A Half-Elf Paladin can combine the legacy species’ versatility with the revised Paladin’s support and frontline tools. This build uses the 2024 Paladin class with the Half-Elf from the 2014 Basic Rules; ask your DM whether the legacy species is allowed in the campaign.
Rules edition: 2024 Paladin class with the Half-Elf species from the 2014 rules. Half-Elf is legacy species content, not a separate 2024 Player’s Handbook species. Under the 2024 character rules, ignore older species ability-score increases and use your background’s increases instead.
What the Legacy Half-Elf Adds
The 2014 Half-Elf brings Darkvision, Fey Ancestry, and Skill Versatility. Fey Ancestry helps against the Charmed condition and magical sleep effects under its source text, while Skill Versatility provides two skill proficiencies. These traits support a Paladin who serves as a party face, investigator, or envoy as well as a combatant.
Do not carry the old +2 Charisma and flexible +1 increases into a 2024 character on top of the background’s ability-score adjustments. The species remains a legacy option; use one agreed set of character-creation rules and avoid mixing traits from multiple Half-Elf versions.
Choose Your Ability Priorities
Strength is a strong default for weapon attacks; Dexterity can work for a finesse-weapon approach. Charisma supports Paladin spellcasting, social checks, and several class features, while Constitution improves hit points and concentration. Pick a background that supports your chosen attack ability and Charisma, then let the campaign decide whether you need more durability or social expertise.
Use the 2024 Paladin Class
The 2024 Paladin has weapon mastery, spellcasting, and Lay on Hands from level 1; Fighting Style and Paladin’s Smite arrive at level 2, and the subclass begins at level 3. Use the revised class table rather than older articles that place the oath at level 3 but use 2014 smiting and spell rules. Read each feature’s action cost and limits before planning a turn.
Build a practical spell list. Prepare options for defense, movement, and support in addition to damage. Lay on Hands is a Bonus Action under the revised class, so it can fit into a turn differently from older versions. Paladin’s Smite uses the Divine Smite spell, which consumes a spell slot and follows its spell text; do not assume that every hit automatically receives a smite.
Choose an Oath
Use the 2024 version of your subclass. Devotion supports a steadfast protector, Vengeance pursues dangerous enemies, Ancients defends life and hope, and Glory centers on heroic deeds. Select an oath based on the campaign’s tone and your character’s promises, not on the Half-Elf traits alone.
Play the Paladin Beyond Combat
Skill Versatility can support Persuasion, Insight, Investigation, or another skill the party lacks. Decide how the character handles disagreement between an oath and a mixed cultural background without assuming that either heritage dictates their values. Their oath is a commitment they chose; it can bring them into conflict with family, mentors, or the institutions that taught them.
For a focused backstory and roleplay approach, read our Half-Elf Paladin backstory guide. For a separate older-rules multiclass, see Half-Elf Paladin/Barbarian (2014 rules).
