Paladin / BardMulticlass Build Guide — D&D 5e
Every skill, Bardic Inspiration and more slots — the most versatile build of the three.
The synergy
Why Paladin / Bard Works
College of Swords Bard is a full caster with Extra Attack, Fighting Style, and Blade Flourishes — features that stack perfectly with a Paladin 6 base. After the pivot, every bard level gives a full caster’s slot progression (more Smite fuel) plus the broadest skill list in the game.
Bardic Inspiration (Charisma mod per long rest, eventually per short rest) gives your party a reusable d8-d12 bonus to attacks, saves, or checks. Magical Secrets at Bard 10 lets you steal spells from any class list — Swift Quiver, Find Greater Steed, Simulacrum, whatever your campaign needs.
The result is a paladin who can talk, heal, Smite, and cast like a full caster. Less burst than Sorcadin, less short-rest sustain than Padlock, but the most flexible toolkit of the three. If your party is small or has no face, this is the multiclass.
Ability priority: CHA → STR → CON — Charisma drives bard spellcasting, paladin auras, AND Bardic Inspiration. The triple-dip stat.
When to take what
Level Breakpoints
What makes it tick
Key Features & Spells
Counsel
Frequently Asked
Sorcadin or Paladin/Bard?
Sorcadin has higher burst (Quicken + Smite). Paladin/Bard has more skills, Bardic Inspiration, Magical Secrets, and better sustained utility. Pick Sorcadin for damage, Bard for versatility.
Which Bard College for a paladin multiclass?
Swords: Fighting Style + Blade Flourishes + Extra Attack. Valor works but Swords is strictly better for a melee build. Lore is suboptimal — you lose Blade Flourishes and Extra Attack.
Paladin 2 or 6 before Bard?
Paladin 6 is standard (Extra Attack + Aura). Paladin 2 is viable if you want Swords Bard’s Extra Attack at Bard 6 and faster full-caster progression. Either works; Paladin 6 is safer.
Forge This Build
Paladin, Bard, Paladin 6 / Swords Bard X — everything arrives pre-filled. One click from here to finished character.
Forge a Paladin / Bard