Divine Smite and Warlock Spell Slots: A Multiclassing Paladin’s Guide

The burning question on every multiclassing Paladin’s mind: Can you use Warlock spell slots for Divine Smite? The short answer is a resounding yes. The rules as written (RAW) in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition allow you to use any spell slot you possess to fuel your Divine Smite, regardless of its origin. This includes spell slots gained through the Pact Magic feature of the Warlock class. As long as you have a spell slot available, and you meet the other requirements for Divine Smite (melee weapon attack, hitting a creature), you can unleash that radiant fury, regardless of where the slot came from.

Understanding the Mechanics: Divine Smite and Spell Slots

To fully grasp this interaction, let’s break down the core mechanics involved:

• Divine Smite: This Paladin feature, unlocked at 2nd level, allows you to expend a spell slot when you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, dealing extra radiant damage. The damage scales with the spell slot level, starting at 2d8 for a 1st-level slot and increasing by 1d8 for each level above 1st, up to a maximum of 5d8. Undead and fiends take an extra 1d8 damage.

• Multiclass Spellcasting: When you multiclass into multiple spellcasting classes, you don’t simply combine your class levels to determine your overall spellcasting power. Instead, you use the Multiclass Spellcaster table (found in the Player’s Handbook) to determine your total number of spell slots based on your combined levels in spellcasting classes (excluding Warlock).

• Pact Magic (Warlock): Warlocks operate differently. They don’t use the same spellcasting progression as other spellcasters. They have fewer spell slots, but those slots are always cast at the highest available level, and they regain them on a short rest rather than a long rest.

• Spell Slot Agnosticism: Crucially, the game doesn’t differentiate between spell slots based on their source. A spell slot is a spell slot. This means that a 3rd-level spell slot gained from your Warlock levels is just as valid for fueling Divine Smite as a 3rd-level spell slot gained from your Paladin levels (after you combine the values from each class).

Optimizing Your Paladin/Warlock Multiclass

The ability to use Warlock spell slots for Divine Smite opens up exciting possibilities for Paladin/Warlock multiclasses. Here are a few key considerations for optimization:

• Short Rest Synergy: Warlocks regain their spell slots on a short rest. This means that a Paladin/Warlock can potentially smite more frequently than a single-class Paladin, who relies on long rests to replenish their resources.

• Spell Slot Level: Remember that Warlock spell slots are always cast at their highest level. This can be a double-edged sword. While it maximizes your Divine Smite damage, it also means you’re burning through your limited Warlock spell slots quickly. Strategic spell selection and invocation choices are crucial.

• Eldritch Blast: Don’t forget the Warlock’s signature cantrip, Eldritch Blast. It’s a reliable source of damage that doesn’t consume spell slots, which can be invaluable when you need to conserve your resources. Consider invocations like Agonizing Blast and Repelling Blast to enhance its effectiveness.

• Pact Boon: Your choice of Pact Boon will also influence your playstyle. The Pact of the Blade allows you to summon a magical weapon, which can be very synergistic with the Paladin’s melee focus. The Pact of the Tome grants access to additional spells and rituals, providing more utility.

• Strategic Spellcasting: While Divine Smite is a powerful tool, don’t neglect your other spells. Paladins have access to useful spells like Bless, Shield of Faith, and Find Steed. Warlocks can offer utility with spells such as Armor of Agathys, Hex, and Invisibility. Knowing when to use a spell instead of smiting is a key skill for a Paladin/Warlock.

The Importance of Planning Your Build

A successful Paladin/Warlock multiclass requires careful planning. Consider your desired playstyle and the specific benefits you want to gain from each class. There’s no single “best” build, but some popular options include:

• The “Divine Blaster”: Focus on maximizing your Divine Smite damage and using Eldritch Blast as a reliable ranged option.

• The “Tanky Smiter”: Combine the Paladin’s defensive abilities with the Warlock’s invocations and spells to create a durable and hard-hitting character.

• The “Versatile Utility Caster”: Prioritize utility spells and invocations to provide support and control in combat.

No matter which path you choose, remember to carefully consider your ability score allocation, spell selection, and invocation choices to create a character that is both effective and fun to play. The world of D&D is all about creativity, strategy, and community. If you’re looking for a community that values creativity and strategy, you may want to visit the Games Learning Society, which is dedicated to innovative approaches to learning and gameplay through collaborative projects. For more information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I stack Divine Smite with other Smite spells?

No, you cannot. Divine Smite is a feature that expends a spell slot, while Smite spells are spells you cast using a spell slot. You cannot cast a spell and use Divine Smite on the same attack.

2. Does Divine Smite work with ranged weapon attacks?

No, Divine Smite explicitly requires a melee weapon attack.

3. What is the maximum damage I can deal with Divine Smite?

The maximum damage from Divine Smite is 5d8 radiant damage, plus the weapon’s damage. This is achieved by using a 5th-level spell slot. Undead and fiends take an additional 1d8 damage, bringing the maximum to 6d8 against those creature types.

4. Can I use Divine Smite on opportunity attacks?

Yes, as long as you are making a melee weapon attack, you can use Divine Smite on opportunity attacks.

5. Can I use Divine Smite more than once per turn?

Yes, there is no limit to how many times you can use Divine Smite per turn, as long as you have spell slots available and are making melee weapon attacks. If you have multiple attacks due to Extra Attack or other features, you can potentially smite with each attack.

6. Does Divine Smite require concentration?

No, Divine Smite is an instantaneous effect and does not require concentration.

7. Can I use Divine Smite with a critical hit?

Yes! A critical hit doubles the damage dice rolled for the attack, including the radiant damage from Divine Smite. This can result in a massive burst of damage.

8. Do Warlock spell slots automatically upcast spells?

Yes. All Warlock spells that can be upcasted are automatically upcasted to the highest level spell slot they have available.

9. Can I convert Warlock spell slots into Sorcery Points?

Yes, Sorcerers can convert spell slots into Sorcery Points. Since Warlocks regain spell slots on a short rest, you can potentially convert their slots into Sorcery Points more frequently than those of other classes.

10. Does Eldritch Smite stack with Divine Smite?

Yes, you can use both Eldritch Smite and Divine Smite on the same attack, but each requires the use of a separate spell slot.

11. Can I use a higher-level spell slot for Divine Smite even if I don’t need the extra damage?

Yes, you can use any level spell slot for divine smite, even if it is a high level spell slot. However, damage from divine smite scales only up to a 5th level spell slot (5d8 radiant damage).

12. How many spell slots do Warlocks have at level 5?

At level 5, a Warlock has two 3rd-level spell slots.

13. What is the difference between Divine Smite and Eldritch Smite?

Divine Smite is a Paladin class feature that adds radiant damage to a melee weapon attack by expending a spell slot. Eldritch Smite is a Warlock invocation that adds force damage and can knock a creature prone by expending a Warlock spell slot.

14. Can Eldritch Smite be countered?

No, Eldritch Smite cannot be counterspelled as it’s an invocation, not a spell.

15. Can I use Paladin spell slots for Warlock spells, and vice versa?

Yes, as a multiclass character, you can use any spell slot you possess (whether from your Paladin or Warlock levels) to cast any spell you know from either class, provided you meet the spell’s other requirements. So you can use your Paladin spell slots to cast Warlock spells, and your Warlock spell slots to cast Paladin spells.