Human Paladin Build Guide

Human Paladin Build Guide

Humans offer a free feat, letting your Paladin immediately smite foes with divine power!

3/10 Synergy Defender Role Medium Difficulty

Why Human Paladin?

The Human Paladin is a classic for a reason. Humans get a bonus feat at level 1, allowing you to customize your Paladin from the start. This lets you grab a feat that enhances your combat prowess or supports your allies right away. With a solid d10 Hit Die, you'll have high hit points, starting at 39 by level 5 and reaching 123 by level 17, making you a tough defender on the front lines.

Your Paladin relies on Strength (STR) for hitting hard and Charisma (CHA) for spellcasting and class features. The Human's flexible ability score increases let you easily boost these. Aim for a Strength of 15 and Charisma of 14 to start, supporting your role as a holy warrior who can both swing a mighty sword and channel divine magic.

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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Human Traits That Benefit Paladin

Versatile

A free Origin feat provides a meaningful boost to any Paladin build right from level 1.

Resourceful

Free Heroic Inspiration each long rest gives a reliable reroll for critical moments.

Skillful

An extra skill proficiency expands the Paladin's out-of-combat versatility.

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
  • ♦ Strong melee damage output
  • ♦ Divine Smite provides burst damage

Weaknesses

  • ♦ No Darkvision — may need light sources in dungeons
  • ♦ May require careful feat selection to optimize

Pro Tips

1

Use your free feat to grab something like 'Great Weapon Master' for extra damage or 'Shield Master' for defense.

2

Remember you lack Darkvision; bring torches or a light-generating spell for dark places.

3

Use your Paladin spells to support allies or unleash powerful smites on tough enemies.

4

Your high HP and armor make you a great target for enemy attacks – protect your squishier friends!

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Paladin Subclass Builds

Explore specialized builds for each Paladin subclass:

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

Related Builds

Other Human Builds

Human Rogue 7/10 Striker Human Bard 6/10 Support Human Ranger 6/10 Striker Human Fighter 6/10 Striker Human Barbarian 3/10 Striker Human Cleric 3/10 Support

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 Human a good race for Paladin?
Human Paladins have a synergy rating of 3/10. While not the absolute best combination, the free feat at level 1 offers significant customization, allowing you to overcome some of the race's weaknesses and enhance the Paladin's strengths from the get-go.
What stats should a Human Paladin prioritize?
Prioritize Strength (STR) and Charisma (CHA). Aim for STR 15 to hit effectively and CHA 14 for your divine abilities. Constitution (CON) is also important for survivability, so aim for 13. The other stats can be lower.
What party role does this build fill?
The Human Paladin fills the Defender role. With access to spellcasting, this build offers both combat effectiveness and utility.

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