How does divine smite work?

How Does Divine Smite Work?

Divine Smite is a class feature available to paladins in the 5th edition of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. It allows paladins to deal additional damage to their enemies, but only in certain circumstances. In this article, we’ll break down how Divine Smite works and provide guidance on when to use it to maximum effect.

Basic Functionality

Divine Smite is a class feature that can be used in addition to a melee attack. When a paladin hits a creature with a melee attack, they can expend one spell slot to deal radiant damage to the target. The damage dealt is based on the spell slot level used.

• 1st-level spell slot: 2d8 radiant damage
• 2nd-level spell slot: 2d8 + 1d8 radiant damage
• 3rd-level spell slot: 2d8 + 2d8 radiant damage
• 4th-level spell slot: 2d8 + 3d8 radiant damage
• 5th-level spell slot: 2d8 + 4d8 radiant damage

The damage increases by 1d8 for each spell level higher than 1st.

Exceptions and Additions

There are two exceptions to the standard Divine Smite formula. The first is when the target is an undead or fiend, in which case the damage dealt is increased by an additional 1d8.

• Undead or fiend target: 2d8 + (spell level × 1d8) radiant damage

The second exception is when a paladin uses a bonus action to activate a spell-like ability, such as Thunderous Smite. In this case, the paladin can deal additional damage based on the spell-like ability used.

• Bonus action spell-like ability: Additional damage dealt is equal to the spell-like ability’s damage output

Restrictions and Limitations

Divine Smite is subject to certain restrictions and limitations. The first is that it can only be used in addition to a melee attack, not in response to a missed attack. Additionally, a paladin can only have one spell slot active at a time, so if they use a spell slot to activate Divine Smite, they cannot use another spell slot until the Divine Smite is resolved.

• Single spell slot limitation: A paladin can only have one spell slot active at a time
• Melee attack requirement: Divine Smite can only be used in addition to a melee attack

When to Use Divine Smite

Now that we’ve covered the basics of Divine Smite, let’s talk about when to use it. There are a few scenarios in which Divine Smite is particularly useful:

• Enemies with high damage reduction: Divine Smite’s ability to deal additional damage can be especially effective against enemies with high damage reduction. For example, an enemy with 10 feet of resistance to non-magical damage would have 5 feet of damage reduction removed by a paladin using a 1st-level spell slot with Divine Smite.
• Enemies with high AC: Divine Smite can be useful against enemies with high AC, as the radiant damage can ignore armor class. For example, an enemy with AC 18 would have its armor class reduced to AC 12 if hit by a paladin using a 2nd-level spell slot with Divine Smite.
• Enemies with specific vulnerabilities: Divine Smite’s ability to deal additional damage can be particularly effective against enemies with specific vulnerabilities. For example, a paladin using a 3rd-level spell slot with Divine Smite to hit an undead creature could deal an additional 1d8 damage, taking into account the creature’s vulnerability to radiant damage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Divine Smite is a powerful class feature that allows paladins to deal additional damage to their enemies. By understanding the basic functionality, exceptions, and limitations of Divine Smite, paladins can use it to maximum effect in a variety of combat scenarios. Whether it’s dealing with enemies with high damage reduction, high AC, or specific vulnerabilities, Divine Smite can be a valuable tool in a paladin’s arsenal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Divine Smite:

• Can I use Divine Smite with a bonus action?
  • No, Divine Smite can only be used in addition to a melee attack, not with a bonus action.
• Can I use multiple spell slots with Divine Smite?
  • No, a paladin can only have one spell slot active at a time. If they use a spell slot to activate Divine Smite, they cannot use another spell slot until the Divine Smite is resolved.
• Does Divine Smite count as casting a spell?
  • No, Divine Smite is a class feature that does not count as casting a spell.

I hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of how Divine Smite works in 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons.