The Paladin is one of the most iconic classes in Dungeons & Dragons. Combining martial combat with divine magic, Paladins are powerful warriors who draw strength from a sacred oath and use it to protect their allies, defeat their enemies, and uphold their ideals.
Often portrayed as holy knights, Paladins can take many different forms. They may be noble champions of justice, ruthless conquerors, devoted guardians, mysterious wanderers, or warriors determined to redeem themselves.
What makes the Paladin particularly powerful is its ability to combine the strengths of several different character types. A Paladin can wear heavy armor, fight with powerful weapons, heal allies, cast spells, protect nearby party members, and deal enormous amounts of burst damage.
In this complete Dungeons & Dragons Paladin guide, we’ll explain how the class works, including Hit Dice, ability scores, proficiencies, Divine Smite, Lay on Hands, spellcasting, Fighting Styles, Aura abilities, Paladin subclasses, strengths, weaknesses, and tips for creating and playing a powerful Paladin character.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Paladin in Dungeons & Dragons?
- The Paladin’s Role in the Party
- Paladin Class Overview
- Hit Dice and Hit Points
- Paladin Ability Scores
- Paladin Proficiencies
- Divine Sense
- Lay on Hands
- Fighting Style
- Divine Smite
- Paladin Spellcasting
- Prepared Spells
- Divine Health
- Extra Attack
- Aura of Protection
- Aura of Courage
- Improved Divine Smite
- Cleansing Touch
- Paladin Subclasses
- Best Paladin Spells
- Best Paladin Weapons and Equipment
- Best Species for Paladins
- Strengths and Weaknesses
- Paladin vs Cleric
- Paladin vs Fighter
- Is the Paladin Good for Beginners?
- Tips for Playing a Paladin
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Paladin in Dungeons & Dragons?
The Paladin is a martial class that combines physical combat with divine magic.
Unlike the Cleric, who primarily serves as a divine spellcaster, the Paladin is designed to fight on the front lines while supporting allies with magical abilities.
Paladins traditionally derive their power from a sacred oath. Their abilities are connected to the principles and ideals they swear to uphold.
Depending on the character, a Paladin’s oath might involve:
- Justice
- Honor
- Protection
- Vengeance
- Nature
- Freedom
- Redemption
- Conquest
This makes the Paladin particularly interesting from a role-playing perspective.
A Paladin’s oath isn’t simply a background detail. It can become one of the central elements of the character’s story.
The Paladin’s Role in the Party
The Paladin is one of the most versatile classes in D&D.
A Paladin can function as:
- Frontline fighter
- Tank
- Damage dealer
- Healer
- Support character
- Defensive specialist
- Party leader
Their combination of armor, weapons, healing, and magic allows them to adapt to many situations.
A typical Paladin might stand next to the Fighter on the front line while using their abilities to protect the rest of the party.
Paladin Class Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Abilities | Strength or Dexterity, Charisma |
| Hit Die | d10 |
| Armor | All armor and shields |
| Weapons | Simple and martial weapons |
| Saving Throws | Wisdom & Charisma |
| Main Role | Frontline Warrior & Support |
| Spellcasting | Half Caster |
| Difficulty | Beginner-Friendly / Intermediate |
One of the most important characteristics of the Paladin is its d10 Hit Die, which gives it considerably more durability than classes such as Wizard and Sorcerer.
Hit Points at Level 1
At first level, a Paladin’s hit points are:
10 + Constitution modifier
For example, a Paladin with Constitution 14 (+2) starts with:
12 Hit Points
Hit Points at Higher Levels
Each additional Paladin level provides:
1d10 + Constitution modifier
Alternatively, players can use the fixed average value allowed by the rules.
A Paladin with high Constitution can therefore become extremely durable.
Paladin Ability Scores
Paladins are unusual because they benefit greatly from two different primary abilities.
Strength
Strength is important for traditional Paladins who use:
- Swords
- Maces
- Greatswords
- Heavy armor
Strength improves melee attack and damage rolls for weapons that use Strength.
Charisma
Charisma is extremely important for Paladins.
It affects:
- Spellcasting
- Social abilities
- Certain subclass features
- Aura of Protection
Because Aura of Protection can benefit the entire party, increasing Charisma can significantly improve a Paladin’s effectiveness.
Constitution
Constitution provides:
- Additional hit points
- Better concentration checks
It is especially useful for Paladins who regularly maintain concentration spells.
Paladin Proficiencies
Armor
Paladins are proficient with:
- Light armor
- Medium armor
- Heavy armor
- Shields
This gives them some of the best defensive equipment options in D&D.
A heavily armored Paladin can achieve a very high Armor Class while still dealing significant damage.
Weapons
Paladins are proficient with:
- Simple weapons
- Martial weapons
This gives them access to powerful weapons such as:
- Longswords
- Greatswords
- Battleaxes
- Warhammers
- Spears
- Halberds
Saving Throws
Paladins are proficient in:
- Wisdom
- Charisma
These saving throws are particularly useful against many magical and supernatural effects.
Divine Sense
One of the Paladin’s early abilities is Divine Sense.
This allows a Paladin to detect the presence of certain supernatural creatures.
Depending on the rules being used, this ability can help identify creatures associated with:
- Celestial forces
- Fiends
- Undead
Divine Sense can be particularly useful when exploring haunted locations, ancient temples, or areas affected by supernatural forces.
Lay on Hands
Lay on Hands is one of the Paladin’s most recognizable abilities.
It allows the Paladin to restore hit points to creatures they touch.
The Paladin has a pool of healing power that can be distributed among allies.
This makes the Paladin a surprisingly effective emergency healer.
For example, instead of relying entirely on a Cleric, a Paladin can use Lay on Hands to revive or stabilize an injured companion.
Fighting Style
Paladins can choose a Fighting Style, allowing them to specialize in a particular approach to combat.
Depending on the ruleset, options may include styles focused on:
- Defense
- Dueling
- Great Weapon Fighting
- Protection
A defensive Paladin might use a shield and one-handed weapon, while an offensive Paladin could specialize in a two-handed weapon.
Divine Smite
One of the most famous Paladin abilities is Divine Smite.
Divine Smite allows a Paladin to expend a spell slot when hitting with a melee weapon attack to deal additional radiant damage.
This is one of the reasons Paladins are famous for their incredible burst damage.
Imagine a Paladin landing a critical hit against a powerful enemy and using a spell slot for Divine Smite.
The resulting damage can be enormous.
Why Divine Smite Is So Powerful
The Paladin doesn’t have to spend every spell slot on ordinary spellcasting.
Instead, spell slots can be saved for moments when an especially dangerous enemy needs to be eliminated quickly.
This creates an interesting resource-management decision:
Should you use your spell slot for a spell, or save it for Divine Smite?
Experienced Paladin players constantly make this calculation.
Paladin Spellcasting
Paladins are half-casters.
Unlike Wizards, Sorcerers, and Clerics, they do not gain access to the highest levels of magic.
However, they still gain useful spells that complement their martial abilities.
Popular Paladin spells include:
Bless
Provides a bonus to attack rolls and saving throws for multiple allies.
Shield of Faith
Improves the Armor Class of a target.
Cure Wounds
Restores hit points.
Wrathful Smite
Adds additional damage and can frighten enemies.
Find Steed
Allows the Paladin to summon a magical mount.
Lesser Restoration
Removes certain debilitating conditions.
Preparing Paladin Spells
Paladins prepare spells rather than permanently learning a limited list.
The number of spells they can prepare is generally based on:
Paladin Level + Charisma Modifier
The exact rules can vary depending on the edition and ruleset being used.
This preparation system gives Paladins considerable flexibility.
Divine Health
Paladins eventually gain Divine Health, giving them powerful protection against disease.
This reflects their supernatural connection to divine or sacred power.
While it may not be as flashy as Divine Smite, it can be extremely useful during campaigns involving:
- Plagues
- Curses
- Diseased creatures
- Contaminated environments
Extra Attack
At higher levels, Paladins gain Extra Attack.
This allows them to attack twice when they take the Attack action.
Combined with Divine Smite, Extra Attack significantly increases the Paladin’s damage potential.
Aura of Protection
One of the strongest Paladin abilities is Aura of Protection.
It allows nearby allies to add the Paladin’s Charisma modifier to their saving throws, provided they remain within the appropriate range.
This ability can dramatically increase the survivability of an entire party.
For example, a Paladin with a +4 Charisma modifier can potentially give nearby allies a +4 bonus to their saving throws.
This makes Charisma valuable even for Paladins who focus primarily on melee combat.
Aura of Courage
Later in their progression, Paladins gain Aura of Courage.
This protects the Paladin and nearby allies from being frightened.
It is especially useful against:
- Dragons
- Demons
- Undead
- Powerful spellcasters
- Supernatural creatures
Improved Divine Smite
At higher levels, Paladins become even more dangerous in melee combat.
Improved Divine Smite adds additional radiant damage to melee weapon attacks.
This means the Paladin can continue dealing strong damage even when saving spell slots for other abilities.
Cleansing Touch
At high levels, Paladins gain the ability to use their divine power to end certain spells affecting themselves or other creatures.
This provides another powerful defensive and support option.
Paladin Subclasses
Paladins choose a sacred oath that defines their character and abilities.
These subclasses are often called Oaths.
Oath of Devotion
The classic holy knight.
Devotion Paladins emphasize:
- Honor
- Courage
- Justice
- Protection
This is an excellent choice for players who want a traditional heroic Paladin.
Oath of Vengeance
Vengeance Paladins are relentless hunters.
Their philosophy revolves around eliminating dangerous enemies, especially those who have committed terrible acts.
They are excellent at:
- Single-target damage
- Pursuing enemies
- Fighting powerful bosses
Oath of the Ancients
These Paladins are connected to nature, beauty, and ancient forces.
They often defend:
- Nature
- Life
- Freedom
- The natural world
They are an excellent choice for players who want a more mystical Paladin.
Oath of Conquest
Conquest Paladins embrace power and domination.
Rather than protecting everyone, they seek to impose order through strength.
This subclass is perfect for darker campaigns and morally complex characters.
Oath of Redemption
Redemption Paladins believe that even enemies can be saved.
They emphasize:
- Peace
- Mercy
- Diplomacy
- Second chances
They can create fascinating role-playing opportunities.
Best Paladin Spells
Some useful Paladin spells include:
Level 1
- Bless
- Shield of Faith
- Cure Wounds
- Command
- Wrathful Smite
Level 2
- Find Steed
- Lesser Restoration
- Aid
- Magic Weapon
Level 3
- Aura of Vitality
- Revivify
- Crusader’s Mantle
Higher Levels
Depending on the edition and subclass, Paladins gain access to increasingly powerful support, defensive, and offensive magic.
Best Weapons and Equipment for Paladins
Paladins have access to some of the strongest martial equipment in D&D.
Popular choices include:
Longsword + Shield
A balanced defensive option.
Greatsword
Excellent for players focused on damage.
Warhammer + Shield
A classic combination for defensive Paladins.
Polearm
Useful for characters who want additional reach and battlefield control.
Best Species for Paladins
Almost any species can become a powerful Paladin.
Popular choices include:
- Human
- Half-Elf
- Dwarf
- Dragonborn
- Aasimar
- Tiefling
- Goliath
Aasimar and Dragonborn are particularly popular for thematic reasons because of their supernatural origins.
However, modern D&D rules generally allow players to prioritize the ability scores that best fit their chosen build.
Strengths of the Paladin
The Paladin has many advantages:
- High durability
- Heavy armor proficiency
- Martial weapon proficiency
- Powerful burst damage
- Divine Smite
- Healing abilities
- Excellent party support
- Strong saving throws
- Powerful auras
- Flexible role-playing opportunities
The combination of offense, defense, healing, and support makes Paladins one of the most versatile classes in D&D.
Weaknesses of the Paladin
Paladins also have some limitations:
- Fewer spell slots than full casters
- Can be dependent on both Strength and Charisma
- Less ranged damage than dedicated ranged classes
- Limited spellcasting compared with Clerics and Wizards
- Some abilities require allies to remain nearby
- Resource management is important
The Paladin is powerful, but using its resources effectively requires experience.
Paladin vs Cleric
Both classes use divine magic, but they have very different roles.
| Paladin | Cleric |
|---|---|
| Martial-focused | Spellcasting-focused |
| d10 Hit Die | d8 Hit Die |
| Heavy armor | Varies by Domain |
| Martial weapons | Mostly simple weapons |
| Divine Smite | Channel Divinity |
| Half-caster | Full caster |
| Strong melee damage | Greater spell versatility |
| Powerful auras | Broad divine magic |
A simple way to think about them is:
Paladin = divine warrior
Cleric = divine spellcaster
Paladin vs Fighter
Paladins and Fighters are both powerful martial classes.
However, Paladins have a greater connection to divine magic.
| Paladin | Fighter |
|---|---|
| d10 Hit Die | d10 Hit Die |
| Martial weapons | Martial weapons |
| Heavy armor | Heavy armor |
| Divine magic | Limited or subclass-dependent magic |
| Healing | Limited |
| Divine Smite | Action Surge |
| Aura abilities | Fighter-specific combat features |
Fighters generally specialize more heavily in combat mechanics, while Paladins offer a combination of combat and support.
Is the Paladin Good for Beginners?
Yes.
The Paladin is one of the best classes for new D&D players.
It combines straightforward mechanics with plenty of room for strategic decisions.
A beginner can simply:
- Equip heavy armor.
- Pick a weapon.
- Attack enemies.
- Use Divine Smite when necessary.
- Heal allies with Lay on Hands.
- Support the party with their auras.
As players become more experienced, they can begin experimenting with spell combinations, positioning, resource management, and role-playing their sacred oath.
Tips for Playing a Paladin
Prioritize Charisma
Charisma is incredibly valuable because of Aura of Protection and Paladin spellcasting.
Don’t Waste Every Spell Slot on Divine Smite
Divine Smite is powerful, but Paladin spells can sometimes provide more value.
For example, Bless can improve the performance of multiple party members throughout an encounter.
Use Your Auras
Stay close enough to allies to provide the benefits of your Paladin auras.
Positioning can make your Paladin dramatically more valuable to the entire party.
Save Lay on Hands for Emergencies
Lay on Hands can be used strategically to restore allies or deal with certain conditions.
You don’t necessarily need to use all of your healing immediately.
Choose Your Oath Carefully
Your Paladin’s oath should match both your preferred gameplay style and your character’s personality.
A Vengeance Paladin feels very different from a Redemption Paladin.
Final Thoughts
The Dungeons & Dragons Paladin combines many of the most satisfying elements of a fantasy RPG character.
You can charge into battle wearing heavy armor, strike enemies with a radiant Divine Smite, heal a fallen companion, protect your allies with powerful auras, and shape your character’s story around a sacred oath.
Few D&D classes provide such a strong combination of combat power, survivability, support abilities, magic, and role-playing potential.
Whether you want to play a traditional knight of justice, a relentless hunter of evil, a defender of nature, or a morally complex warrior seeking redemption, the Paladin gives you the tools to create a memorable character.
If you enjoy being at the center of the action while still having powerful abilities to support your party, the Paladin may be the perfect Dungeons & Dragons class for you.
Want to learn about the other D&D classes? checkout our article here: Dungeons & Dragons Classes Explained: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Paladin class in Dungeons & Dragons?
The Paladin is a martial class that combines melee combat, heavy armor, divine magic, healing, and powerful support abilities. Paladins gain additional abilities through a sacred oath.
What Hit Die does the Paladin use?
The Paladin uses a d10 Hit Die, making it one of the more durable classes in Dungeons & Dragons.
What are the most important Paladin ability scores?
Strength and Charisma are generally the most important abilities for a traditional Paladin. Strength improves melee attacks, while Charisma improves spellcasting and important abilities such as Aura of Protection.
What is Divine Smite?
Divine Smite allows a Paladin to expend a spell slot after hitting with a melee weapon attack to deal additional radiant damage. It is one of the Paladin’s most powerful offensive abilities.
Can Paladins heal?
Yes. Paladins have Lay on Hands, which allows them to restore hit points to allies. They can also gain access to healing spells.
Are Paladins spellcasters?
Yes, but Paladins are half-casters rather than full spellcasters. They gain spellcasting abilities during their progression but have fewer spell slots and lower-level spells than classes such as Clerics and Wizards.
What is the best Paladin subclass?
There is no universally best Paladin subclass. Oath of Devotion is excellent for traditional heroic characters, Oath of Vengeance is powerful for aggressive combatants, Oath of the Ancients offers strong defensive and thematic abilities, and Oath of Redemption is ideal for role-playing-focused characters.
Is Paladin better than Fighter?
Neither class is universally better. Fighters generally specialize more heavily in martial combat, while Paladins combine martial abilities with divine magic, healing, powerful burst damage, and party support.
Is Paladin a good class for beginners?
Yes. Paladins are one of the most beginner-friendly classes in D&D because they are durable, versatile, and effective in both combat and support roles.
Does a Paladin have to be good?
No. A Paladin’s alignment and morality depend on the character and campaign rules being used. Different sacred oaths can support heroic, morally complex, or even villainous characters.