Best RPGs With A Paladin Class

Key Takeaways

Paladins in gaming prioritize justice over glory, evolving from tabletop to computer RPGs.
Various games like Final Fantasy, Baldur’s Gate, and Pathfinder provide unique Paladin experiences.
Roleplaying options in games such as Guild Wars 2 and Pillars of Eternity enhance Paladin gameplay.

As a seasoned role-player and tabletop enthusiast with over two decades under my belt, I must say that the paladin class is undeniably one of the most iconic characters to grace the fantasy realms of our collective imagination. From Baldur’s Gate to Oblivion, and from Final Fantasy to Pathfinder, the holy knight has stood tall against the tide of darkness, embodying a steadfast moral compass and divine power that few can rival.

Noble guardians and divine warriors of the heavens, these valiant crusaders do not battle for material wealth or fame, but rather uphold justice as they perceive it. The concept of Paladins has been a longstanding one in the realm of roleplay gaming, originating from tabletop games and subsequently finding their place in digital roleplaying environments.

The righteous “knight in shining armor” is a potent trope that continues to enamor valiant gamers everywhere, and there are plenty of games that allow fans to live out that fantasy, each with their own take on what the powers and responsibilities of a paladin should entail.

Guild Wars 2

The Guardians Of Tyria

In the realm of Tyria, it’s typical to see the influence of divine beings. However, unlike these entities, the honorable soldier class in Guild Wars 2, known as the guardian, derives its power not from a superior force but from personal beliefs and values. Regardless of their race, be it the inventive Asura or the belligerent Charr, they can harness the guardian’s sacred blue flame.

Guardians can safeguard their companions by employing various techniques such as meditative practices, spiritual weapons, and blessings, in addition to traditional weaponry. They also have the ability to attack enemies from a distance with specialized skills like ranged attacks and traps, unleash powerful burning magic through tomes, and swiftly deliver fierce sword blows using their advanced specializations – dragonhunter, firebrand, or willbender.

Final Fantasy 4

A Dark Knight’s Journey Of Redemption

One early RPG game that showcased complex storytelling is ‘Final Fantasy 4’, where the protagonist, Cecil Harvey, initially serves under a tyrannical ruler. Following an unfortunate incident resulting in the annihilation of an innocent village, he grapples with both his orders and the meaning of his existence. Eventually, he embarks on a journey to find redemption by aligning himself with the forces of light.

In a quest to free himself from his heart’s gloom, Cecil journeys towards Mt. Ordeals. There, he faces off against his internal struggles, giving up the malevolent forces he previously controlled. After descending the mountain, transformed and purified, Cecil assumes his new identity as a Paladin – a beacon of light in the battle against the wickedness that once manipulated him.

Pillars of Eternity

The Willful Believers Of Eora

In the game called Pillars of Eternity, similar to priests, paladins derive their abilities from their strong personal convictions. The game promotes roleplay for paladins by linking them with an order, which the player selects during character creation. This system extends beyond the basic “good versus evil” or “law versus chaos,” as an order dictates the kind of actions a paladin should exhibit in the world to gain advantages.

The Bleak Walkers, who prioritize severity, and the Kind Wayfarers, who emphasize kindness and safeguarding, each have unique expectations for Paladins, potentially weakening their power. Yet, these drawbacks can be rectified by reaffirming allegiance to the order’s principles and consistently acting in accordance with its values, thus restoring the Paladin’s strength.

Final Fantasy 14

Embodying The Light Of Eorzea

In the game Final Fantasy 14, a Gladiator character initially starts out but eventually progresses into the Paladin job. This role encompasses both offensive and defensive capabilities that are characteristic of its class. The Paladin, being the quintessential tank in Final Fantasy 14, serves as a protective barrier against enemy attacks. It can shield allies, absorb damage, and heal itself if necessary.

With potent offensive maneuvers such as Holy Circle and defensive shields like Divine Veil, the Paladin stands out as an invaluable asset due to their versatility in combat. They are often admired by groups wherever they go because they can effectively fulfill their role as “The Warrior of Light,” warding off forces of darkness.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

Fighting The Righteous Path

In Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, players have the freedom to select any class or even combine classes. However, this game appears to offer an exceptionally fitting environment for portraying a paladin character, particularly if a player opts for the Angel as their mythic path. This choice empowers the character with healing abilities and the capacity to summon angels, along with other divine powers associated with angels.

Knights dedicate themselves to a specific deity and derive strength during battles through their unwavering belief. Maintaining this divine authority necessitates upholding the principles of Righteousness and Kindness in every action, or risk losing their powers until they regain moral alignment.

Oblivion – Knights Of The Nine

Crusader Of The Nine Divines

As a gamer, I often find myself immersed in the richly layered universe of The Elder Scrolls series, where good and evil aren’t always black and white. However, when it comes to “Knights of the Nine” DLC in Oblivion, I was thrust into a unique role – that of a knight, chosen by the Nine Divines themselves, donning armor that encompassed more than just shoes; a cuirass, gauntlets, greaves, and helm. This experience took me on a journey where I felt the weight of divinity on my shoulders.

For an enhanced roleplaying adventure, players can opt for the crusader class during character setup; this class specializes in Restoration and Destruction magic as primary skills, or alternatively, they could pick the knight, who utilizes a shield, their captivating charm, and healing magic to secure victory.

Baldur’s Gate 3

A Faithful Adaptation From The Source

It’s not surprising that the popular paladin class, which first gained prominence in the world’s most renowned tabletop role-playing game, is also featured in one of Dungeons & Dragons’ finest adaptations, Baldur’s Gate 3. This includes a comprehensive set of mechanics designed to facilitate engaging role-playing experiences with this iconic holy knight class.

As a devout follower, I take sacred vows like the Oath of Devotion or the Oath of Vengeance, each with distinct ideals and divine blessings. These promises mold not just my combat skills but also my moral compass, as I, as a Paladin, am bound to honor the values of my oath by steering through challenges that could potentially sway me from adhering to my principles.

2024-11-11 06:04