Can you rage and use divine smite?

Can You Rage and Use Divine Smite?

As a paladin, you have access to the powerful ability to channel divine energy through your attacks, dealing additional radiant damage to your enemies. This ability is known as Divine Smite. However, you may be wondering if you can use Divine Smite while raging, a state that grants you increased damage output and resistance to damage. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide some additional insights into how Divine Smite works.

The Basics of Divine Smite

Before we dive into the specifics of using Divine Smite while raging, let’s review the basics of this ability. Divine Smite is a 2nd-level paladin spell that allows you to deal additional radiant damage to a creature you hit with a melee weapon attack. The damage is based on the spell slot you expend, with a minimum of 2d8 damage and a maximum of 5d8 damage.

Raging and Divine Smite

Now, let’s get to the main question: can you rage and use Divine Smite? The answer is yes. Jeremy Crawford, the game designer behind D&D, has confirmed that Divine Smite is not affected by the Rage ability. This means that you can use Divine Smite while raging, and the additional damage will still be applied.

How It Works

Here’s how it works:

• You take the Attack action and hit a creature with a melee weapon attack.
• You expend a spell slot to cast Divine Smite.
• The creature takes the additional radiant damage based on the spell slot you expended.
• The damage is added to the weapon’s damage on the same attack.

Benefits of Using Divine Smite While Raging

Using Divine Smite while raging can be a powerful combination. Here are some benefits to consider:

• Increased damage output: Divine Smite adds additional damage to your attack, which can be especially useful when raging. With increased damage output, you’ll be able to take down enemies more quickly and efficiently.
• Improved survivability: While raging, you’ll have increased resistance to damage. This means that you’ll be able to withstand more damage before needing to take a break. With Divine Smite, you’ll be able to deal additional damage while still benefiting from your increased resistance to damage.
• Flexibility: Using Divine Smite while raging gives you more flexibility in combat. You can choose when to use Divine Smite based on the situation, and you won’t be limited by the need to take a break from raging.

Limitations

While using Divine Smite while raging can be powerful, there are some limitations to consider:

• Spell slots: You’ll need to expend a spell slot to cast Divine Smite. This means that you’ll need to manage your spell slots carefully to ensure that you have enough available for other abilities.
• Concentration: Divine Smite requires concentration, which means that you’ll need to take a break from raging to maintain concentration. This can be a limitation, especially in combat-heavy encounters.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, you can rage and use Divine Smite. This combination can be a powerful way to deal additional damage to your enemies while also improving your survivability in combat. Just be sure to manage your spell slots and concentration carefully to ensure that you can use Divine Smite effectively.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when using Divine Smite while raging:

• Use your judgment: Decide when to use Divine Smite based on the situation. If you’re facing a powerful enemy, you may want to use Divine Smite to take them down quickly. If you’re facing a group of weaker enemies, you may want to use Divine Smite to clear them out quickly.
• Use your abilities wisely: Don’t forget to use your other abilities, such as Second Wind and Divine Intervention. These abilities can be powerful tools in combat, and using them wisely can help you stay alive and effective.
• Keep an eye on your spell slots: Make sure you have enough spell slots available for other abilities. You don’t want to run out of spell slots in the middle of a combat encounter.

References

• Crawford, J. (2020). Sage Advice. Retrieved from https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-5e/discussion/108164/sage-advice
• Wizards of the Coast. (2020). Player’s Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.dndbeyond.com/products/filters/books/player-s-handbook

Table: Divine Smite Damage

Note: The damage listed in the table is the minimum damage you can deal with Divine Smite. The actual damage will be higher if you have a higher spell slot level.