Can a Raging Barbarian Use Divine Smite? The Definitive Guide
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Yes, a raging Barbarian can use Divine Smite. This powerful combination, often sought after by players, leverages the unique mechanics of Barbarian Rage and Paladin Divine Smite. While Rage prohibits casting spells and maintaining concentration on spells, Divine Smite is not a spell. It’s a class feature fueled by spell slots, allowing a Barbarian/Paladin multiclass to unleash devastating melee attacks while in a frenzy. This article will explore this interaction in detail, answering common questions and clarifying how these abilities work together within the rules of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e).
Understanding the Core Mechanics
Barbarian Rage
Rage is a defining feature of the Barbarian class. When raging, a Barbarian gains several benefits, including:
- Advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws.
- A bonus to melee weapon damage rolls.
- Resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage.
However, there are key limitations:
- A Barbarian cannot cast spells while raging.
- A Barbarian cannot concentrate on spells while raging.
These restrictions are crucial in understanding how Divine Smite fits into the equation.
Paladin Divine Smite
Divine Smite is a core Paladin ability. It allows a Paladin to expend a spell slot to deal additional radiant damage on a melee weapon attack that hits:
- The additional damage is 2d8 for a 1st-level spell slot.
- The damage increases by 1d8 for each spell level higher than 1st, up to a maximum of 5d8.
- The damage is increased by 1d8 if the target is an undead or fiend, up to a maximum of 6d8.
Divine Smite is triggered after a melee weapon attack hits, and crucially, it is not a spell. It’s considered a class feature that uses spell slots as fuel. This distinction is what makes it usable during a Barbarian Rage.
Barbarian/Paladin Multiclass: A Synergistic Combination
A Barbarian/Paladin multiclass offers a unique blend of raw power and divine might. Combining the brutal melee capabilities of a Barbarian with the smiting potential of a Paladin allows for devastating attacks. The key takeaway is that a Barbarian’s Rage restrictions do not prevent the use of Divine Smite, which can be activated and applied on top of melee weapon attacks. This is a significant benefit because it allows for both a raging advantage and extra damage.
A Barbarian who takes a few levels in Paladin can rage as a Barbarian then divine smite as a Paladin. It truly is the best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a Barbarian use other Paladin class features while raging?
While raging, a Barbarian cannot cast Paladin spells or concentrate on them. However, they can use other class features that do not involve casting spells or maintaining concentration. This includes Channel Divinity options, which are not considered spells, and Divine Smite.
2. Can a Barbarian use Eldritch Smite while raging?
Yes, Eldritch Smite, a Warlock invocation, can be used while raging. Similar to Divine Smite, it is not a spell, but a class feature that uses spell slots.
3. Can a Barbarian be charmed or frightened while raging?
Beginning at 6th level, a Barbarian cannot be charmed or frightened while raging. If they are charmed or frightened when they enter rage, the effect is suspended for the duration of the rage.
4. Can a Barbarian use a wand while raging?
No, a Barbarian cannot use a wand to cast spells while raging. Rage prevents the casting of any spells.
5. What are the best classes to pair with a Barbarian?
Several classes work well with Barbarian, including:
- Fighter: Provides additional combat proficiencies and abilities.
- Rogue: Adds skills, sneak attack damage, and cunning maneuvers.
- Druid: Can provide extra tanking capabilities and utility with Wild Shape outside of rage.
- Paladin: Allows for divine smites and other smite damage options.
- Bard: Can provide extra support and utility.
- Warlock: Can provide additional smite capabilities.
6. What are the most popular Barbarian Multiclass options?
The most popular Barbarian multiclass options often include:
- Fighter: For additional martial prowess and action surge.
- Paladin: For burst damage and divine support.
- Rogue: For skills and mobility.
7. Which Barbarian subclass is the most powerful?
There is no definitive answer to the best barbarian subclass, but some of the most popular and powerful include:
- Ancestral Guardian: For protecting allies.
- Totem Warrior: For versatile abilities and customization.
- Zealot: For high damage output.
8. When can Divine Smite be used?
Divine Smite can be used whenever a Paladin (or a multiclass character with Paladin levels) hits a creature with a melee weapon attack. It is not tied to an action, bonus action, or reaction.
9. Can Divine Smite be used more than once in a turn?
Yes, Divine Smite can be used multiple times per turn as long as you have spell slots available, and each attack hits.
10. Does Divine Smite require a bonus action?
No, Divine Smite does not require an action or bonus action. It is triggered upon a successful melee weapon attack hit.
11. Is Divine Smite affected by critical hits?
Yes, Divine Smite damage is doubled on a critical hit, meaning the maximum damage can be 10d8 or 12d8 against undead or fiends, provided you have the necessary spell slots.
12. What is the most powerful Smite in D&D?
While subjective, Divine Smite is often considered the most powerful due to its high potential damage and consistency. Other notable smites include Wrathful Smite and Banishing Smite.
13. Are there limits to how often you can use Divine Smite?
The only limits on using Divine Smite are the number of spell slots available and the requirement that each attack must hit. You cannot use Divine Smite on a miss.
14. Can a Barbarian rage while polymorphed?
No, if a Barbarian is polymorphed, their class features are replaced by the new form, preventing them from raging.
15. What are good feats for a Barbarian?
Some strong feats for Barbarians include:
- Great Weapon Master: For increased damage output.
- Sentinel: For battlefield control.
- Mobile: For increased mobility.
- Polearm Master: For extra reach and opportunities to hit.
Conclusion
The ability for a raging Barbarian to use Divine Smite is a powerful and legitimate combination in D&D 5e. It allows players to create characters that are both fearsome and divinely empowered. By understanding the nuanced mechanics of Rage, Divine Smite, and the limitations of spellcasting while raging, players can effectively utilize this potent synergy. This information equips you to make the most of your Barbarian/Paladin multiclass, enabling you to unleash devastating attacks and become a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.