, seeking redemption or using their powers for the greater good in their own twisted way.
5. Does the Aura of Hate affect my companions?
The Aura of Hate affects all fiends and undead within its radius, including hostile creatures and potentially your summons, as well as you. Keep this in mind when positioning your party in combat.
6. How does Unholy Smite compare to Divine Smite in terms of damage?
The base damage of Unholy Smite is comparable to Divine Smite, scaling with the spell slot level used. The main difference is the damage type (necrotic vs. radiant), which can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the enemy.
7. What are the best feats for an Oathbreaker Paladin?
Popular feat choices for Oathbreakers include Great Weapon Master (for increased damage), Polearm Master (for additional attacks), and Savage Attacker (for more consistent damage output).
8. How does Charisma affect the Oathbreaker Paladin?
Charisma is crucial for Oathbreakers as it governs their spellcasting ability, including the effectiveness of Unholy Smite and other spells.
9. Can I use Divine Smite if I multiclass out of Oathbreaker?
If you restore your Oath or multiclass out of Oathbreaker, you will regain access to Divine Smite if you meet the requirements of another Paladin subclass.
10. Are there any unique dialogue options for Oathbreakers?
Yes, playing as an Oathbreaker can unlock unique dialogue options related to your fallen status, interactions with other characters, and your perspective on morality.
11. Does the Oathbreaker subclass have any impact on my companions’ approval?
Yes, your actions as an Oathbreaker can influence your companions’ approval, especially those with strong moral convictions. Some companions may disapprove of your darker choices.
12. Is the Oathbreaker subclass good for beginners?
The Oathbreaker can be slightly more challenging for beginners due to the need to manage resources effectively and understand enemy vulnerabilities. However, with a bit of practice, it can be a rewarding and powerful subclass.
13. What kind of weapons and armor should an Oathbreaker use?
Oathbreakers, like other Paladins, can use a variety of weapons and armor. Greatswords, mauls, and polearms are popular choices for maximizing damage output. Heavy armor is essential for survivability.
14. How do I trigger the Oathbreaking event?
The triggers for breaking your oath vary depending on the specific Oath you took. Generally, actions that contradict the tenets of your Oath will lead to breaking it.
15. How can I learn more about the mechanics of Baldur’s Gate 3?
For a deeper understanding of game mechanics, character builds, and strategy, resources like game wikis, online forums, and communities dedicated to Baldur’s Gate 3 are invaluable. Also, consider exploring research on game-based learning, such as the work done by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
The Oathbreaker Paladin is a powerful and engaging subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3, offering a unique blend of damage, control, and dark magic. With careful planning and a willingness to embrace the shadows, you can forge a formidable and unforgettable character.