What happens if you break your Oath as a Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 is that you transform into an Oathbreaker Paladin, unlocking a new subclass with different abilities.
When a Paladin deviates from the tenets of their chosen Oath in Baldur's Gate 3, their sacred vows are shattered, leading to immediate and significant consequences for their character.
The Transformation into an Oathbreaker
Upon breaking your Oath, a spectral entity known as the Oathbreaker Knight will appear at your camp. This encounter signifies your transition from a faithful Paladin to a dark reflection of your former self.
- Subclass Change: Speaking with the Oathbreaker Knight immediately unlocks the Oathbreaker subclass. This new path fundamentally alters your Paladin's identity and abilities.
- Ability Replacement: Your previous Channel Oath abilities, which were specific to your original Oath (e.g., Oath of Devotion, Oath of the Ancients, Oath of Vengeance), are replaced by new, unique abilities granted by the Oathbreaker subclass. This shift changes your combat role and utility, often emphasizing control over the undead and dark magic.
Reclaiming Your Oath
The path of an Oathbreaker is not necessarily permanent. Should you wish to revert to your former self and reclaim your original Paladin Oath, the Oathbreaker Knight provides this option as well.
- Cost: To reclaim your Oath and return to your original Paladin subclass, you must speak to the Oathbreaker Knight again. This process comes at a significant cost of 1000 gold. Upon payment, you will regain your original Paladin subclass and its associated Channel Oath abilities.
The table below summarizes the states and consequences related to a Paladin's Oath in Baldur's Gate 3:
| State / Action | Description | Cost to Initiate |
|---|---|---|
| Breaking Oath | Transition from original Paladin Oath to Oathbreaker subclass. | None |
| Oathbreaker | Your current subclass, with unique abilities replacing original Channel Oath abilities. | N/A |
| Reclaiming Oath | Revert from Oathbreaker back to your original Paladin Oath. | 1000 Gold |
This mechanic provides players with a unique role-playing opportunity and flexibility, allowing them to explore a different playstyle or correct a role-playing choice within the game's narrative.
