Rules edition: This build uses the 2024 Player’s Handbook Orc and Paladin. The legacy 2014 Half-Orc is a different species with different traits; use its rules only if your campaign is using the 2014 rules.
A 2024 Orc Paladin combines the Orc’s short bursts of speed and staying power with the Paladin’s armor, healing, and weapon options. The Orc’s traits do not add Strength or Charisma, so choose ability scores through your background and character creation rules. Put Strength first for a weapon-focused build, then Charisma for spells and Paladin features, with Constitution close behind.
What the 2024 Orc Adds
Adrenaline Rush lets you take the Dash action as a Bonus Action and gives you Temporary Hit Points equal to your Proficiency Bonus. You can use it a number of times equal to that bonus, refreshing all uses on a Short or Long Rest. It helps you reach a threatened ally, close on a distant enemy, or reposition while gaining a small buffer of temporary durability.
Relentless Endurance lets you drop to 1 Hit Point instead of 0 when you would be reduced to 0 Hit Points without being killed outright. You regain this feature after a Long Rest. Darkvision reaches 120 feet. These traits suit a front-line Paladin, but neither increases weapon damage or grants the 2014 Half-Orc’s Savage Attacks.
Ability Scores and Background
Build around Strength, Charisma, and Constitution. Strength supports weapon attacks and damage; Charisma supports your Paladin spell save DC and class features; Constitution adds Hit Points and helps with Constitution saving throws. The 2024 Orc species does not grant ability-score increases. Choose a background that raises the abilities you want and grants an Origin feat that fits the campaign.
For a straightforward weapon build, use a Strength-based weapon and select a mastery property that supports your role. A shield and one-handed weapon make a sturdy protector; a two-handed weapon favors damage. Your choice of Fighting Style at Paladin level 2 can reinforce either plan. Don’t plan around permanent advantage or a racial critical-hit bonus: the 2024 Orc has neither.
Paladin Features and Orc Action Economy
The 2024 Paladin gains its subclass at level 3 and its Paladin’s Smite feature at level 2. Divine Smite is a spell with a casting time of a Bonus Action after a qualifying melee hit, so it competes for the same Bonus Action you might use for Adrenaline Rush, Lay on Hands, or another feature. Decide whether the turn calls for extra movement and temporary hit points or a smite; you usually cannot use both Bonus Actions on the same turn.
At level 5, Extra Attack gives you two attacks when you take the Attack action. Adrenaline Rush can help you get into position before that action, while Relentless Endurance can keep you on your feet when a fight turns against you. At level 6, Aura of Protection helps nearby allies’ saving throws. Keep close enough to the party to make the aura useful instead of chasing a distant target without support.
Choosing an Oath
Choose a Paladin subclass at level 3. Oath of Devotion fits a defender who wants a clear code and tools against charm. Oath of Vengeance suits a pursuer focused on a dangerous foe. Oath of the Ancients supports a guardian of life and nature. Their 2024 features differ from the 2014 versions, so check that your table is using the same rules edition before choosing spells or planning level progression.
Playing the Character
Use Adrenaline Rush to cross the battlefield when an ally needs help or when an enemy’s position matters more than making an extra attack this turn. Temporary Hit Points do not stack with other Temporary Hit Points, so use the feature when its buffer will not be overwritten. Keep your Paladin near allies when Aura of Protection becomes available, and use Lay on Hands to stabilize or restore a character when the situation calls for it.
The character’s Orc identity need not define its oath or personality. An Orc can serve a community, pursue justice, guard a border, or follow a personal promise. Let the oath and the character’s choices explain why they became a Paladin.
Simple Level Progression
At level 1, use Lay on Hands for emergency healing, learn Paladin spellcasting, and choose weapon mastery properties for your weapons. At level 2, choose a Fighting Style and gain Paladin’s Smite. Keep in mind that Divine Smite uses a Bonus Action after a hit, while Adrenaline Rush also uses a Bonus Action.
At level 3, choose your oath and gain Channel Divinity. Level 4 offers an Ability Score Improvement or feat, depending on the options your table uses. At level 5, Extra Attack and Faithful Steed expand your offensive and travel options. At level 6, Aura of Protection rewards staying near allies. This progression is a planning guide; a campaign may use different starting levels, character options, or advancement rules.
