What is a Paladin Build?
A Paladin build is a type of character build in various video games, particularly in games with role-playing elements such as Dungeons & Dragons Online, The Elder Scrolls series, and World of Warcraft. In this article, we will explore the concept of a Paladin build, including its characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses.
Basic Characteristics of a Paladin
A Paladin is a heavy armor-wearing, high-damage-dealing martial class that excels in both solo and group situations. They are known for their ability to tanks and absorb damage before dealing it back to the enemy. Paladins are also skilled in buffing and healing their party members, making them excellent support characters.
Playstyle
Paladins are a versatile class with a wide range of playing styles. They can use their Shield Bash ability to stun and disarm enemies, while their Holy War ability allows them to deal massive damage to swarms of enemies. Paladin’s also have access to Blessings of Protection, which grant shields to party members, while their Divine Radiance ability heals teammates.
Strengths of a Paladin Build
A Paladin build has several strength, including:
- High damage output: Paladins can deal significant amounts of damage to enemies due to their high attack and spell damage.
- Mobility: Paladins’ Speed ability enables them to move quickly through the battlefield, making it easier to chase down escaping enemies.
- Crowd Control: Paladins can use their Shield Bash ability to stun enemies, making it easier for their party members to avoid taking damage.
- Defensiveness: Paladins are skilled in absolving damage, with abilities such as Blessing of Protection and Divine Radiance, which can protect and heal party members.
Weaknesses of a Paladin Build
While Paladins are a powerful force on the battlefield, there are several weaknesses to note:
- Vulnerability: Paladins are high-damage dealers, they are vulnerable to high-pressure situations where they may lack the health to withstand serious damage.
- Limited abilities: While Paladins have access to a large number of abilities, a few of them are useless in certain situations, as they have limited uses each day.
- Dependancy on party: Paladins rely heavily on the support of their party to be effective, as a single Paladins have limited capabilities.
Racial Restrictions
Paladin builds can be restricted depending on the race of your character. For example,
| Racial Restrictions |
| Restrictions | |
|---|---|
| Human | Able to access all Paladin specializations, including Holy Righteous Fury |
| Gnome | Limited access to Paladin specializations, lacking Holy Righteous Fury due to lack of divine blessing |
| Dwarf | Possess additional defensive abilities allowing them to withstand more significant damage |
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Paladin build is a versatile playstyle that excels both in solo and group situation. They are known for their high damage output, mobility, crowd control, and defensiveness. however, they are vulnerable and limited by their abilities to a certain extent. Paladin builds are worth considering for players who excel in solo play and also enjoy providing support to teammates.
Additional reading
For more information, check out the following table summarizing Paladin builds on different platforms:
| Platfrom | Paladin Build Explanation |
|---|---|
| D&D 5e | A strong, support-focused build based on martial prowess and a connection to the divine.[1] |
| Guild Wars 2 | Uses a unique combination of skill and vitality to deal mass damage while maintaining survivability.[2] |
| World of Warcraft | Based on a combination of heavy armor, holy magic and martial prowess, this class excels at both, dealing and absorbing damage respectively.[3] |
References:
[1] source: Wizards of the Coast, D&D 5e, Paladin Class 2014
[2] source: Arena.net, Guild Wars 2, Paladin Build Guide
[3] source: Blizzard Entertainment, World of Warcraft, Paladin Class FAQ