DnD Branding Smite: Master This Divine Weapon Spell Like a Pro | 5E Guide

In the mystical realm of Dungeons & Dragons, few abilities light up a Paladin’s arsenal quite like Branding Smite. This divine spell doesn’t just pack a punch – it turns your weapon into a beacon of radiant justice that makes sneaky enemies think twice about playing hide-and-seek.

For those new to D&D’s magical smiting business, Branding Smite transforms an ordinary weapon attack into a glowing display of power that would make even the flashiest Vegas shows jealous. Not only does it deal extra radiant damage, but it also marks enemies with celestial graffiti that reveals their location and puts an end to their invisibility shenanigans.

What Is Branding Smite in D&D 5E

Branding Smite manifests as a 2nd-level evocation spell in D&D 5E, available primarily to Paladins. The spell imbues a weapon with divine energy for the next hit, dealing an extra 2d6 radiant damage to the target.

This combat enhancement creates three distinct effects:

• Adds 2d6 radiant damage to the next successful weapon attack
• Makes invisible creatures visible upon taking damage
• Prevents the target from becoming invisible until the spell ends

The spell’s duration lasts for 1 minute or until the enhanced attack connects. At higher levels, casting Branding Smite using a spell slot above 2nd level increases the radiant damage by 1d6 for each slot level above 2nd.

Key Spell Statistics:

Branding Smite functions as a concentration spell, requiring the caster to maintain focus while the divine energy persists. The caster expends a bonus action to invoke this spell, making it an efficient combat option that preserves the main action for additional attacks.

The spell creates visible effects when cast:

• Weapon glows with divine radiance
• Target illuminates upon impact
• Magical mark appears on struck creatures

• Phase Spiders
• Invisible Stalkers
• Creatures under Greater Invisibility
• Enemies using displacement magic

Spell Details and Mechanics

Branding Smite operates through specific mechanical rules in D&D 5th Edition. The spell combines offensive capabilities with utility effects to create a versatile combat option.

Casting Requirements

The casting process requires a single bonus action to complete. Paladins must use a 2nd-level spell slot or higher when casting Branding Smite. The spell demands concentration to maintain its effect for up to 1 minute. A divine focus or holy symbol serves as the spell’s material component. The caster maintains the ability to take other actions during their turn after casting Branding Smite.

Damage Output and Effects

The base damage adds 2d6 radiant damage to a successful weapon attack. Higher-level spell slots increase the damage by 1d6 for each level above 2nd.

The spell creates three distinct effects:

• Deals additional radiant damage on hit
• Forces invisible creatures to become visible when struck
• Prevents the target from becoming invisible for the spell’s duration

The divine energy manifests as visible light on both the weapon during casting.

Classes That Can Use Branding Smite

Branding Smite appears on a select number of class spell lists in D&D 5th Edition. Each class accesses this divine spell through different means with varying availability levels.

Paladin Spell List

Paladins gain automatic access to Branding Smite as a 2nd-level spell through their base class spell list. The spell becomes available at level 5 when Paladins unlock 2nd-level spell slots. All Paladin subclasses gain this spell regardless of their Oath choice, making it a core component of the Paladin’s divine arsenal. Paladins can prepare Branding Smite alongside other spells during a long rest, switching it out based on daily needs.

Other Class Options

The Hexblade Warlock gains Branding Smite as an expanded spell option at 3rd level. Crown Paladins receive it as a domain spell, meaning it’s always prepared without counting against their daily preparation limit. Through the Magic Initiate feat or multiclassing into Paladin or Hexblade Warlock, other classes can acquire limited access to Branding Smite. However, using spell slots to cast it depends on the specific multiclass spellcasting rules in the Player’s Handbook.

Strategic Uses in Combat

Branding Smite enhances tactical gameplay through its versatile application in combat scenarios. This divine ability creates opportunities for both offensive strikes and strategic positioning.

Combining With Other Abilities

Branding Smite synergizes with several Paladin features to maximize combat effectiveness. Divine Smite stacks with Branding Smite’s radiant damage for devastating single-target attacks. Channel Divinity options amplify the spell’s impact when used alongside Sacred Weapon or Vow of Enmity. Multiclass characters gain additional combo potential by pairing Branding Smite with features like the Fighter’s Action Surge or the Warlock’s Eldritch Smite.

Fighting Invisible Creatures

Branding Smite excels at countering invisibility-based tactics in combat encounters. The spell’s revealing effect triggers on hit regardless of the target’s magical protections. Invisible creatures lose their advantage on attack rolls once branded making them vulnerable to counterattacks. Creatures relying on repeated invisibility face significant disadvantages as the spell prevents them from vanishing again for its duration. This effect proves particularly effective against enemies like Phase Spiders Invisible Stalkers or spellcasters using Greater Invisibility.

Best Situations for Branding Smite

Combat encounters with invisible enemies create optimal conditions for Branding Smite. Characters facing Phase Spiders, Invisible Stalkers or Greater Invisibility users benefit from the spell’s ability to reveal hidden foes.

Boss battles present prime opportunities to unleash Branding Smite’s radiant damage:

• Opening rounds against major threats
• Moments when the target is vulnerable to radiant damage
• Situations requiring burst damage combined with Divine Smite
• Encounters with enemies resistant to non-magical weapons

Tactical scenarios maximize Branding Smite’s effectiveness:

• Preventing enemy escape attempts through invisibility
• Supporting allies by revealing hidden threats
• Combining with Hold Person for critical hit opportunities
• Engaging enemies in poorly lit or darkness conditions

Strategic timing enhances Branding Smite’s impact during:

• Ambush situations when enemies attempt to hide
• Final rounds against weakened bosses
• Moments when concentration isn’t needed for other spells
• Combat scenarios requiring weapon attack enhancement

• Multiple invisible enemies in succession
• Creatures known to have invisibility abilities
• Situations demanding consistent damage output
• Battles where Divine Smite slots need conservation

Conclusion

Branding Smite stands as an invaluable spell in any Paladin’s arsenal combining tactical advantage with impressive damage output. Its ability to counter invisibility while dealing significant radiant damage makes it a must-have option for challenging encounters.

Whether facing stealthy foes or seeking to enhance combat effectiveness this versatile 2nd-level spell proves its worth time and again. Smart players will recognize its potential not just as a damage dealer but as a strategic tool that can turn the tide of battle.

The spell’s accessibility to Paladins and select other classes ensures it remains a cornerstone of divine spellcasting in D&D 5E making it an essential choice for any character build focused on combining martial prowess with magical utility.