Baldur's Gate 3: Paladin/Warlock 'Palock' Build Guide for Tactician Mode

Baldur's Gate 3 does not have a seasonal system like typical online games. Larian Studios, the developer, released "Patch 8," the last major update, on April 15, 2025. After this, significant content additions will cease, and the focus will shift to bug fixes. This article is based on the current latest version.

The Paladin's "Divine Smite" unleashes divine retribution on foes with an overwhelming blow. What if you could use this trump card in every battle? The "Palock" (or "Warcadin") build, combining Paladin and Warlock, grants that wish. This guide delves into the "infinite Smite" mechanic, which allows resources to recover with every Short Rest, and achieves three attacks at level 10 in Tactician difficulty. We will detail the development plan to become the ultimate melee attacker.

What are the Strengths of the Palock (Paladin/Warlock) Build?

The Palock build possesses multiple strengths beyond mere damage output, including efficient ability score / stat allocation and high sustained combat capability. Let's explore the three core mechanics that make this combination lauded as the strongest.

Versatility Centralized in Charisma (SAD)

Normally, Paladins require two primary ability scores / stats: Strength for weapon attacks and Charisma to enhance spells and aura effects. However, by selecting "Pact of the Blade" from "Pact Boon" at Warlock level 3 and gaining "Pact Weapon," you can use your Charisma modifier for the attack and damage rolls of your equipped weapon. This creates a "SAD (Single Attribute Dependent)" state where both attacks and spells rely on Charisma. This eliminates wasted ability score / stat allocation, making character development highly efficient. Remaining points can be allocated to Constitution or Dexterity, resulting in a character excellent in both offense and defense.

"Infinite Smite" Recovering on Short Rest

The Paladin's signature "Divine Smite" is a powerful action that consumes spell slots to deal additional radiant damage. However, a Paladin's own spell slots only recover with a Long Rest. This is where the Warlock's characteristics align perfectly. While fewer in number, Warlock spell slots fully recover with a Short Rest. Since these Warlock slots can also be used to fuel "Divine Smite," you can take a Short Rest after each combat to always be ready to unleash Smite. This is why it's called "infinite Smite," and it's the source of your sustained combat ability, allowing you to unleash damage without reservation in boss fights.

Three Attacks Achieved at Level 10 (Tactician or Lower Only)

The biggest factor enabling this build's explosive damage output is the high number of attacks. The class feature "Extra Attack," gained at Paladin level 5, and "Deepened Pact," gained at Warlock (Pact of the Blade) level 5, stack in difficulties up to and including "Tactician." This allows for a total of three attacks by level 10: one from Action, one from Extra Attack, and one from Deepened Pact. This is an area Fighters typically reach only at level 11, providing a significant advantage.
※Note: This stacking of attacks has been fixed in the highest difficulty, "Honour Mode," and does not function. In Honour Mode, the number of attacks will be two, requiring adjustments to your gameplay technique.

Build Configuration Details

Now that we understand the theory, let's move on to the specific build configuration. We will explain everything from race and subclass to the gain a class level progression plan in detail.

Recommended Race, Class, and Subclass

Gain a Class Level Progression Plan and Ability Scores

This guide assumes a final gain a class level distribution of "Oathbreaker Paladin 7 / Warlock 5."

1. Initial Ability Score Allocation
   Strength 16 / Dexterity 10 / Constitution 14 / Intelligence 8 / Wisdom 8 / Charisma 17
   Ensure Strength is 15 or higher to equip heavy armor. Assume Charisma starts at 17 (+2), with a racial bonus of +1. Use the first feat to round out the odd number to 18.
2. Gain a Class Level Procedure
   
   • Levels 1-5: Paladin
     First, develop as a pure Paladin. At level 1, select your subclass (e.g., Oath of Vengeance). At level 2, gain "Divine Smite." At level 4, choose the feat "Ability Improvement" to raise Charisma to 18. At level 5, gain the crucial class feature "Extra Attack." At this point, you will still be fighting Strength-dependent.
   • Levels 6-10: Warlock
     From here, multiclass into Warlock. At level 6 (Paladin 5/Warlock 1), select your subclass. At level 8 (Paladin 5/Warlock 3), choose "Pact of the Blade" from "Pact Boon," finally enabling Charisma-dependent attacks. Simultaneously, gain Eldritch Invocations like "Devil's Sight" and "Agonizing Blast" to broaden your tactical options. At level 9 (Paladin 5/Warlock 4), acquire your second feat. Greatly enhance your damage output with "Great Weapon Master." At level 10 (Paladin 5/Warlock 5), gain "Deepened Pact," completing your three attacks.
   • Levels 11-12: Paladin
     Return to Paladin. At level 11 (Paladin 6/Warlock 5), gain "Aura of Protection" to boost the party's overall defense. At level 12 (Paladin 7/Warlock 5), gain your subclass aura (e.g., "Aura of Hate" for Oathbreaker), completing the build. At this level, acquire your third feat and use "Ability Improvement" to raise Charisma to 20.

Recommended Feats

1. Ability Improvement (Charisma +2): Prioritize raising Charisma to 20. This greatly benefits you as it affects all attacks, damage, and spells.
2. Great Weapon Master: You take a -5 penalty to attack rolls in exchange for +10 damage with two-handed melee weapons. Compensate for the reduced accuracy with "Vow of Enmity" from "Oath of Vengeance" or various buffs. The ability to make an additional attack as a Bonus Action on a critical hit or when defeating an enemy is also powerful.
3. Alert: A +5 bonus to Initiative ensures you almost always gain First Turn Advantage. This allows you to land powerful blows or cast battlefield-controlling spells before enemies can act, giving you a significant edge in combat.

Combat Gameplay Technique and Recommended Equipment

Once your build is complete, the next step is to maximize its potential through your gameplay technique.

Build Concept and Basic Tactics

• Concept: A high-damage melee attacker reliant on Charisma. Utilize three attacks and "Divine Smite" to quickly eliminate single or multiple enemies.
• Basic Tactics: When combat begins, approach high-threat enemies that need to be eliminated first. Toggle on the "Great Weapon Master" feat and unleash your three attacks. If you're concerned about accuracy, gain Advantage with "Vow of Enmity" or similar abilities before attacking. If a critical hit is confirmed, always activate "Divine Smite" using your highest-level spell slot as a reaction to maximize damage. Actively utilize Short Rests to constantly replenish your Warlock slots for Smite.
• Advanced Tactics: Warlock spells are also powerful. If you have the Eldritch Invocation "Devil's Sight," deploying the spell "Darkness" in the center of an enemy group and attacking them unilaterally while only you have clear vision is a highly effective combo.

Difficulty Adaptation

This build's strength varies by difficulty.

• Tactician: With three attacks functioning, this build can unleash 100% of its potential. You will be able to overwhelm enemies with overwhelming action economy and damage.
• Honour Mode: As three attacks do not function, the number of attacks is reduced to two. While raw damage may sometimes fall behind other builds, the stable attacking performance from Charisma dependence and the sustained combat ability of Smite recovering on Short Rests remain powerful. You will be expected to operate as a more versatile frontline character, taking on roles such as battlefield control with Warlock spells like "Hunger of Hadar."

Conclusion

The "Palock" build, combining Paladin and Warlock, is one of the strongest builds in Baldur's Gate 3, boasting stat efficiency, sustained combat ability, and overwhelming burst damage. The three attacks in Tactician difficulty, in particular, generate unparalleled destructive power. While the gain a class level process is somewhat unique, the rewards upon completion are immense. Experience the thrill of sweeping away enemies one after another with "Divine Smite" through this build. While caution regarding the number of attacks is necessary when tackling Honour Mode, its versatility will significantly contribute to your party's victory.