Does a critical hit apply to divine smite?

Does a Critical Hit Apply to Divine Smite?

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, a critical hit can make all the difference in a combat encounter. But when it comes to Divine Smite, a paladin’s powerful ability to deal extra damage, does a critical hit apply to it? In this article, we’ll delve into the rules and explore the answer to this question.

Critical Hits in D&D

Before we dive into Divine Smite, let’s quickly review what a critical hit is in D&D. A critical hit is when a player’s attack roll exceeds the target’s Armor Class (AC) by a certain margin, usually 20 or higher. When a critical hit occurs, the attack deals extra damage, known as critical hit damage. Critical hit damage is typically double the weapon’s damage die.

Divine Smite

Divine Smite is a paladin’s ability to deal extra damage to enemies. It can be used as an additional effect on a successful attack, dealing an additional 2d8 radiant damage for a 1st-level spell slot, and an additional 1d8 radiant damage for each spell slot level higher than 1st, up to a maximum of 5d8.

Does a Critical Hit Apply to Divine Smite?

According to the official D&D 5th edition Player’s Handbook, a critical hit does not apply to Divine Smite. This is stated in the paladin’s feature description:

"Starting at 2nd level, when you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can expend one spell slot to deal radiant damage to the target, in addition to the weapon’s damage. The extra damage is not multiplied on a critical hit."

Maximum Damage

As mentioned earlier, Divine Smite has a maximum damage cap of 5d8, which is increased by 1d8 for each spell slot level higher than 1st. However, this cap is not affected by critical hits. This means that even if you hit a critical hit, the extra damage from Divine Smite will still be capped at 5d8, plus the additional damage from the spell slot level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a critical hit does not apply to Divine Smite. While a critical hit can increase the weapon’s damage, the extra damage from Divine Smite is not affected by critical hits. Paladins should focus on using their spell slots to maximize their damage output, rather than relying on critical hits to amplify their Divine Smite damage.

Additional Tips

• Always consider the enemy’s Armor Class when using Divine Smite, as a lower AC means a higher chance of hitting and dealing damage.
• Use your higher-level spell slots to increase the damage output of your Divine Smite, especially against tough enemies.
• Don’t rely too heavily on critical hits, as they are not guaranteed and can be affected by enemy armor and abilities.
• Experiment with different paladin builds and playstyles to find what works best for you.

Common Questions

• What is the maximum damage from Divine Smite? The maximum damage from Divine Smite is 5d8, plus an additional 1d8 for each spell slot level higher than 1st.
• Can I use Divine Smite on a critical hit? Yes, you can use Divine Smite on a critical hit, but the extra damage from Divine Smite is not multiplied by the critical hit.
• Is Divine Smite affected by enemy resistance? Yes, Divine Smite is affected by enemy resistance, which can reduce or negate the damage dealt by the ability.

Final Thoughts

Divine Smite is a powerful ability that can greatly increase a paladin’s damage output. While critical hits can be beneficial, they are not essential for maximizing Divine Smite damage. By understanding how Divine Smite works and using it effectively, paladins can become formidable opponents on the battlefield.