How does divine smite work?
Divine Smite is a powerful class feature that allows paladins to deal radiant damage to their enemies, and it works by expending a spell slot to deal extra damage to a target when hitting them with a melee weapon attack. The extra damage is calculated based on the level of the spell slot used, with a maximum of 5d8 damage, and can be used in conjunction with other abilities and features to create powerful combat combinations.
Understanding Divine Smite
Divine Smite is a key feature of the paladin class, and understanding how it works is crucial for players looking to get the most out of their characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many times can you use divine smite in a turn?
There is no limitation on the number of times you can use Divine Smite in a turn, provided you hit the target, and you can spend one spell slot per hit.
2. What does divine smite scale with?
Divine Smite scales with the level of the spell slot used, with the damage increasing by 1d8 for each spell level higher than 1st, up to a maximum of 5d8.
3. Does divine smite count as weapon damage?
Divine Smite adds to weapon damage for Concentration saves, and the damage is added to the weapon’s damage on the same attack.
4. When should I use divine smite?
Divine Smite should be used when you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, and you can expend a spell slot to deal radiant damage to the target.
5. Is Divine smite doubled on a crit?
Yes, Divine Smite is doubled on a critical hit, as any damage dice that are part of an attack that hits critically are doubled.
6. What is the maximum damage in divine smite?
The maximum damage in Divine Smite is 5d8, plus an additional 1d8 if the target is an undead or fiend.
7. Is Divine smite unlimited?
There are no limits to the number of times you can use Divine Smite, other than the limitation of one spell slot per attack and the maximum damage of 5d8 or 6d8 versus undead or fiends per use.
8. Can you divine smite a bonus action?
No, Divine Smite does not require an action of any sort, including a bonus action or reaction, and can only be used on a confirmed hit or critical hit.
9. What is the highest spell slot in divine smite?
The highest spell slot that can be used with Divine Smite is a 5th-level spell slot, which deals a maximum of 5d8 damage.
10. Can divine smite use any spell slot?
Yes, Divine Smite can use any spell slot, regardless of where it comes from, and all spell slots are lumped together for the purposes of casting spells.
11. Can you use divine smite on fists?
No, Divine Smite is not intended to work with unarmed strikes, as it requires a melee weapon attack and refers to the “weapon’s damage“.
12. What damage does divine smite do?
Divine Smite deals radiant damage to the target, with the extra damage calculated based on the level of the spell slot used.
13. How long does divine smite last?
Divine Smite can last up to 1 minute, or 10 rounds, and you get the +1d4 Radiant damage on every hit.
14. Does divine smite count as magic?
Yes, Divine Smite counts as magical, as it is fueled by the use of spell slots, and is affected by antimagic fields.
15. Can you use divine smite twice in one turn?
Yes, you can use Divine Smite twice in one turn, provided you hit the target twice, and you can spend one spell slot per hit.