Divine Warriors Reimagined: The 2024 Paladin Enhancements in Dungeons & Dragons
The 2024 edition of Dungeons & Dragons is set to bring a host of exciting updates to the beloved Paladin class, enhancing their divine arsenal and introducing new features to deepen their battlefield prowess. As the 2024 Player’s Handbook hits the shelves, players can expect a revamped Paladin who blends traditional values with new, flexible mechanics, tailored for dynamic gameplay.
The Paladin class, historically revered for its righteous combat abilities and divine interventions, remains a cornerstone of group dynamics in D&D. In this update, the class retains its classic features like Lay on Hands and various smite options, but with innovative twists and refined mechanics. For instance, Lay on Hands now functions as a Bonus Action and has been expanded to affect Constructs and Undead, broadening its utility in combat scenarios.
From the very first level, Paladins gain access to spellcasting, an adjustment designed to enhance their role from the beginning of their adventuring careers. This change aligns with the broader accessibility features seen across the new handbook, ensuring players can fully engage with their class's capabilities earlier in the game.
One of the most notable introductions is the Weapon Mastery feature at level 1, which allows Paladins to select two weapons and unlock unique mastery properties for each. This feature not only augments the Paladin’s versatility in combat but also encourages players to customize their character’s combat style more profoundly.
The 2024 Paladin also sees an enhancement in mobility and utility through features like Tactical Shift at level 5, which permits movement without provoking opportunity attacks when using Second Wind. This addition emphasizes the Paladin’s role as a mobile defender on the battlefield, capable of swiftly repositioning to protect allies or engage foes.
Subclasses receive thoughtful revisions and expansions, ensuring each oath offers distinct and powerful paths for character development. For example, the Oath of Devotion now includes extended feature durations and reduced action costs, making it even more formidable in prolonged encounters.
| Level | Feature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lay on Hands | Now a Bonus Action, cures Poisoned condition, usable on Constructs and Undead. |
| 1 | Spellcasting | Available from level 1, fixed number of prepared spells listed in the Paladin table. |
| 1 | Weapon Mastery | Select two weapons for mastery properties, changeable each Long Rest. |
| 2 | Fighting Style | Now feats; includes 'Blessed Warrior' as a default option providing two Cleric cantrips. |
| 2 | Paladin's Smite | Divine Smite spell always prepared, usable with Unarmed Strikes, requires a Bonus Action. |
| 3 | Paladin Subclass | Introduction of various subclass improvements and new features. |
| 5 | Faithful Steed | Find Steed spell always prepared, one free casting per Long Rest. |
| 9 | Abjure Foes | Use Channel Divinity to frighten a number of creatures equal to your Charisma modifier. |
| 14 | Restoring Touch | Spend Lay on Hands points to remove conditions. |
| 19 | Epic Boon | Choose an Epic Boon feat, recommended option: Boon of Truesight. |
Another significant update comes at level 9 with Abjure Foes, a powerful new ability that utilizes Channel Divinity to instill fear in adversaries, showcasing the Paladin’s capacity to control the battlefield beyond mere physical confrontations.
The introduction of Restoring Touch at level 14, which allows Paladins to spend points from their Lay on Hands pool to remove detrimental conditions, adds a layer of strategic depth to their role as healers and protectors.
As Paladins reach the pinnacle of their power, the Epic Boon at level 19 offers a choice of feats that can dramatically enhance their abilities, such as Boon of Truesight, which provides valuable sensory capabilities that can be pivotal in high-level campaigns.
These enhancements to the Paladin class reflect a broader evolution within the Dungeons & Dragons framework, aiming to provide a more nuanced and engaging experience while maintaining the essence of what has made the class a perennial favourite among players. With the 2024 Player’s Handbook, Dungeons & Dragons invites both new and veteran players to explore these enriched class features and embark on adventures with renewed vigour and divine might.
