Divine Smite
Level 1 · Evocation
- Damage
Divine Smite is an evocation spell at level 1, sitting on the paladin list. Cast time: Bonus Action. Range Self, components V, duration instantaneous. Effect: The target takes an extra 2d8 Radiant damage from the attack. At higher levels: The damage increases by 1d8 for each spell slot level above 1.
Stat Block
- Level
- 1
- School
- Evocation
- Casting Time
- Bonus Action
- Range / Area
- Self
- Components
- V
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Ritual
- No
- Concentration
- No
- Classes
- Paladin
- Material
- —
Description
The target takes an extra 2d8 Radiant damage from the attack. The damage increases by 1d8 if the target is a Fiend or an Undead.
Doungim Lore
School Fit
Evocation handles every spell that converts magical energy into physical effect at range. The school's signature is area-of-effect damage but it includes single-target rays and bursts too. What lands Divine Smite in Evocation is the spell focuses magical energy into a visible, immediate effect. The 1st-level slot is the most-cast slot of tier 1 — Divine Smite earns its place there or somewhere else.
Class Fit
- Paladin: Auras dominate Paladin identity. Divine Smite is a discretionary slot the Paladin chooses to add on top of the always-on aura suite. Divine Smite has an at-higher-levels rule; the spell's per-slot scaling makes upcasting worthwhile in the right context.
Related Spells
Frequently Asked Questions about Divine Smite
- What level spell is Divine Smite?
- Divine Smite sits at level 1 in the Evocation school of magic, prepared by Paladin.
- How much damage does Divine Smite deal?
- On a base cast, Divine Smite deals 2d8 radiant damage. The damage scales when upcast — see the higher-level note.
- What is the range of Divine Smite?
- The range on Divine Smite is Self; no other creature can be the target.
- What components and casting time does Divine Smite need?
- Divine smite is cast with v. The other notable details — the casting time is bonus action (not a standard Action).
- Can Divine Smite be upcast?
- Divine Smite scales when upcast: The damage increases by 1d8 for each spell slot level above 1.