What is the Most Damage a Paladin Can Do in 5e?
As a Paladin, you are expected to be a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. With your holy powers and martial prowess, you are a formidable opponent for any foe. But just how much damage can you inflict on your enemies?
The Basics
Before we dive into the details, let’s cover the basics. A Paladin’s damage output is dependent on several factors, including their martial ability, spellcasting ability, and choice of weapons. Here are some of the key factors to consider:
- Martial Ability: Paladins are martial characters, meaning they are skilled in the use of melee weapons. Their martial ability determines their proficiency with these weapons.
- Spellcasting Ability: Paladins are also spellcasters, and their spellcasting ability determines their proficiency with magic.
- Choice of Weapons: Paladins can choose from a variety of weapons, including melee weapons, ranged weapons, and magical weapons. Each weapon has its own unique properties and effects.
Theoretical Maximum Damage
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about the theoretical maximum damage a Paladin can do. According to the official 5e Paladin rules, the maximum damage a Paladin can do is 146 damage. This is achieved through the use of a combination of martial and spellcasting abilities.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 16d8 + 10d10: This is the total damage output of a Paladin using their martial ability to make a melee attack.
- 12d8: This is the total damage output of a Paladin using their spellcasting ability to cast a spell.
- 5d8 + 5d10: This is the total damage output of a Paladin using a combination of martial and spellcasting abilities.
Optimizing Damage Output
So how can you optimize your damage output as a Paladin? Here are some tips:
- Choose the Right Weapons: Choose weapons that deal more damage, such as the Warhammer or Flail.
- Use Spellcasting: Use your spellcasting ability to cast spells that deal damage, such as Inflict Wounds or Fireball.
- Use Martial Abilities: Use your martial abilities to make melee attacks, such as Divine Smite or Ardent.
- Use Your Bonus Action: Use your bonus action to take additional attacks or cast additional spells.
Comparison to Other Classes
So how does the Paladin’s damage output compare to other classes? Here’s a comparison of the damage output of some of the other classes in 5e:
| Class | Theoretical Maximum Damage |
|---|---|
| Paladin | 146 |
| Fighter | 120 |
| Barbarian | 100 |
| Rogue | 80 |
| Sorcerer | 70 |
| Wizard | 60 |
As you can see, the Paladin’s damage output is significantly higher than that of other classes. This is due to their ability to deal both melee and spell-based damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Paladin is a formidable class that can deal a significant amount of damage in 5e. With their martial ability, spellcasting ability, and choice of weapons, they are a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. By optimizing their damage output through the use of the right weapons, spells, and martial abilities, Paladins can deal an impressive amount of damage.