Class Comparison · Updated September 2026

Paladin vs Warlock

Warlock deals more damage, while Paladin offers more spellcasting versatility.

Short answer

Pick Paladin for burst Smite damage and party-protecting auras. Pick Warlock for reliable at-will damage with Eldritch Blast.

Build a Paladin Build a Warlock

At a Glance

Paladin Warlock
Hit Die d10 d8
Primary Ability STR and CHA CHA
Spellcasting Yes Yes
Party Role Defender Blaster
Subclasses 4 4
Best Race Aasimar Tiefling

Combat Comparison

Using Human as baseline race for fair comparison.

Level Paladin DPR Warlock DPR Edge
Level 5 7.8 9 Warlock
Level 11 7.15 12.38 Warlock
Level 17 7.15 16.5 Warlock

When to Choose Paladin

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

When to Choose Warlock

  • ♦ Versatile spellcasting options
  • ♦ Flexible build with room for customization

Best Builds for Each

Top Paladin Builds

Aasimar Paladin 10/10 Dragonborn Paladin 10/10 Dwarf Paladin 8/10

Top Warlock Builds

Tiefling Warlock 8/10 Dragonborn Warlock 7/10 Halfling Warlock 6/10

Head to Head

Choosing between a Paladin and a Warlock in D&D 5e comes down to how you want to exert your influence on the battlefield. The Paladin is a stalwart Defender and spellcaster, utilizing a d10 hit die and a combination of Strength and Charisma to hold the frontline. They excel at protecting allies while unleashing devastating burst damage through Divine Smite in close-quarters combat. If you want to play a heavily armored champion of holy justice who thrives in the thick of melee, the Paladin—especially when paired with the Aasimar race—is your calling.

Conversely, the Warlock is a premiere ranged Blaster who relies on a d8 hit die and Charisma to manipulate the battlefield from a distance. Driven by a pact with an otherworldly patron, Warlocks offer versatile spellcasting options and a highly flexible build structure through Eldritch Invocations. They trade the Paladin's heavy armor and frontline durability for supreme customization and consistent ranged damage. If you prefer a shadowy, adaptable spellcaster who shapes their magical destiny, a Tiefling Warlock is the perfect fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paladin or Warlock better for beginners in D&D 5e?
For beginners, the Paladin is generally the better choice. Its high d10 hit die, heavy armor proficiency, and straightforward melee-focused playstyle make it highly forgiving in combat. Beginners can easily understand hitting enemies and using Divine Smite for extra damage. While Warlocks are incredibly fun, managing Pact Slots, Eldritch Invocations, and complex patron choices can overwhelm a new player during character creation.
Paladin vs Warlock: which deals more damage?
The Warlock deals higher sustained damage, boasting a DPR of 12.38 at level 11 compared to the Paladin's 7.15. Warlocks achieve this through consistent ranged options like Eldritch Blast. However, the Paladin excels in short-term burst damage; when a Paladin expends spell slots on Divine Smite during a critical hit, they can instantly vaporize a single high-threat target in ways the Warlock cannot easily match.
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