The Divine Arsenal: Choosing the Best Weapon for Your Pathfinder 2e Paladin
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Pathfinder 2e Paladin is a formidable force, a champion of good sworn to uphold justice and vanquish evil. While their divine magic and sturdy armor offer considerable protection and utility, the weapon they wield is the primary means of delivering righteous fury. So, what is the best weapon for a Paladin in Pathfinder 2e? The answer, as with many things in Pathfinder, is nuanced. There isn’t a single “best” weapon; rather, the optimal choice depends on your build, playstyle, and the specific challenges your campaign presents. However, certain weapon types and features consistently prove advantageous for Paladins.
The Core Contenders: Versatile Options
For most Paladins, the best weapons fall into a few core categories, offering a blend of damage, utility, and synergy with the class’s abilities:
- The Longsword: A classic for a reason, the longsword is a martial weapon that deals respectable slashing damage and can be used one- or two-handed. This versatility makes it ideal for adapting to different situations and is widely supported by magic enhancements and feats. Its versatile trait makes it useful against multiple enemy types as well.
- The Greatsword: For Paladins seeking to maximize damage output, the greatsword is a powerhouse. It deals significant slashing damage with a two-handed grip and boasts a decent reach. The sweep trait can also prove useful against weaker groups of foes. The deadly d8 die adds a satisfying potential for large damage spikes with critical hits.
- The Warhammer: The warhammer provides a solid alternative, dealing bludgeoning damage, which is effective against various enemy types, particularly those resistant to slashing. Its shove trait also allows for strategic battlefield control, moving enemies out of position or creating openings for allies.
- The Morningstar: Offering a mix of bludgeoning and piercing damage, the morningstar is a versatile option with the versatile piercing trait. This allows the Paladin to switch between damage types to target enemy weaknesses. Like the warhammer, it can also be wielded one-handed allowing for a shield to be used.
Beyond the Basics: Critical Considerations
While these weapons form a solid foundation, determining the “best” weapon requires more consideration. Factors like magical properties, critical specialization, and personal preference all play a role.
- Magical Runes: In Pathfinder 2e, magical runes are crucial for weapon enhancement. Paladins should prioritize striking runes for increased damage and elemental runes that deal additional energy damage (such as holy, fire, cold, or electricity, depending on their alignment or divine patron).
- Critical Specializations: Each weapon type has a unique critical specialization effect. The effects for longswords, greatswords, warhammers, and morningstars can all be exceptionally useful for Paladins.
- Feats: Consider feats like Divine Ally which allows a Paladin to empower their weapon. Certain feats will work better with different weapon types.
- Shield Use: Paladins can be incredibly effective when using a shield, boosting their defensive capabilities. A one-handed weapon, such as the longsword or morningstar, might be preferred if you prioritize this defensive playstyle.
The Final Verdict: No Single “Best”
Ultimately, the “best” weapon for a Pathfinder 2e Paladin is the one that best suits their individual playstyle and the demands of the campaign. The longsword, greatsword, warhammer, and morningstar offer strong starting points. However, exploring other options like the halberd or bastard sword, and always prioritizing magical runes and critical specializations, can lead to unique and powerful Paladin builds. Experimentation and personal preference are key to finding the weapon that empowers your Paladin to be a true force for good.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a Paladin use any weapon in Pathfinder 2e?
Yes, a Paladin in Pathfinder 2e is proficient with all simple and martial weapons. This means they have a wide array of choices for their preferred tool of combat.
2. Does a Paladin need to be a Strength-based character?
While Strength is a common stat for Paladins to prioritize, it’s not strictly required. Paladins benefit from strong physical stats, but some may opt for a higher Charisma for increased spellcasting effectiveness, potentially using a Finesse based weapon.
3. How important are magical weapons for a Paladin?
Magical weapons are crucial for a Paladin. Striking runes greatly enhance their damage output, and elemental runes can exploit enemy weaknesses. A non-magical weapon is often underperforming at higher levels.
4. What are some good elemental runes for a Paladin?
Holy runes are a natural fit for a Paladin, dealing extra damage to fiends and undead. Fire runes can be effective against creatures vulnerable to fire, while cold runes can be useful against fire-based enemies. The choice of rune often depends on the specific campaign.
5. Should a Paladin use a shield?
Using a shield is an excellent option for a Paladin, significantly improving their defenses. One-handed weapons are ideal for combining offense with a shield.
6. What are the best feats for a Paladin to improve their weapon use?
Feats like Divine Ally, which allows you to empower your weapon with holy power, and Shield Block, which allows for damage reduction, are particularly useful for Paladins. Improved Critical could also be a beneficial feat to consider.
7. What is the critical specialization effect of a longsword?
The longsword’s critical specialization effect causes enemies to bleed on a critical hit, dealing ongoing damage.
8. What is the critical specialization effect of a greatsword?
The greatsword’s critical specialization effect can knock targets prone on a critical hit, potentially causing them to become easier to hit.
9. What is the critical specialization effect of a warhammer?
The warhammer’s critical specialization effect can daze an enemy on a critical hit, making their next turn less effective.
10. What is the critical specialization effect of a morningstar?
The morningstar’s critical specialization effect causes enemies to take a penalty to attack rolls on a critical hit.
11. How do I choose between a two-handed and one-handed weapon?
Two-handed weapons provide higher damage output but do not allow for shield use. One-handed weapons can be used with a shield for enhanced defense, providing a choice between offence and defence.
12. Are there any specific weapons to avoid for a Paladin?
There aren’t any weapons that a Paladin must avoid. The best weapon is very much player preference.
13. Can a Paladin change their chosen weapon later on?
Yes, you can change weapons at any time. Paladins are proficient with all martial and simple weapons, so can switch to an appropriate weapon for the challenges ahead.
14. What role does the Paladin’s chosen deity play in their weapon choice?
While deities don’t dictate specific weapon choices, your deity’s tenets may suggest a preference for certain weapon types (e.g., a war god may favor a powerful greatsword or a tactical hammer, while a god of peace may favor bludgeoning weapons).
15. Does my choice of weapon matter at high levels?
Yes, your choice of weapon continues to matter at high levels. The combination of weapon damage, magical runes, critical specializations, and feats will all impact your combat effectiveness.
By considering all these factors, you can choose the perfect weapon to allow your Paladin to fulfill their heroic destiny in Pathfinder 2e!