Oathbreaker Paladin & Death Domain Cleric Build Guide – Baldur’s Gate 3 ~ HaploGamingChef

Introduction: Uniting Darkness and Divinity

If you're into mixing dark themes with deadly utility, this Baldur’s Gate 3 Oathbreaker Paladin and Death Domain Cleric build may be what you're after. This multiclass combo isn’t just thematic — it’s combat-effective, especially when you pair it with the right gear. Whether you’re early in the game or deep into Act 3, this guide walks you through everything: how to start, gear suggestions, spell picks, and key synergies that make the Oathbreaker + Death Cleric pairing stand out.

This build guide is perfect for casual players who want to play an evil-aligned character, enjoy strong spell support, and want to smite enemies with powerful, resist-bypassing damage.

Starting Class and Leveling Order

Choosing Your Starting Class: Cleric or Paladin

Start as a Cleric if you want a smoother early game. The Death Domain gives you the Reaper ability, letting you hit two targets with necrotic cantrips like Toll the Dead.
Start as a Paladin if you're mid-to-late game and want heavy armor proficiency. This is ideal if you’re stacking AC for melee-focused combat.

Early Game Setup (Levels 1–5)

Recommended Stats (Assuming Standard Point Buy)

Strength: 10
Dexterity: 14 (or 10 if using Dexterity gloves)
Constitution: 14–16 (or 10 with Constitution amulet)
Wisdom: 16
Charisma: 12–14 (boost if focusing on Paladin smites or Hexblade dip)

Note: You’ll rely on Wisdom for Cleric spells and optionally boost Charisma for smites and Paladin abilities.

Cleric Levels 1–5: Key Spells & Features

Level 1 – Best Spell Choices:

Cantrips: Toll the Dead, Bone Chill, Sacred Flame
Spells: Guiding Bolt, Healing Word, Inflict Wounds, Command, Sanctuary, Bless

Level 2 – Touch of Death
Adds extra necrotic damage to melee hits — great synergy with Inflict Wounds or basic weapon attacks.

Level 3 – Spiritual Weapon and Hold Person
These level 2 spells are great for bonus action damage and crowd control. Spiritual Weapon is key for early fights.

Level 4 – ASI or Feat
Pick either:

+2 Wisdom for better spellcasting
Alert for +5 initiative
Savage Attacker for more melee damage consistency
Warcaster if relying on Spirit Guardians

Level 5 – Animate Dead & Spirit Guardians

Animate Dead gives you minion support
Spirit Guardians becomes your go-to AOE control spell
Consider saving spell slots for Spirit Guardians over other level 3 options

Multiclass to Oathbreaker Paladin (Levels 6–10)

Paladin Level 1 – Spiteful Suffering

With the Oathbreaker subclass, you gain:

Necrotic-based smites
Advantage on attack rolls vs marked enemies
Bonus necrotic damage that ignores resistance

Note: You’ll need a mod like “Selenite Oathbreaker” to unlock this path.

Paladin Level 2 – Smites and Fighting Style

Fighting Style: Go with Defense for +1 AC. If you prefer melee burst, Dueling works too.
Spell Options: Shield of Faith, Heroism, or Bless (if not already selected)

Paladin Level 3 – Oath Spells and Utility

Gain access to:

Hellish Rebuke
Inflict Wounds (again for smite synergy)
Control Undead (thematic but CHA-based, so low priority)
Dreadful Aspect for AoE fear effect

Paladin Level 4 – Second ASI or Feat

Options:

+2 Wisdom or Charisma
Warcaster to maintain concentration on Spirit Guardians
Alert remains a top choice for initiative builds

Paladin Level 5 – Final Paladin Level

Darkness, Crown of Madness, and Branding Smite available
Buffs, debuffs, and more smites to power up your attacks
Great synergy with Darkness immunity gear (more on that later)

Level 11 – Warlock Dip: Hexblade Power Boost

Why Hexblade Works Here

Access to Shield for +5 AC reaction
Gain Hexblade’s Curse for extra damage
Boosts Charisma to weapon attacks
Great synergy with booming blade, smite, and Battle Mage’s Gloves

Top Warlock Spells:

Armor of Agathys – Bonus HP and cold damage
Hex – Damage over time
Eldritch Blast (not always needed if focused on melee)

Best Gear Recommendations

Must-Have Gear for This Build

Gloves of Battle Mage’s Power – Stack Arcane Acuity with every smite or booming blade
Helmet of Arcane Synergy – Boosts attack rolls with spell condition applications
Deathstalker Mantle – Darkness immunity, bonus damage vs obscured targets
Ring of Arcane Synergy – Adds Wisdom/Charisma modifier to attack
Hellrider Longbow – +3 Initiative bonus

Armor Picks:

Armor of Agility – Great if starting as Cleric (no heavy armor)
Armor of Persistence – Top-tier for defense (+2 DR, Blade Ward)

Combat Strategy Overview

Turn 1 Setup

Open with Darkness (Oathbreaker spell or item-based)
Drop Spiritual Weapon for bonus action control
Use Touch of Death if close to target or Booming Blade to charge Arcane Acuity

Priority Targets

Focus casters with Hold Person or Command
Use Smite + Booming Blade for burst damage
Cast Spirit Guardians when facing mobs to melt enemies while you tank

Tactical Notes

Darkness + Darkness Immunity Gear = Free advantage
Hold Person + Melee Crits = Massive Smite damage
Arcane Acuity boosts spell hit rate and save DCs (target 27–28 Wis DC)

Conclusion: Why This Build Works

This Oathbreaker Paladin and Death Cleric combo hits hard, controls the battlefield, and survives tough fights. With Darkness synergy, resist-bypassing smites, and layered spell options, it’s both fun and powerful. Whether you lean into the thematic evil roleplay or just want a high-performance multiclass for Patch 8, this build delivers.

FAQs – Oathbreaker Paladin & Death Domain Cleric Build in BG3

Q1: Is the Oathbreaker and Death Cleric multiclass viable in BG3?
Yes, it offers strong damage, crowd control, and thematic synergy, especially with Darkness-based gear.

Q2: Should I start as a Cleric or Paladin?
Start as a Cleric for early game utility and Reaper bonus; choose Paladin if you want heavy armor proficiency from the beginning.

Q3: How important is Charisma in this build?
Charisma boosts Paladin abilities and Hexblade synergy. You can invest in it if you're using specific gear or spells that scale with it.

Q4: What gear is essential for this build?
Must-haves include Gloves of Battle Mage’s Power, Helmet of Arcane Synergy, and Deathstalker Mantle for optimal performance.

Q5: Is this build mod-dependent?
Yes, unlocking Oathbreaker requires mods like Selenite Oathbreaker. Hexblade Warlock is part of Patch 8 content.

Q6: Can this build be played in a good-aligned party?
Mechanically yes, but thematically it's best suited to neutral or evil-aligned playthroughs due to its necrotic and dark magic focus.

Q7: How do I maximize Spirit Guardians’ effectiveness?
Boost Wisdom and use Arcane Acuity gear to increase save DCs. Always cast it when fighting groups.

Q8: What’s the best way to handle crowd control?
Use Hold Person, Command, and Spirit Guardians early in combat. Stack Arcane Acuity to ensure these spells land.

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