Paladin / Warlock “Padlock”Multiclass Build Guide — D&D 5e

Short-rest slots refill your Smites, and Eldritch Blast covers your ranged blind spot.

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Split

Paladin X / Warlock 2-3

Ability Priority

CHA → STR → CON

Base Class

Paladin

Dip

Warlock

The synergy

Why Paladin / Warlock Works

Warlock Pact Magic slots recharge on a short rest. Divine Smite accepts any spell slot. Two short rests per day means six extra Smites beyond what a pure paladin can manage — and you never have to ration them because they are coming back in an hour.

Eldritch Blast + Agonizing Blast (Charisma to damage) gives the paladin a reliable ranged option for the first time. Pure paladins throw a javelin and hope; a Padlock fires 1d10+CHA force damage at 120 ft, scaling with character level. Flying enemies and kiting encounters stop being a problem.

The dip is shallow: 2 levels for Eldritch Blast + 2 invocations + short-rest slots, or 3 levels for a Pact Boon (Blade for melee focus, Chain for utility). You stay mostly paladin and lose almost nothing from your oath progression.

Ability priority: CHA → STR → CON — Charisma powers Eldritch Blast, paladin spells, and Aura of Protection. Strength for melee. Constitution for durability.

When to take what

Level Breakpoints

Paladin 2Divine Smite and Fighting Style. The core is online.

Paladin 5Extra Attack. Two melee attacks, each Smite-able.

Warlock 1 (char 6)Patron feature + Eldritch Blast cantrip. Ranged option is live.

Warlock 2 (char 7)2 invocations: Agonizing Blast (CHA to EB damage) + one more. Short-rest slots begin refuelling Smites.

Paladin 6 (char 8)Aura of Protection. The breakpoint many Padlocks wait for before dipping.

What makes it tick

Key Features & Spells

Pact Magic (Short Rest)2 slots that recharge every short rest. Each one is a Smite — 6+ extra Smites per adventuring day.

Eldritch Blast + Agonizing1d10+CHA force, 120 ft, scales with character level. The ranged attack the paladin never had.

Hexblade’s Curse (if Hexblade)Bonus to damage, crit on 19, heal on kill. Stacks with Smite crits for massive burst.

Devil’s Sight (invocation)See through magical darkness. Cast Darkness on yourself — attacks against you have disadvantage, yours have advantage.

Counsel

Frequently Asked

Should I dip Warlock before or after Paladin 6?

After Paladin 6 for Aura of Protection first. Some builds take Warlock 1 at character level 2 for Hexblade (CHA to melee), then Paladin 2-6, then Warlock 2-3. Both work; Hexblade-first is more MAD-friendly.

Which patron is best for Padlock?

Hexblade is optimal — CHA to melee attacks means you can dump STR and go full Charisma. Fiend gives temp HP on kills (great in hordes). Others work but Hexblade is the standard pick.

Warlock 2 or 3?

Warlock 2 is the efficient breakpoint: Eldritch Blast + 2 invocations + short-rest slots. Warlock 3 adds Pact of the Blade (if not Hexblade) or Pact of the Chain (familiar). Take 3 only if the Pact Boon matters to your build.

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