From the beginning, I knew I would be playing a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3; I also knew what Oath I would take, but one thing that interested me was whether or not you could become an Oathbreaker Paladin. Developer Larian Studios did indeed include this subclass, though it is secret, as you cannot choose it from the beginning. If you're wondering how to break your Oath as a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3, keep reading.
How to Become an Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3
Breaking your Oath in Baldur's Gate 3 is surprisingly easy, though it may change depending on which Oath you select. A good rule of thumb is if you kill an innocent person or innocent animal, break a commitment, or commit a crime, you will break your oath. Once you do this, the mysterious Oathbreaker Knight visits you and tells you he will be waiting at your camp.
Once you speak to the Oathbreaker Knight, you can accept your status as an Oathbreaker, or go through the rites of redemption. If you choose the first option, you will unlock the hidden Oathbreaker subclass for Paladin.
I've listed the decisions and actions that can turn you into an Oathbreaker below, but it is incomplete and will be updated. I am playing an Oath of the Ancients Paladin, so let me know if you encounter an Oathbreaker path I've missed!
All Oathbreaker Choices in BG3
| Choice/Action | Oath of Ancients | Oath of Devotion | Oath of Vengeance |
| Kill an innocent. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free Sazza in Emerald Grove. | Yes | Yes | |
| Kill the Owlbear mother and cub. | Yes | ||
| Torture Liam in the Shattered Sanctum. | Yes | ||
| Kill the Tieflings holding Lae'zel captive. | Yes | ||
| Kill Pandima in Emerald Grove. | Yes | ||
| Allow Auntie Ethel to take Marina. | Yes | ||
| Bring Mayrina's Husband to life with Auntie Ethel's wand. | Yes | ||
| Allow Arka to kill Sazza in Emerald Grove. | Yes | ||
| Attack the Goblin Camp after convincing Minthara to spare Emerald Grove. | Yes | ||
| Attack Zarys unprovoked after peacefully entering the Zhentarim Hideout. | Yes |
How to Restore Your Paladin Oath in Baldur's Gate 3
Restoring your Paladin Oath is also surprisingly easy. After breaking your Oath, the Oathbreaker Knight awaits you at camp. Speak to him, and eventually you can choose the option to restore your Oath. Select this option and pay the required number of gold. For me it was 1,000 gold, but this may differ on your Oath and level.
Answer why you wish to take your Oath back up, and you will regain your previous Oath. You cannot use this to switch your Oath, and you must do this every time you dishonor your Oath. You also cannot use Withers to restore your Oath.
Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 Goblin Camp Guide – How to Eliminate The Goblin Leaders
Is Breaking Your Oath Permanent in Baldur's Gate 3?
Breaking your Oath is not permanent. The Oathbreaker Knight will await you at camp when you break your Oath, and you can retake your Oath by speaking to him. You must pay the required gold and express your sorrow and reasons for restoring your Oath. After this, you will once again be a Paladin of your chosen Oath.
Should I Break my Oath in Baldur's Gate 3?
Personally, I do not recommend breaking your Oath in Baldur's Gate 3, but the choice is yours. Oath of the Ancients is one of the strongest Paladin Oaths, but Devotion and Vengeance are good as well. Oathbreaker provides you with abilities that let you control hate, fear, darkness, and the Undead, which is perfect if you are playing an evil character or want to be a death knight, but I prefer my Paladin to be good.
Baldur's Gate 3 - Oathbreaker Subclass Explained
| Level | Feature |
| Level 1 | Spiteful Suffering |
| Level 2 | Fighting Style |
| Level 3 | Oath Spells (Control Undead, Dreadful Aspect, Hellish Rebuke, Inflict Wounds) |
| Level 4 | Feat/ASI |
| Level 5 | Extra Attack Oath Spells (Crown of Madness, Darkness) |
| Level 7 | Aura of Hate |
| Level 8 | Feat/ASI |
| Level 9 | Oath Spells (Bestow Curse, Animate Dead) |
| Level 12 | Feat/ASI |
For more information on Baldur's Gate 3, check out BG3 Best Feats Tier List – Baldur’s Gate 3 and Baldur’s Gate 3 Infernal Iron – How to Give it to Dammon on Pro Game Guides.
Published: Aug 11, 2023 10:28 am