Dungeons and Dragons Best Paladin Oath Tier List
The Paladin is one of the most iconic classes in Dungeons and Dragons. Though not as popular as the Fighter, these holy warriors have it all: overwhelming offense, impenetrable defense, immaculate support abilities, and even some spellcasting. While their skill checks might be outperformed by Bards or Rogues, their high Charisma scores mean they can easily fill the role of the party face at a Dungeons and Dragons table as well.
Like most classes, Paladins choose a subclass at level three that drastically changes how they play. There have been 11 Paladin Oaths released for 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons, but not all of them are created equally. While each of them can shine, some Paladin Oaths will have a much easier time doing so than others.
Offensive, defensive, and support capabilities, core ability unlock levels, skill support, and specialization of focus are all major factors considered when making this list.
Dungeons and Dragons Level 3 Class Tier List
Dungeons and Dragons classes are not born equal in the 2024 5e version of the game, and the difference can be more or less visible at level 3.
S-Tier: True Paragons of the Paladin Class
- Devotion
- Glory
- Redemption
Most classes in Dungeons and Dragons have one subclass that doubles down on the basic flavor of the class. The Oath of Devotion is that for the Paladin, and considering the class is so strong, the subclass is, too. While Holy Nimbus and its D&D Paladin Oath Spells aren’t noteworthy, Sacred Weapon got a huge buff in the 2024 rules update, and Aura of Devotion’s Charmed condition immunity and Smite of Protection make this Paladin subclass’ Aura the safest place on the battlefield.
With protection abilities like Inspiring Smite and Glorious Defense, and skill boosts from Peerless Athlete, the Oath of Glory is a versatile choice for frontline Paladins. They can provide huge mobility buffs with Aura of Alacrity, Haste, and Freedom of Movement. Additionally, Living Legend is a strong capstone, as anything that can guarantee a hit is incredible insurance.
That said, the Oath of Redemption may be the strongest Paladin subclass ever. Clutch Dungeons and Dragons spells including Counterspell and Hold Person, the damage-soaking Aura of the Guardian, and heavy-hitter punishment via Rebuke the Violent make them incredible at early levels, and Emissary of Peace makes them potent party faces as well. Redemption Paladins become impossible to kill at high levels between Protective Spirit’s self-healing and Emissary of Redemption—one of the few Paladin subclass capstones that is automatically active, rather than being a temporary transformation.
A-Tier: Solid Subclasses With Powerful Abilities
- Ancients
- Noble Genie
- Vengeance
- Watchers
The Oath of the Ancients received a lot of tweaks in the 2024 Dungeons and Dragons rules refresh. Nature’s Wrath becoming AoE actually makes it worth using, and Undying Sentinel gives way more HP when it triggers. While the old spell damage resistance with Aura of Warding was amazing against casters, Necrotic, Psychic, and Radiant resistance is still strong against many deadly foes. Between their spells and Elder Champion, Ancients Paladins can also fill the naturalist role if there are no Druids or Rangers in the party.
The Noble Genie from D&D‘s Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerun is a unique Paladin Oath that incentivizes Dexterity builds with the Genie’s Splendor’s AC calculation, rather than using heavy armor and Strength. Elemental spells, versatile offensive options with Elemental Smite, and adaptable damage resistance with Aura of Elemental Shielding let them stand out. Noble Scion is also an excellent capstone, as it grants both a fly speed and guaranteed success on nearby D20 Tests. The only thing keeping it from S-Tier is the poor damage scaling of Efreeti’s Fury and Elemental Rebuke.
The Oath of Vengeance in D&D is perfect for Paladins seeking an aggressive playstyle. Spells like Hold Person, Misty Step, and Haste synergize well with Relentless Avenger, which let them control where fights happen. Likewise, Vow of Enmity, Soul of Vengeance, and Avenging Angel make sure they can always reach the target, and when they do, they never miss. The only drawback of the Oath of Vengeance is its self-focused nature, meaning allies may struggle to stay in their Aura.
The Oath of the Watchers subclass shines when fighting creatures that use Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws. While Aberrations, Celestials, Elementals, Fey, and Fiends must be especially wary against these Paladins, they can be a threat to anything, especially with D&D spells like Counterspell, Hold Monster, See Invisibility, and Scrying. Aura of the Sentinel’s AoE initiative bonus is also incredible, considering most allies will be within range at the start of combat.
B-Tier: Good Oaths That Are a Little Too Specialized
- Conquest
- Oathbreaker
- Spellguard
The Oath of Conquest literally wields fear as a weapon, as many of its features use the Frightened condition. Unfortunately, this can be a problem. Many supernatural creatures, especially at high levels, are immune to it, meaning many of its low-level abilities simply cease to function. Luckily, Scornful Rebuke and Invincible Conqueror are powerful against anyone, even if they are unlocked at high levels.
The only reason Oathbreaker is not lower on this list is because it appeared in a recent Dungeons and Dragons Unearthed Arcana. The classic 2014 subclass was terrible, but the new version makes it more viable. However, while its class features no longer solely rely on allied Undead or Fiends, many abilities still deal with the Frightened condition, leaving them in a similar spot as the Conquest Paladin. That said, Supernatural Resistance and Dread Lord make sure they are still strong, though they also aren’t learned until later.
The Spellguard is a new subclass introduced in a recent Dungeons and Dragons Unearthed Arcana as well. The new Paladin Oath is quite strong, with the ability to protect allies, bolster Concentration saves, and counter spells with attacks. However, its reliance on there being allied or enemy spellcasters means it may struggle in certain team compositions or against nonmagical foes.
C-Tier: An Outdated Option Sorely In Need Of an Update
Heavy is the head that wears the Oath of the Crown. Originally printed in Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide—the first and notoriously worst D&D sourcebook of all time—the Oath of the Crown is not great. Everything it can do is done better by other subclasses. Divine Allegiance is a worse version of Redemption’s Aura of the Guardian, and Exalted Champion is outdone by Conquest or Watchers Paladins. Oath of the Crown is the oldest subclass on this list, and it shows.
- Franchise
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Dungeons & Dragons
- Original Release Date
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1974
- Designer
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E. Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson