Screenshot by Pro Game Guides

How to Break Your Paladin Oaths (BG3)

Forsake your vows and accept evil.

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.

Recommended Videos

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!

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 – Can you Respec your Character?

All Oathbreaker Choices in BG3

Choice/ActionOath of AncientsOath of DevotionOath of Vengeance
Kill an innocent.YesYesYes
Free Sazza in Emerald Grove.YesYes
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 1Spiteful Suffering
Level 2Fighting Style
Level 3Oath Spells (Control Undead, Dreadful Aspect, Hellish Rebuke, Inflict Wounds)
Level 4Feat/ASI
Level 5Extra Attack
Oath Spells (Crown of Madness, Darkness)
Level 7Aura of Hate
Level 8Feat/ASI
Level 9Oath Spells (Bestow Curse, Animate Dead)
Level 12Feat/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.


Pro Game Guides is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article BG3 Cheats, Item Codes, and Console Commands
Read Article BG3 Overgrown Tunnel walkthrough – Auntie Ethel questline in Baldur’s Gate 3
Read Article Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch Notes – March 2024
Read Article All Honour Mode Legendary Actions in Baldur’s Gate 3
Read Article How to install Native Camera Tweaks – BG3 3rd person mod
Related Content
Read Article BG3 Cheats, Item Codes, and Console Commands
Read Article BG3 Overgrown Tunnel walkthrough – Auntie Ethel questline in Baldur’s Gate 3
Read Article Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch Notes – March 2024
Read Article All Honour Mode Legendary Actions in Baldur’s Gate 3
Read Article How to install Native Camera Tweaks – BG3 3rd person mod
Author
Justin Joy
Justin has been diving into fantasy worlds since he can remember. He is a certified nerd who has a deep love of reading, writing, and hiking. He has been writing since his college days, but specifically in gaming for two years. His favorite games are The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Banjo Kazooie.

Write A Comment

How to Break Your Paladin Oaths (BG3)

Comments are on moderation and will be approved in a timely manner. Please read the following rules before commenting:

  • All comments must be on topic and add something of substance to the post
  • No swearing or inappropriate words
  • No asking or begging for anything free
  • Do not attempt to start a poll in the comments
  • Comments in all CAPS will be removed
  • We reserve the right to remove a comment for any reason
  • Do not impersonate a staff member or influencer

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.