Does Spiritual Weapon Get An Attack Bonus? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, Spiritual Weapon absolutely gets an attack bonus in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. The spell description explicitly states that the weapon uses your base attack bonus (BAB) – which, in 5e, is effectively determined by your character level and class – plus your Wisdom modifier as its attack bonus. This means that as your character levels up and your Wisdom score increases, the Spiritual Weapon’s accuracy also improves, making it a consistently useful spell throughout your adventuring career. Understanding the nuances of this attack bonus is key to maximizing the spell’s effectiveness.

Understanding the Attack Bonus in Detail

The attack bonus for Spiritual Weapon is calculated using a simple but crucial formula:

• Attack Bonus = Base Attack Bonus (Implied by Character Level/Class) + Wisdom Modifier

Let’s break this down:

• Base Attack Bonus (BAB) in 5e: While 5th Edition doesn’t explicitly use the term “Base Attack Bonus,” its effect is integrated into your character’s proficiency bonus and class features. Your proficiency bonus is essentially the component that scales with your character level, mimicking the scaling of BAB in older editions. Your proficiency bonus starts at +2 at level 1 and increases as you gain levels.

• Wisdom Modifier: As a spell typically used by clerics and paladins, Wisdom is often a primary stat. Your Wisdom modifier reflects how much your Wisdom score influences your abilities. A higher Wisdom modifier translates to a more accurate Spiritual Weapon.

Example:

Let’s say you’re a 5th-level cleric with a Wisdom score of 16 (+3 modifier). Your Spiritual Weapon’s attack bonus would be:

• Proficiency Bonus (level 5): +3
• Wisdom Modifier: +3
• Total Attack Bonus: +6

This +6 is what you would roll with when attacking with your Spiritual Weapon.

Why This Matters

Understanding how the attack bonus is calculated is crucial for several reasons:

• Optimization: Knowing the formula allows you to optimize your character build to maximize the effectiveness of Spiritual Weapon. Prioritizing Wisdom scores during character creation and level advancements can significantly boost the spell’s accuracy.

• Strategic Decision-Making: When faced with challenging encounters, knowing the attack bonus of your Spiritual Weapon helps you determine whether it’s the most effective use of your bonus action or if you should opt for a different strategy.

• Long-Term Value: Spiritual Weapon doesn’t rely on spell attack rolls, which means it is not a spell attack. It gains value as your character levels up because the damage and hit chance increases, while other low level spells become less effective.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Spiritual Weapon

1. Does Spiritual Weapon get 2 attacks?

No, Spiritual Weapon typically only makes one attack per round on your turn. However, some class features or feats might introduce additional attacks, but these would be exceptions to the standard rule. You also cannot cast Spiritual Weapon multiple times in the same round.

2. Do you add spell attack bonus to Spiritual Weapon?

No, you do not add your spell attack bonus to Spiritual Weapon attacks. The spell specifically states that it uses your base attack bonus (as determined by character level) plus your Wisdom modifier. It’s a melee attack.

3. Can you attack with Spiritual Weapon on the same turn it’s cast?

Yes, in D&D 5E, you can attack with Spiritual Weapon on the same turn it is cast. The casting is an action and moving/attacking with it is a bonus action on your turn, allowing for immediate action.

4. Can Spiritual Weapon get hit?

Spiritual Weapon cannot be attacked or harmed by physical attacks. However, certain magical effects like Dispel Magic, Disintegrate, or a Rod of Cancellation can affect it. It has an AC of 12 against touch attacks.

5. Can you have 2 Spiritual Weapons?

While theoretically possible (perhaps through magic items or specific class abilities), it’s generally not advantageous to have multiple Spiritual Weapons active simultaneously. The bonus action economy becomes restrictive, and the benefits don’t usually outweigh the cost.

6. How do you add attack bonus in 5E?

In general, your attack bonus is your ability modifier (Strength or Dexterity, typically) plus your proficiency bonus. Spiritual Weapon is an exception, using Wisdom modifier instead.

7. Do you need line of sight for Spiritual Weapon?

You do not need line of sight to the target of your Spiritual Weapon, only to the weapon itself when you initially cast the spell. You can only use it within range of the spell itself, being 60 feet.

8. Does Divine Strike work with Spiritual Weapon?

No, Divine Strike does not work with Spiritual Weapon. Divine Strike specifies that it applies to weapon attacks, and Spiritual Weapon is a melee attack.

9. Is Spiritual Weapon a bonus action or action?

Casting Spiritual Weapon is an action. Moving and attacking with it on subsequent turns is a bonus action.

10. Can I flank with my Spiritual Weapon?

No, the Spiritual Weapon does not count in any way with regard to setting up Flanking as it is not a creature nor ally.

11. Can you use Spiritual Weapon to fly?

Spiritual Weapon should float, but it can only be moved to any reachable field. It should not have a problem to levitate up and down or fly across chasms, but it cannot be used for personal flight.

12. Does attacking with Spiritual Weapon break Sanctuary?

Yes, attacking with Spiritual Weapon would break Sanctuary.

13. Can Spiritual Weapon go through walls?

No, Spiritual Weapon cannot go through walls.

14. Does Spiritual Weapon go away if you go unconscious?

No, Spiritual Weapon does not disappear if you go unconscious. However, you won’t be able to use your bonus action to move and attack with it while incapacitated.

15. Can Spiritual Weapon be non-lethal?

Yes, Spiritual Weapon can deal non-lethal damage. Since it is a melee attack, it is able to be non-lethal.

Spiritual Weapon: A Versatile Spell

Despite some considering it “bad,” Spiritual Weapon remains a highly versatile and effective spell, especially for clerics and paladins who often have a high Wisdom score. Its ability to deal consistent damage as a bonus action allows spellcasters to maintain their primary action for other crucial spells or actions, making it a valuable tool in a variety of combat scenarios. Understanding its mechanics, particularly the attack bonus calculation, is essential for maximizing its potential and making informed tactical decisions.

To further your understanding of game mechanics and their impact on learning, explore the resources and research available at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org offers invaluable insights into the power of games in education and beyond.