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1) Divine Smite

2014:

• Signature ability: expend a spell slot to deal radiant damage on a hit.

• No action requirement, unlimited per turn.

2024:

• Now a spell that requires a bonus action to activate after a hit — you decide to use it after you hit (same basic trigger) but it uses your limited bonus action economy.

• Limited to once per turn by design (even though you have Extra Attack).

• Radiant damage only applies to creatures you can see, tightening its power and preventing the old invisible-target exploits. ComicBook.com

Takeaway:
Still iconic, but much more constrained and tactical than 2014.

2) Lay on Hands

2014:

• Bonus pool of HP (5 × Paladin level).

• Action to heal, also cures disease.

2024:

• Now a bonus action, improving combat utility.

• Pool size still 5 × level.

• Does not cure disease by default, but gains condition removal options (Restoring Touch at higher levels). The Board Game Site

Takeaway:
Better action economy; less utility outside healing unless higher level features are present.

3) Spellcasting

2014:

• Prepare spells each day from the Paladin list.

2024:

• Paladin spellcasting begins at Level 1 (not Level 2 anymore).

• Spells are still prepared from your class list each day — there is not a known-spells list like a warlock or bard.
  (The Nerdarchy article incorrectly stated “switches to spells known.” That appears to be a misunderstanding — official previews show paladins still prepare spells each day.) Reddit

Takeaway:
You still prepare spells each day, but you have access earlier and more often.

4) Channel Divinity

2014:

• Granted at Level 3 and tied to subclass oath.

• Only subclass options existed.

2024:

• Part of the core class, gained at Level 2 with the redesigned class chassis.

• Recharges on a short rest and can be used for abilities like Divine Sense. Reddit

Takeaway:
Available earlier and not limited strictly to oath features, but does not enhance spellcasting directly.

5) Aura of Protection

2014:

• At Level 6, add your CHA bonus to saving throws for you and friendly creatures close by.

2024:

• Similar function, but the aura’s range and specific wording are clarified.

• The aura does continue while incapacitated (this is explicitly called out in official rules summaries).

• There’s no reaction requirement inherent to the feature itself. Wargamer

Takeaway:
Same core effect with cleaner, more precise rules language; nothing more exotic like reactions.

6) Smite-Type Spells

2014:

• Smite spells (Searing Smite, Thunderous Smite, etc.) required casting them as a bonus action before attacking — which competed with Divine Smite for the same bonus action economy and required concentration.

2024:

• These smite spells have been reworked so they do not use concentration and many trigger after a hit, improving their action economy.

• However — they are bonus action-based (not reactions), and they do not stack with Divine Smite in the same turn because Divine Smite itself also uses your bonus action. Nerdarchy

Takeaway:
Smite spells are more useful than they used to be, but you still can’t do multiple bonus actions in one turn to activate both a spell and Divine Smite.

7) Fighting Style & Weapon Mastery

Hammer? Check. Smith’s tools? Check. Georg the Folk Hero is ready to roll!

2014:

• Choose a Fighting Style at Level 2.

2024:

• Still choose a Fighting Style (and you can switch choices at level-up steps).

• Weapon Mastery is introduced: choose weapons you’re proficient with and gain special effects. Nerdarchy

Takeaway:
More depth and flexibility in how you fight.

8) Level 20 Capstone

2014:

• Subclass-specific capstone at Level 20 (Your oath gave a unique 20th-level feature).

2024:

• No subclass capstone at 20. Instead, you choose an Epic Boon (a powerful ability you can swap between long rests).

• Epic Boons are still present as a separate system — they’re not removed, and they are not a character feature replaced with nothing; paladins do get this at high level instead of a capstone.

Takeaway:
Mechanically you do not miss out on something but the structure is modular rather than tied to your oath’s theme.