Paladin talent tree structure and class roles

The Paladin is presented as a class built around three broad role directions: tanking, damage dealing, and a support-leaning style rather than a full dedicated healer. Its talent tree is designed to let players combine two starting paths and then branch further, allowing both focused and hybrid builds.

The showcased tree is an iteration rather than a final version. The layout is described as more straightforward than an earlier draft, with clearer branch paths and more player freedom to experiment instead of being tightly guided into a preset specialization.

Talent tree layout

The Paladin tree begins with six major nodes, of which two can be selected as starting choices. This replaces an earlier approach that effectively locked off a large portion of the tree after a single opening choice. The revised structure is intended to expose more of the class tree and support more varied builds.

The starting nodes correspond to the Paladin's main role fantasies. The examples discussed include a tank-oriented route, a fire-oriented damage route associated with the former Inquisitor concept, and a more mobility-leaning Avatar route. Players can double down on one role direction or combine two different fantasies into a hybrid build.

The tree shown in the stream contains roughly 150 nodes at that stage, though earlier class trees had approached 300 nodes, and the Paladin tree may expand again as more effects are added and reallocated.

Node types and visual language

Several node types are used in the tree:

• Large starting nodes mark the initial role-defining choices.
• Small circular nodes provide incremental stat or power gains.
• Medium nodes modify specific skills, such as changing cooldowns, damage, range, mana cost, or adding secondary effects.
• Square nodes unlock active abilities.

This visual language is intended to help players distinguish between passive progression, spell modification, and new skill unlocks.

Build philosophy

The Paladin tree is designed to support experimentation rather than enforce a single intended build. Players are expected to create off-meta and hybrid setups, share builds, and discover combinations that may not match the most obvious class fantasy.

The developers describe the class as guided by role identity on paper, but not heavily hand-held in practice. A player can follow a straightforward route or branch into unusual combinations if the pathing allows it.

Core Paladin roles

The Paladin's three main role directions are described as:

Tank

The tank side emphasizes blocking, shield use, survivability, threat control, and self-sustain. One branch focuses more on blocking, while another focuses on offensive shield use such as shield smiting.

Damage dealer

The damage-oriented Paladin includes aggressive melee play, holy conversion effects, and a fire-based route tied to Sanctified Fire and related interactions. The class can also access burst-oriented cooldowns such as Avatar abilities.

Support-leaning hybrid

The support side includes healing, shielding, ally protection, and defensive buffs, but it is not intended to replace a dedicated healer class. The Paladin can support allies while still contributing damage or tank utility.

Weapon and archetype distinctions

Basic attacks are tied to weapon style. The standard offensive route uses Vindicator Strike, while the tank route uses Decisive Strike with one-handed weapons. This means the Paladin's baseline rotation and available synergies change depending on the chosen archetype and equipment style.

Talent point pacing

At the time of the recording, the plan is roughly one talent point per level, though that pacing may change through testing. Additional points at specific levels are also considered possible. The stated goal is to make progression feel meaningful without filling the tree with low-value bloat.

Class identity

The Paladin's unique identity is described as a combination of heavy armor, self-sustain, support utility, and shield-based mechanics. A particularly distinctive element is the interaction between blocking projectiles and empowering follow-up shield abilities. Protective ally-focused effects such as Oath of Sanctuary are also treated as especially characteristic of the class.

Source

• Recording: Scars OF Honor - Paladin Talents Showcase
• YouTube: Watch on YouTube
• Published: Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 7:08 PM UTC