Is Divine Smite a Spell Attack?
The short answer is no, Divine Smite is not a spell attack. While it involves the use of spell slots, a crucial distinction that often confuses players and Dungeon Masters alike, Divine Smite is a class feature of the Paladin, not a spell. This difference is significant and affects how it interacts with various game mechanics in D&D 5e. Let’s dive deeper into understanding what Divine Smite is, how it works, and clarify why it isn’t considered a spell.
Understanding Divine Smite
Divine Smite is a powerful ability that allows Paladins to augment their melee weapon attacks with radiant damage. It’s a feature that comes online at 2nd level, enhancing their martial prowess with a touch of divine power.
How It Works
Here’s the breakdown of how Divine Smite functions:
- Trigger: It activates after you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack.
- Action: It requires no action (action, bonus action, or reaction) to use.
- Resource: It expends one spell slot to deal additional radiant damage.
- Damage: The additional radiant damage is 2d8 for a 1st-level spell slot, increasing by 1d8 for each spell level higher than 1st, up to a maximum of 5d8.
- Undead/Fiend Bonus: The extra damage is increased by 1d8 if the target is an undead or a fiend, for a potential max of 6d8 per smite.
The key aspect to remember is that Divine Smite is a passive addition to a melee weapon attack, not a separate spell cast. You don’t make an attack roll for it; you simply apply the additional damage to your successful weapon attack.
Why Divine Smite Is Not a Spell
The distinction between a class feature and a spell is crucial in D&D 5e, and Divine Smite clearly falls into the former category. Here’s why:
- No Casting Time: Spells have a defined casting time (e.g., 1 action, 1 bonus action). Divine Smite requires no action at all.
- No Spell Components: Spells often require verbal, somatic, or material components. Divine Smite requires no components.
- No Spell Attack Roll: Spells that cause an attack often require a spell attack roll using your spellcasting modifier. Divine Smite uses your existing weapon attack roll.
- Class Feature Designation: The text of Divine Smite clearly marks it as a “class feature,” not a spell.
The expenditure of a spell slot for the Divine Smite feature is a resource cost, not a casting requirement. Think of it as fueling the divine energy that enhances your weapon strike rather than as casting an additional spell. This is a critical element that differentiates it from actual spells.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Divine Smite:
1. What type of damage does Divine Smite deal?
Divine Smite deals radiant damage. If the target is an undead or fiend, an additional 1d8 radiant damage is added.
2. Can I use Divine Smite on an unarmed strike?
While you can make a melee weapon attack with an unarmed strike, Divine Smite refers to adding damage to a “weapon’s damage.” Since an unarmed strike is not a weapon, RAW it does not work. However, many DMs might allow it as a house rule.
3. Does Divine Smite work with natural weapons?
Yes, natural weapons, like claws or horns, count as melee weapons and can be used with Divine Smite.
4. Do I have to announce Divine Smite before attacking?
No, you do not. You choose to use Divine Smite after you successfully hit a creature, allowing you to decide if you want to expend the spell slot after knowing the attack landed.
5. Can I use Divine Smite multiple times per turn?
Yes, you can use Divine Smite once per hit with a melee weapon attack. If you have multiple attacks through features like Extra Attack, you can use Divine Smite multiple times per turn if those attacks hit.
6. Is there a limit to how much damage Divine Smite can do?
Yes. The maximum damage from Divine Smite is 5d8 radiant damage (6d8 against undead or fiends), plus the weapon damage. This limit is reached when using a 4th-level or higher spell slot.
7. Does Divine Smite scale with my Charisma modifier?
No, Charisma does not increase Divine Smite damage. Charisma is used for spellcasting, spell save DCs, and the Aura of Protection.
8. Does Divine Smite work with Great Weapon Fighting?
Great Weapon Fighting does not apply to Divine Smite. It only allows you to reroll damage dice from the weapon itself, not bonus damage such as Divine Smite.
9. Can I use any spell slot for Divine Smite?
Yes, you can use any spell slot, not just Paladin spell slots, for Divine Smite.
10. Does Divine Smite work in an Antimagic Field?
Divine Smite will not work inside an Antimagic Field. An Antimagic Field suppresses spells and other magical effects. (Improved Divine Strike, however, would work since it isn’t explicitly magical.)
11. Does Divine Smite trigger Wild Magic?
No, Divine Smite will not trigger Wild Magic.
12. Can I use a 5th-level spell slot for Divine Smite?
Yes, but there is no additional benefit to using a 5th-level spell slot over a 4th-level slot. The maximum damage is still capped at 5d8 (6d8 against undead or fiends.)
13. Does Divine Smite break concentration?
No, Divine Smite does not break concentration. It’s not a spell itself.
14. Can Divine Smite stack with Eldritch Smite?
Yes, Divine Smite and Eldritch Smite can stack. They’re two separate features. However, note that Eldritch Smite can only be used once per turn, even if you have multiple attacks.
15. Are Rakshasa immune to Divine Smite?
No, Rakshasa are not immune to Divine Smite. Their magic immunity applies to spells, but Divine Smite is not a spell.
Conclusion
Divine Smite is a potent class feature that adds significant burst damage to a Paladin’s melee attacks. While it uses spell slots as a resource, it’s crucial to remember that it is not a spell and therefore doesn’t interact with game mechanics that specifically affect spells. Understanding the distinction between a class feature and a spell is vital for effectively using Divine Smite and for correctly applying the rules in D&D 5e. This clarification ensures that you harness the full potential of this powerful Paladin ability.