Growing up as a gamer, I've always loved the idea of paladins – holy warriors with towering armors, powerful weapons, unbreakable shields and light-based magic for protection and healing. Or, in gamer parlance, proper shield-based tanks with a good mix of survival/utility spells plus decent DPS. Posting this to share my experience, and maybe get some recommendations too
Needless to say paladins can be found in countless rpgs. I think Blizzard does it the best with Diablo 2/3 and WoW. Now they aren't necessarily the best rpgs per se, but they have the best look, feel, skillsets and itemization for paladins.
Other honorable mentions that I have played include, of course:
DnD crpgs
These are the OG paladins and as with everything DnD related, they have the richest lore and meta. But generally I find them lacking vs say a warrior/priest dual or multi.
Skyrim
Shield builds are some of the least popular among fans. They work with abit of patience, but don't synergize with spells very well. Usually people who wants magic with weapons would just end up becoming a spellsword.
The souls games
Visually stunning, with resplendent gothic armor sets, swords taller than men and shields that look like it could stop a semi. But ultimately I'm just not that big of a fan of these games. Especially the excessive rolling lol.
I'm not calling these or any games bad, not at all – just talking about the class of paladin here. Happy to hear your thoughts and if there are obscure games with great paladin gameplay in them, lemme know~
32 Comments
Diablo 3 really slapped with the crusader design
The issue with trying to be a “paladin” in Skyrim is the same as any build that wants to use magic and a shield or big 2hander. It’s not being able to use magic if you don’t have a free hand.
Why they removed the ability to use magic and wield a weapon in both hands like you could in Oblivion was such a weird choice.
I’ve watched some people play a paladin-like class in Oblivion since you can use magic with a weapon and a shield in that game. In fact one of the base classes is called a Crusader and has starting skills built towards a holy warrior type.
You just gave me the urge to play d2r hammerdin
You gotta try Last Epoch then
I play a Faith/Strength greatshield build in every Souls game that I can, and I really think it does justice to what you’re describing. Tears of Denial in DS3 really made me feel like I was a classic paladin with holy magic protection.
Where the fuck is D4 paladin
Im hopeful Diablo 4 will add Paladin next expansion. Heavy plate wearer is the biggest hole they have in their lineup rn, and I think Paladin is their “if emergency break glass” class and it’s looking like they’re gonna need it
WoW is still my favorite Paladin. I like Templar on eso somewhat but the fantasy isn’t all there. Oath of Ancients is my favorite Paladin path on DnD and I wish the idea of a nature Paladin was explored more in games
Paladin in Diablo 2 with Fanaticism was so dope.
Gothic 2 lets you become a paladin.
This image reminds me of Kisara from Tales of Arise and yes she is a badass.
Same! I think they’re an autistic special interest lol.
>**DnD crpgs** These are the OG paladins and as with everything DnD related, they have the richest lore and meta. But generally I find them lacking vs say a warrior/priest dual or multi.
If you are not opposed to mods, BG3 with Paladin Unleashed mod could help with you finding them lacking.
I do agree with your assessment of Paladins lacking in TT/CRPGs sometimes, but I do like the mechanic that a lot of these systems have of potentially having your powers tied to your faith.
The idea you can accidentally stumble upon something that surprisingly breaks your oath and strips you of your power while frustrating can make for a compelling story. It can lead to a situation where you discover the dogma of your faith is completely wrong and lead you to discover its true nature. Another scenario is how it could make you realize how arbitrary the dogma of your faith or order within your faith is if done well.
But having that happen is usually seen in dnd where your DM thinks of it.
Also, side note on the topics of shields, more games need to really emphasize they are a tool of offense just as much as defense.
That’s nice
You called?
Same brother
Greatshield and flail is such a fucking sick combo.
I’m playing a cleric in D&D soon, and I’m going to use a flail, but seeing this image makes me think that my next character after this one really needs to be a paladin.
I remember playing a heavily armored character in the old Nwverwinter Nights game on pc, and using hammers and flails with a greatshield. Walking through a doorway as a wall of metal to clear a path for the rest of the party is always satisfying.
I am 100% in this same boat. I’ve been dying to play something with a paladin to scratch the recent itch but there aren’t a ton of great options as I don’t have a pc. I did just download Kingdoms of Amalur on my steam deck and am going to give that a go and see how well it’s done.
I desperately need a D4 paladin/crusader/templar.
As a person who often plays Lance in Monster Hunter games, I share your sentiment
Brother checking in.
If you know how to use shields properly in the souls games (particularly Elden Ring) you don’t have to roll ever.
Guild Wars 2 has a cool Paladin adjacent character (Guardian), but it’s an MMO. It’s very very fun.
you can do shield counter + faith holy dmg in elden ring like a paladin
D2 still seems to be the peaked Paladin iteration that I’ve played in comparison to others (Last Epoch definitely have the potential on future leagues and patches).
I see lots of poor examples of the class in games that aren’t great for it. Try Baldur’s Gate 3 for an awesome example of a Pally.
Big love for paladin class in RPGs as well. Tank, damage, healing, buff all rounder. Always my default choice going in blind to RPGs.
Dark Souls games does not favor tanky shield build, but in Elden Ring thats not just viable, its really strong. Greatshield, Holy damage infuse, Faith build with heals and buff. And also LIGHTNING, totally suit the smite theme.
Also if you don’t like paladin build in Skyrim you should give Oblivion a try. Don’t need empty hand for spell so you can keep your sword and shield up. Customize your buf and healing spells. Restoration magic in Oblivion is borderline busted.
Can Iowkey suggest Doom The Dark Ages as one of the coolest paladins around? He had magic (shooting swords when he parries, super speed, healing, immense strength) physical prowess, defence, offence, UNYIELDING willpower.
His deity is less a god and more humanity in general (and rage).
Love the tabard of holy Lycra.
Female character ☑️
Form fitting clothing that is somehow also bulky armor ☑️
That weapon looks like it needs a gods guidance otherwise it looks very dangerous to the user.
Nightreign guardian is a pretty good paladin character- though he is a bird lol
Elden ring also lets you be a paladin. Rolling is optional, could make a guard counter build and just block/counter everything- legit one of the most powerful builds in the game.
Same .
I always pick paladin in any game if it’s available
D3 Crusaders aren’t paladins btw.