Shining Smite

A
Damage

Shining Smite is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

See all Damage spells →
 smite that bathes a foe in radiant light, dealing extra Radiant damage and exposing it so allies can strike more easily.

2024 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level transmutation
Casting Time
Bonus action, which you take immediately after hitting a creature with a melee weapon or an unarmed strike
Range
Self
Components
V
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Classes
Paladin

The target hit by the strike takes an extra 2d6 Radiant damage from the attack. Until the spell ends, the target sheds Bright Light in a 5-foot radius, attack rolls against it have Advantage, and it can't benefit from the Invisible condition.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 2.

2014 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level evocation
Casting Time
Bonus action
Range
Self
Components
V
Duration
Concentration, 1 minute
Classes
Paladin

The next time you hit a creature with a weapon attack before this spell ends, the weapon gleams with astral radiance as you strike. The attack deals an extra 2d6 radiant damage to the target, which becomes visible if it's invisible, and the target sheds dim light in a 5-foot radius and can't become invisible until the spell ends.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the extra damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 2nd.

Shining Smite 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Shining Smite now makes the target shed Bright Light instead of dim light, and attack rolls against it have Advantage while the spell lasts. Its invisibility effect changed from stopping the target from becoming invisible to preventing it from benefiting from the Invisible condition.

Shining Smite popularity

Shining Smite is a seldom chosen level 2 spell. Choosing it adds a unique option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Shining Smite

  • Searing Smite 1st-level evocation

    A paladin bonus-action smite that adds extra elemental damage to your next hit and lasts for a short duration, matching the same play pattern.

  • Blinding Smite 3rd-level evocation

    Also a paladin smite that empowers a single strike with extra radiant damage and a harmful secondary effect on the target, so it fills the same tactical niche.

  • Banishing Smite 5th-level conjuration

    This is another concentration-enabled paladin smite that upgrades one attack with extra effect and control, similar in design and purpose to the target spell.

  • Staggering Smite 4th-level enchantment

    It boosts a single melee attack with added damage and a debilitating follow-up, making it comparable in timing and intent to Shining Smite.

  • Thunderous Smite 1st-level evocation

    A classic paladin smite that you activate before an attack to add damage and a crowd-shaping secondary effect, so players choose it for similar reasons.