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Thanks to Skyrim's flexible character build system, it's easier than ever to build interesting hybrid characters in a medieval fantasy RPG set in a rich, immersive open world. The game gives you a choice from a wide variety of skills roughly divided into three different special categories (mage, thief, and warrior); the sky's the limit.
The Paladin has risen as one of the more niche builds in Skyrim, with an emphasis on role-playing. If you're a fan of the Paladin in other games and would like to give it a shot in Skyrim, this guide will help you get started.
Updated on May 10, 2023 by Jerel Levy: When looking at Skyrim builds, Paladin is one of the more fun-to-play options. Whether it's from role-play or an affinity to delve into restorative options or defensive means, the Paladin build is unique in its versatility. With the Skyrim anniversary Paladin build available, and plenty of the best Paladin Skyrim builds out there, we've updated this list for formatting and readability to ensure you can easily find the best builds for your Paladin in Skyrim.
Strategy And Role-Playing
The Paladin isn't a difficult build. In fact, it relies on some of the best features of Skyrim. Paladins will typically be One-Handed brawlers that are quite resilient against damage. You'll want to invest in Heavy Armor (as well as One-Handed) to ensure your longevity in combat.
They're similar to spellswords in that Paladins specialize in one or two schools of magic. At the very least, they are specialists in Restoration.
Most of their spells will deal with the undead, but they can also have powerful healing spells to help them sustain longer in combat.
For defensive abilities, you can choose either Alteration or the Block skill for some extra sustain.
In terms of role-playing, Paladins are the definition of virtue. They never associate with dark forces or evil factions, nor do they dabble in necromancy.
For the sake of role-playing, you'll want to avoid siding with Daedric Princes, except for Meridia, who's actually perfect for Paladins.
The best factions to join if you wish to maintain the lore-friendly sensibility would be the Companions and the Dawnguard.
Suggested Races
Two races, in particular, are well-suited for the Paladin build. First, there's the Imperial, who can use the Voice of the Emperor to calm all creatures around them for 30 seconds.
Imperials will also find more gold in loot, which can be useful when crafting your own gear, as that's an essential part of this specific Paladin build.
Secondarily, you can go for the Nord. Nords can make enemies flee for 30 seconds once per day thanks to their Battle Cry ability, which works well with the Paladin build.
They also get a massive 50 percent resistance against Frost, which is great since the Paladin build focuses quite a bit on protection against physical damage, and not so much on magic.
Given the Nord's nice bonus, you may be wondering why we'd suggest the Imperial in the first place.
It's simply a matter of role-playing; Paladins feel more at home as a concept in Cyrodiil than Skyrim. But that's not to say you can't be a Paladin Nord. Stranger things have happened.
If you'd prefer to go for something different, you can also theoretically make a Paladin out of an Orsimer.
From a 'default' role-paying perspective, however, this isn't the best option. The Orismer worship Malacath, a Daedric Prince which fights against the ideals of a Paladin.
However, their innate combat bonuses in Heavy Armor and One-Handed make them a great choice.
Berserker Rage, their unique ability, also deals double damage while taking half the damage.
Besides, there's fun role-playing potential in being the exception to the rule; an Orc Paladin would surely turn heads.
For all our talk of role-playing, we realize there's every chance you're not interested in that aspect. The reason we've emphasized it so much is that the Paladin build isn't quite competitive with certain others, such as the Two-Handed and Stealth Archer builds.
It's reasonably safe to assume that a fair number of Paladin players are in it for the glory of the story.
Skills, Perks, And Attributes
Attributes
When it comes to attributes, remember that a Paladin is a warrior first and a mage second. Stamina is not a high priority since Heavy Armor perks, once unlocked, will help you become lighter on your feet.
- First Priority: Health – to increase your health pool and to become tankier.
- Second Priority: Magicka – to allow you to cast more expensive Restoration and Alteration spells.
- Third Priority: Stamina – to ensure you can power attack easier and move quicker despite your Heavy Armor.
Skills And Perks
One-Handed is your primary way of dealing damage, up close and personal. Focus on the perks that allow you to deal more damage or lower the cost of power attacks.
Paladins will be fighting in the enemy's face, so you'll need proper protection only the Heavy Armor skill can provide. Restoration is an essential part of the Paladin's kit. Your build will focus on a few healing spells and take advantage of the undead repelling spells.
Smithing is not only great for grinding levels as a Paladin, but it also allows you to make powerful Heavy Armor sets. Avoid crafting Ebony and Daedric gear if you're considering role-playing angles. For further assistance on Smithing, you can check this comprehensive guide.
Having Enchanting skills leveled is also crucial since it allows you to craft gear that's better suited for your needs.
For an optional defensive skill, you can choose Alteration and Block.
Block lets you bash enemies and deal additional stun and damage. However, you won't have your Restoration spells equipped by default when entering a fight.
Alteration is nice because it will benefit from you investing in your Magicka for your Restoration spells. The downside is that it takes away Magicka which you could use to cast Restoration spells.
If you've upgraded your copy of Skyrim to the Anniversary Edition, look at the additional armor sets added via the Creation Club. There are more choices than ever, so don't feel so limited if you stick with more 'light side' gear sets.
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Skill Tree |
Recommended Perks |
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One-Handed |
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Heavy Armor |
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Restoration |
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Smithing |
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Enchanting |
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Block (Optional Defensive Skill) |
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Alteration (Optional Defensive Skill) |
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Recommended Unique Gear
There aren't that many great armor sets for Paladins that are unique within the game.
This is why Smithing and Enchanting are absolutely vital for a Paladin build, as it's going to be up to you to craft the best heavy armor.
If you're role-playing, avoid armor from questionable factions such as the Thieves Guild or the Dark Brotherhood, and never equip Daedric items.
As for unique swords in Skyrim, there are a few pieces that are lore-friendly and useful. And remember, the Anniversary Edition may have added things that are more your speed.