Breaking Paladin Oaths in Baldur's Gate 3: A Guide to Becoming an Oathbreaker

In Baldur's Gate 3, the Paladin is a unique class that offers a rich and complex gameplay experience. At the beginning of the game, players can choose from three subclasses that determine the type of Paladin their character will be and the type of oaths they will vow to take. However, these oaths are sacred to a Paladin, and breaking them can have severe consequences.

Introducing the Oathbreaker: A Dark Twist on the Paladin Class

If a Paladin breaks their oath, they become an Oathbreaker, a dark and twisted version of the Paladin class. The Oathbreaker is still considered a Paladin but is driven by a desire for power and revenge rather than a desire to protect and serve.

How to Break Your Paladin's Oath in Baldur's Gate 3

Breaking your Paladin's oath in Baldur's Gate 3 varies depending on the subclass you choose. There are three Paladin subclasses: Oath of the Ancients, Oath of Vengeance, and Oath of Devotion. Each of these oaths has a different way of being broken, but the end result is the same - your Paladin becomes an Oathbreaker.

How to Break the Oath of the Ancients Vow

The Oath of the Ancients is a Paladin subclass that focuses on promoting kindness and protecting the weak. However, breaking this oath is easier than you think. Here are some actions that will break the Oath of the Ancients:

• Kill a non-hostile NPC.
• Shove an NPC to their death, even if they're evil.
• Attack the Tieflings that caged Lae'zel at the start of the game.
• Prod the wing of the wounded bird being treated by Nettie in the Druid Grove.
• Kill the Owlbear Cub and its mother at the Owlbear Cave.

Dark Urge Paladin: Oath of the Ancients

If you're playing as a Dark Urge Paladin, you have a unique opportunity to break your Oath of the Ancients vow by breaking Pandirna's legs. Pandirna is the paralyzed Tiefling refugee guarding the supplies in the Druid Grove's storage hut.

How to Break the Oath of Vengeance Vow

The Oath of Vengeance is a Paladin subclass that focuses on protecting the weak and ensuring justice is served. However, breaking this oath is also possible. Here are some actions that will break the Oath of Vengeance:

• Kill Scratch.
• Attack the Tieflings that caged Lae'zel at the start of the game.
• Open the caged door of Sazza's prison in the Druid Grove.
• Prod the wing of the wounded bird being treated by Nettie in the Druid Grove.
• Stop Arabella's mother from killing Kagha if Arabella dies during her trial.

Dark Urge Paladin: Oath of Vengeance

The Dark Urge has several unique actions that will break the Oath of Vengeance when playing as a Paladin:

• Fantasize about chopping off Gale's hand when you first meet him at the rune.
• Embrace Alfira / Quil's murder after they rest at your camp.
• Break Pandirna's legs at the Druid Grove.
• Show the Strange Ox your thoughts at the Last Light Inn in Act 2.
• Wonder if you ever buried some alive when talking to Bugthimble at Kurwin's grave in the Lower City Graveyard.

How to Break the Oath of Devotion Vow

The Oath of Devotion is a Paladin subclass that focuses on keeping your word to others. However, breaking this oath is also possible. Here are some actions that will break the Oath of Devotion:

• Attack the Tieflings that caged Lae'zel at the start of the game.
• Kill Pandirna at the Druid Grove.
• Betray the goblins at Blighted Village.
• Kill Anders before confirming that he's hunting Karlach.
• Kill Ward Pistle and Ward Magmar, the Duergar slavers in Grymforge.

Oathbreaker Paladin Features in BG3

As a subclass of the Paladin, an Oathbreaker Paladin has access to all of the Paladin base stats and features but can also learn a slew of dark features unique to the subclass. Here are some of the unique features that an Oathbreaker can learn:

• Spiteful Suffering: 1d4 Necrotic damage each turn for three turns.
• Control Undead: gain control over an undead creature. The undead will follow you around and attack your enemies.
• Dreadful Aspect: let your darkest emotions burst forth as a menacing pulse to Frighten nearby enemies for 2 turns.
• Hellish Rebuke: React to your next attacker with flames that deal 2d10 Fire damage.
• Inflict Wounds: 3d10 Necrotic Damage.
• Crown of Madness: Instill madness in a humanoid enemy, making them attack the creature closest to them (other than you), even if it's allied. Lasts for three turns.

Breaking your Paladin's oath in Baldur's Gate 3 can lead to a unique and complex gameplay experience. However, it's essential to remember that breaking an oath has consequences and can change the way your character interacts with the game world. Are you ready to become an Oathbreaker?