Can Paladins Use Cantrips? Unpacking the Divine Knight’s Magical Prowess in D&D 5E

The short, definitive answer is: no, Paladins, by default, do not have access to cantrips in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5E). They are a half-caster class, focusing on a blend of martial combat and divine magic through spells that consume spell slots. However, as with many aspects of D&D, there are exceptions and workarounds that allow a Paladin to gain access to these at-will magical effects. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this design choice and explore the possibilities.

Why No Cantrips for Paladins?

The omission of cantrips from the Paladin class is a deliberate design decision related to balancing the class’s overall power and role within a party. Paladins, along with Rangers, are half-casters. This means they gain access to spells, but only up to 5th level.

Half-Caster Class Features

As a half-caster, paladins’ power is intentionally split between martial prowess and spellcasting, meaning they don’t get the high-level spells that full casters (like Wizards or Clerics) receive. To compensate for this lack of high-level spells, Paladins receive strong class features like:

• Divine Smite: A significant damage boost to weapon attacks using spell slots.
• Auras: Provide buffs and protective effects to the Paladin and nearby allies.
• Lay on Hands: A pool of healing power that can be used to restore hit points or cure diseases and poisons.
• Fighting Style: Early access to a fighting style, making them formidable warriors.

The lack of cantrips is a trade-off for these powerful abilities. Giving Paladins cantrips would potentially make them overpowered, diluting their specific strengths and stepping on the toes of other classes. It’s a question of identity; Paladins are meant to be martial warriors bolstered by impactful, but limited, magical intervention, not dabblers in minor magical effects.

Role and Theme

The Paladin’s core concept revolves around being a holy warrior, not a spell-slinging mage. Their divine magic is typically expressed through impactful spells that augment their combat abilities or provide healing and protection to allies. The absence of cantrips reinforces this theme, emphasizing that their magic is a significant resource to be used strategically, rather than a constant, readily available tool. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is a community that explores how games can be used for education and personal development, something that is easily seen in D&D.

The Magic Initiate Feat: A Cantrip Loophole

While Paladins don’t naturally have cantrips, the Magic Initiate feat provides a way for them to acquire them. This feat allows a character to learn two cantrips and one 1st-level spell from a spell list of another class (Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, Warlock, or Wizard).

Strategic Cantrip Choices

If a Paladin chooses the Magic Initiate feat, careful consideration should be given to the cantrips selected. Some good options include:

• Guidance (Cleric/Druid): Provides a bonus to ability checks, useful both in and out of combat.
• Sacred Flame (Cleric): Deals radiant damage, which is rarely resisted.
• Eldritch Blast (Warlock): A powerful ranged damage option, though it thematically might not fit all Paladins.
• Minor Illusion (Sorcerer/Warlock/Wizard/Bard): Offers significant utility for deception and problem-solving.

Considerations and Trade-offs

Taking the Magic Initiate feat comes at the cost of other potential feats or ability score improvements. Therefore, a Paladin player needs to weigh the benefits of having cantrips against the other options available to them. It’s a matter of personal preference and playstyle. If the Paladin wants added utility and versatility, it might be worth it.

Cantrips in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)

Baldur’s Gate 3, being based on D&D 5E rules, largely follows the same principles. However, game adaptations sometimes introduce changes for balance or gameplay reasons.

Paladin Changes in BG3

In BG3, Paladins generally still don’t have cantrips by default. The Magic Initiate feat functions similarly, allowing them to gain access through that route. It’s important to check the specific details of feats and class features within the game’s ruleset, as they may differ slightly from the Player’s Handbook.

FAQs: Paladins and Cantrips

1. Can Paladins use cantrips?

No, Paladins do not inherently have cantrips. They are a half-caster class focusing on spells and martial combat.

2. How can a Paladin learn cantrips?

A Paladin can learn cantrips by taking the Magic Initiate feat. This allows them to choose two cantrips from another class’s spell list.

3. Why don’t Paladins get cantrips?

The lack of cantrips is a balancing factor. Paladins have strong class features like Divine Smite and Auras, which compensate for not having 6th+ level spells or at-will magical effects.

4. What are good cantrip choices for a Paladin using Magic Initiate?

Good options include Guidance, Sacred Flame, Eldritch Blast, and Minor Illusion, depending on the Paladin’s playstyle and role in the party.

5. Do Paladins need a holy symbol to cast cantrips gained through Magic Initiate?

This depends on the cantrip. If the cantrip requires a material component, a spellcasting focus or component pouch is needed.

6. Can Paladins cast cantrips in battle?

Yes, any character can cast cantrips in battle as an action, including Paladins who have acquired them through the Magic Initiate feat.

7. Can Paladins cast two cantrips in one turn?

Yes, if a Paladin casts a spell of 1st level or higher (or a cantrip) as a bonus action, they can still cast a cantrip as their action.

8. Do Paladins have to pick a god to gain spells?

While many Paladins serve a god, the source of their power and spells is often derived from their oath itself rather than directly from a deity.

9. What is the best Paladin spell?

There’s no single “best” spell, as it depends on the situation and the Paladin’s role. Revivify, Bless, and Aura of Protection are generally considered strong choices.

10. Can Paladins cast spells without a holy symbol?

Many Paladin spells require a divine focus. Without a holy symbol, the Paladin can’t cast those spells.

11. What spells are Paladins immune to?

A Paladin is immune to all disease. That includes spells like Harm and Contagion, which inflict disease effects.

12. Can cantrips be cast infinitely?

Yes, any character can cast any cantrips they know at will and an unlimited number of times, unless the feature that lets them cast it specifically says otherwise.

13. Are cantrips worth it for a Paladin?

Whether cantrips are “worth it” depends on the player’s preference. They offer versatility and utility but come at the cost of a feat or multiclass level that could be used for other benefits.

14. Can you cantrip twice?

Well, yes. You can’t cast two spells of 1st-level or higher in the same turn, but you can cast as many cantrips as you have actions for. If you cast a spell of 1st-level or higher – or a cantrip – as a bonus action, you can still cast a cantrip as your action.

15. Who can use cantrips 5e?

Any character can cast any cantrips they know at will and an unlimited number of times, unless the feature that lets them cast it specifically says otherwise.

In conclusion, while Paladins don’t intrinsically possess cantrips, the Magic Initiate feat offers a path to acquire them. Whether that path is worth taking depends on the player’s desired playstyle and how they want to balance their Paladin’s martial prowess with magical versatility. Consider how feats interact with the class to shape the story.