Smite Spells in D&D 5e: Paladin's Secret Weapon

Smite spells are Paladin's special tools. Cast before you hit, then deal bonus damage on the next weapon attack.

The Basics

Smite spells:

• Bonus action to cast.
• Duration: 1 minute, concentration (most of them).
• Trigger on next weapon attack hit.

They stack with Divine Smite (spend a separate spell slot for more damage).

Available Smites

1st Level

• Wrathful Smite. Frightens the target. 1d6 psychic damage on hit.
• Thunderous Smite. Pushes target 10 ft + prone. 2d6 thunder damage.
• Searing Smite. Target burns for 1d6 fire per turn (Con save). 1d6 fire damage.
• Compelled Duel. Disadvantage on enemy attacks vs. anyone else. Concentration.

2nd Level

• Branding Smite. Reveals invisibility. 2d6 radiant damage.

3rd Level

• Blinding Smite. Blinds target on Con save fail. 3d8 radiant.

4th Level

• Staggering Smite. Target disadvantage on attacks for 1 round + 4d6 psychic.

5th Level

• Banishing Smite. Banishes target if under 50 HP. 5d10 damage.

When to Cast Smite Spells

• Before a tough fight. Set up your concentration smite.
• Vs. specific enemies. Branding Smite vs. invisible foes. Wrathful Smite vs. resistant enemies (frighten is often better than damage).
• When you need a specific effect. Staggering Smite to shut down a boss's attacks.

Stacking with Divine Smite

Both work on the same hit:

• Cast a smite spell.
• Next hit deals smite spell damage + if you choose, Divine Smite damage (separate spell slot).
• Nova round.

Concentration Tradeoff

Smite spells are concentration. You can only have one smite spell up at a time.

If you get hit, Con save or lose it.

Wrathful Smite: The Best Low-Level Smite

Wrathful Smite is arguably the best 1st-level smite:

• Low damage (1d6) but frightens.
• Frightened = disadvantage on attacks while source is visible.
• Effectively disables the enemy without needing more damage.

For a 1st-level slot, incredible value.

Banishing Smite: The Capstone

Banishing Smite (5th level) sends a target under 50 HP to another plane for 1 minute. Nearly removes them from the fight.

Save the slot for the boss.

Divine Smite Damage Reminder

Per our Paladin guide:

• 1st level slot: +2d8 radiant.
• 2nd: +3d8.
• 3rd: +4d8.
• 4th+: +5d8.
• +1d8 vs. fiend/undead.

In The Endlessness

Our AI Dungeon Master handles smite spells: bonus action casting, concentration, stack with Divine Smite, effect application.

For related reads, our Paladin guide and concentration rules cover more.

Final Takeaway

Smite spells are Paladin's secret weapon. Cast before combat. Stack with Divine Smite. Dominate.

Start a Paladin at The Endlessness and smite.