Baldur’s Gate 3 Paladin Multiclass Guide: Sorcadin, Bard and Beyond

Key Takeaways

1. Multiclassing Paladin with Sorcerer (Sorcadin) or Bard adds massive versatility and firepower, capitalizing on Divine Smite and expanded spell slots.
2. Equipment such as the Helldusk Armor and Balduran’s Giantslayer amplifies survivability and damage for multiclass builds.
3. Paladin multiclassing enhances combat prowess, roleplay potential, and party support, making it a fan-favorite option in Baldur’s Gate 3.

The Paladin class in Baldur’s Gate 3 is the quintessential jack-of-all-trades: a durable frontline tank, a powerful spellcaster, and a charismatic party leader rolled into one. But as mighty as they are, even Paladins can be improved through multiclassing. By combining the Paladin with another class, you can shore up their weaknesses, expand their arsenal, and create one of the strongest builds in the game.

This comprehensive guide dives into the best Paladin multiclass options, with a focus on the popular Sorcadin build, as well as alternatives like the Paladin/Bard hybrid and Paladin/Warlock. Whether you’re looking for unmatched damage, spellcasting versatility, or party utility, this guide will help you craft the ultimate Paladin multiclass build.

Why Multiclass the Paladin?

At its core, the Paladin is a well-rounded class that excels in melee combat, healing, and buffing allies. However, it does have a few limitations:

• Limited spell slots: Paladins don’t gain as many spell slots as full casters, which can cap their potential for frequent Divine Smites.
• Damage scaling: While Paladins deal excellent early-game damage, they fall slightly behind at higher levels compared to dedicated martial or spellcaster classes.
• Lack of ranged options: Without multiclassing, Paladins struggle to deal significant damage from a distance.

Multiclassing allows the Paladin to retain their powerful early-game features like Divine Smite and Heavy Armor Proficiency while gaining spell slots, utility, or extra attacks from another class.

Best Multiclass Builds for Paladins

1. Sorcadin: The Paladin/Sorcerer Powerhouse

The Sorcadin is one of the most iconic multiclass builds in Baldur’s Gate 3. It leverages the Sorcerer’s high spell slot progression, Metamagic, and Charisma synergy to fuel the Paladin’s devastating Divine Smites. This build turns you into an unstoppable smiting machine, combining heavy armor with powerful spellcasting.

Core Build Features

• Divine Smite Synergy: Use the Sorcerer’s extra spell slots to smite enemies more frequently.
• Metamagic Mastery: Metamagics like Twinned Spell and Quickened Spell expand your combat options, breaking the action economy.
• Toughness and Utility: The Paladin’s durability compensates for the Sorcerer’s squishiness, while the Sorcerer’s spell list adds versatility.

Optimal Sorcadin Leveling Path

The best Sorcadin build involves a mix of Paladin and Sorcerer levels. Here are two main options:

Option 1: Paladin-Focused (6 Paladin / 6 Sorcerer)

This route gives you the core Paladin features while maximizing your spellcasting power:

• Level 1-6: Start as a Paladin to gain Heavy Armor Proficiency, Divine Smite, and Aura of Protection (level 6).
• Level 7-12: Transition into Sorcerer, unlocking Sorcery Points, Metamagic (Twinned Spell + Quickened Spell), and powerful spells like Haste.

Option 2: Sorcerer-Focused (2 Paladin / 10 Sorcerer)

This variant focuses on higher-level spells and Metamagic:

• Level 1-2: Start as a Paladin for Divine Smite and Heavy Armor Proficiency.
• Level 3-12: Switch to Sorcerer to maximize spell slot progression and unlock high-level spells like Fireball or Counterspell.

Recommended Sorcerer Subclasses

• Draconic Bloodline: Adds extra durability through bonus HP and AC.
• Wild Magic: Offers unpredictable but sometimes game-changing effects. Avoid on higher difficulties.
• Storm Sorcery: Grants mobility and thematic synergy with the Paladin.

Combat Tips for Sorcadin

• Use Quickened Spell to cast Hold Person or Haste as a Bonus Action, then land a Divine Smite critical hit for massive damage.
• Use Twinned Spell to buff allies with Haste or debuff multiple enemies with Hold Person.
• Rely on your Aura of Protection to bolster saving throws for the entire party.

2. Paladin/Bard: The Charismatic All-Rounder

The Paladin/Bard multiclass offers the perfect mix of combat prowess and utility, creating a character that can smite enemies, heal allies, and charm their way out of trouble. With the Bard’s expanded spell list and skill proficiencies, this build excels both in and out of combat.

Core Build Features

• Divine Smite + Spellcasting: Combine Divine Smite with the Bard’s full spellcasting progression for devastating attacks.
• Skill Mastery: Bards’ Jack of All Trades and Bardic Inspiration make this build unbeatable in social and exploration scenarios.
• Magical Secrets: Gain access to powerful non-Bard spells like Haste or Spirit Guardians.

Optimal Bard Leveling Path

• Level 1-2: Start as a Paladin for Divine Smite and Heavy Armor Proficiency.
• Level 3-6: Switch to Bard and choose the College of Valor subclass for Extra Attack and combat utility.
• Level 7-12: Max out Bard levels to unlock feats, Magical Secrets, and high-level spells.

Recommended Bard Subclass

• College of Valor: Grants Extra Attack and Battle Inspiration, perfect for a frontline Bard/Paladin hybrid.

Combat Tips for Paladin/Bard

• Use Bardic Inspiration to boost your party’s performance in combat.
• Leverage Magical Secrets to cast game-changing spells like Haste, Spirit Guardians, or Counterspell.
• Rely on Jack of All Trades to excel at skill checks in non-combat situations.

3. Paladin/Warlock: The Smite Engine

The Paladin/Warlock multiclass focuses on maximizing Divine Smite uses by leveraging the Warlock’s spell slots, which refresh on short rests. This build is simple, powerful, and highly effective.

Core Build Features

• Eldritch Blast: A powerful ranged option that scales with character level.
• Hex + Divine Smite: Combine Hex with multi-hit attacks for devastating damage.
• Charisma Synergy: Use Charisma for melee, spellcasting, and ranged attacks.

Optimal Warlock Leveling Path

• Level 1-2: Start as a Paladin for Divine Smite and Lay on Hands.
• Level 3-4: Take two Warlock levels to gain Eldritch Blast, Hex, and Agonizing Blast.

Recommended Warlock Subclass

• Fiend: Adds AoE spells like Burning Hands and survivability options like Armor of Agathys.
• Pact of the Blade: Use your Charisma modifier for melee attacks, synergizing perfectly with the Paladin.

Best Equipment for Paladin Multiclass Builds

Regardless of your multiclass choice, equipping the right gear is essential to maximize your build’s potential. Here’s a list of must-have items for Paladin multiclass builds:

• Helm: Helm of Balduran (increases survivability with bonus HP).
• Armor: Helldusk Armor (provides fire resistance and immunity to critical hits).
• Weapon: Balduran’s Giantslayer (high-damage greatsword ideal for smiting).
• Amulet: Amulet of Greater Health (boosts Constitution).
• Rings: Killer’s Sweetheart, Ring of Regeneration (enhances damage and survivability).

FAQ

Q: When should I multiclass my Paladin?
A: Ideally, multiclass at level 6 to unlock Aura of Protection, a core Paladin feature that adds your Charisma modifier to saving throws for the entire party.

Q: Is the Sorcadin better than a pure Paladin?
A: Yes, for most builds. The Sorcadin provides more spell slots for smiting and expanded combat options through Metamagic. However, a pure Paladin is simpler and still highly effective.

Q: Can I multiclass into multiple classes?
A: Technically, yes. For example, you could try a Paladin/Sorcerer/Warlock combination, but this often spreads your resources too thin.