Elf Paladin Build Guide

Elf Paladin Build Guide

An Elf Paladin's Fey Ancestry bolsters their defenses, making them resilient protectors of the innocent.

3/10 Synergy Defender Role Medium Difficulty

Why Elf Paladin?

The Elf Paladin blends elven grace with divine power, offering a unique take on the holy warrior. While not the most optimal race choice, Elves bring several useful traits to the Paladin's frontline role. Their Fey Ancestry grants them advantages on saving throws against charm and magic, adding a layer of protection that complements the Paladin's already formidable defenses. This synergy helps the Paladin stay on their feet and continue smiting evil.

With a d10 Hit Die, Paladins are naturally tough, boasting 39 hit points by level 5 and a solid 81 by level 11. Elven Darkvision also aids them in navigating dungeons and fighting in dim light without needing torches, making them excellent scouts. Their primary abilities are Strength (STR) and Charisma (CHA), with an optimal build starting with STR 15 and CHA 14, while DEX 10, CON 13, INT 8, and WIS 12 are also recommended.

Recommended Ability Scores

Strength★
15(+2)
Dexterity
10(+0)
Constitution
13(+1)
Intelligence
8(-1)
Wisdom
12(+1)
Charisma★
14(+2)
HP (Lv1)
11
AC
10
Initiative
+0
Passive Per.
11
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Elf Traits That Benefit Paladin

Fey Ancestry

Extra saving throw advantages protect against debilitating spells and effects.

Darkvision

Elf Darkvision helps Paladins scout ahead and fight in darkness without needing a torch.

Keen Senses

Free Perception proficiency is valuable for any Paladin, especially in exploration.

Trance

Trance means shorter rests and the ability to keep watch more effectively.

Combat Effectiveness

Level HP Melee DPR Spell DPR
Level 5 39 7.8 0
Level 11 81 7.15 0
Level 17 123 7.15 0

DPR = Damage Per Round (average, assuming standard combat conditions).

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • ♦ High hit points for frontline durability
  • ♦ Darkvision for dungeon exploration
  • ♦ Strong melee damage output
  • ♦ Divine Smite provides burst damage

Weaknesses

  • ♦ May require careful feat selection to optimize

Pro Tips

1

Utilize Fey Ancestry to resist enemy spells, keeping you fighting longer.

2

Employ Darkvision to scout ahead in dark environments, surprising foes.

3

Focus attacks with your high Strength, using Divine Smite for burst damage.

4

Keep your Charisma high for powerful Paladin spells and abilities.

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Paladin Subclass Builds

Explore specialized builds for each Paladin subclass:

Elf Oath of Devotion Paladin Defender Elf Oath of Glory Paladin Striker Elf Oath of the Ancients Paladin Defender Elf Oath of Vengeance Paladin Striker

Related Builds

Other Elf Builds

Elf Wizard 8/10 Controller Elf Ranger 6/10 Striker Elf Rogue 6/10 Striker Elf Druid 5/10 Controller Elf Warlock 5/10 Blaster Elf Sorcerer 5/10 Blaster

Other Paladin Builds

Aasimar Paladin 10/10 Defender Dragonborn Paladin 10/10 Defender Dwarf Paladin 8/10 Defender Goliath Paladin 5/10 Defender Orc Paladin 5/10 Defender Tiefling Paladin 5/10 Defender

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elf a good race for Paladin?
Elf Paladins have a synergy rating of 3/10. While not the top-tier choice, their Fey Ancestry provides valuable magical defense, and Darkvision aids in exploration, making them a solid, if slightly less optimized, option for a frontline defender.
What stats should a Elf Paladin prioritize?
Prioritize Strength for attacking and Charisma for spellcasting and abilities. Aim for a starting STR of 15 and CHA of 14. Constitution is important for HP (starting at 13), but Dexterity (10), Wisdom (12), and Intelligence (8) are less critical for this build.
What party role does this build fill?
The Elf Paladin fills the Defender role. With access to spellcasting, this build offers both combat effectiveness and utility.

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