Do you have to call divine smite before attacking?

Do You Have to Call Divine Smite Before Attacking?

As a Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3, one of the most iconic abilities you can use is Divine Smite. This ability allows you to deal radiant damage to your enemies, adding an extra layer of devastation to your attacks. However, there’s been a common question among players about whether you need to announce your intention to use Divine Smite before attacking.

The Answer

In a recent FAQ, the developers of Baldur’s Gate 3 provided a clear answer to this question. No, you do not have to announce your intention to use Divine Smite before attacking. The ability is triggered when you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, and you expend a spell slot to deal additional damage.

When Can You Use Divine Smite?

So, when can you use Divine Smite? According to the rules, you can use it whenever you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack. This means that you can use it on a confirmed hit or crit, and it will deal additional damage to the target.

What About Missed Attacks?

But what happens if you miss an attack? Can you still use Divine Smite? The answer is no, you cannot use Divine Smite if your attack misses. The ability is tied to a successful hit, so if your attack misses, you cannot trigger it.

Does Charisma Affect Divine Smite?

Another common question about Divine Smite is whether Charisma affects its damage output. The answer is no, Charisma does not scale the damage output of Divine Smite. This means that regardless of your Charisma score, the damage output of Divine Smite will remain the same.

Which Paladin Oath is Best for Divine Smite?

If you’re planning to use Divine Smite, you might be wondering which Paladin Oath is best for it. According to some players, the Oath of Vengeance is the strongest option for Divine Smite. This oath allows you to deal additional damage to enemies, making your attacks even more devastating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Divine Smite is a powerful ability that can add an extra layer of damage to your attacks. However, you do not need to announce your intention to use it before attacking. Instead, it is triggered by a successful hit with a melee weapon attack. Additionally, Charisma does not affect the damage output of Divine Smite, and the Oath of Vengeance may be the strongest option for it.

Table: Divine Smite Triggers

Table: Paladin Oaths for Divine Smite

I hope this article has helped clarify the use of Divine Smite in Baldur’s Gate 3. Remember to always keep your Paladin’s abilities in mind when facing enemies, and don’t hesitate to use Divine Smite to add an extra layer of damage to your attacks.