Shining Smite
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, 1 minute
- Classes
- Paladin
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2024)
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
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2014) (as Branding Smite)
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 popularity
How popular is Shining Smite? It is a commonly found spell in the game, and is chosen above nearly all other options when available. This spell is a widely sought-after option.
- #2 picked level 2 Paladin spell
- Top 50% of all 5e spells
- Bottom 50% of all level 2 spells
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Shining Smite
Blinding Smite 3rd-level evocation
This is another paladin smite that adds radiant damage to a successful attack and leaves the struck creature impaired for the spell's duration.
Players prefer Shining Smite over Blinding Smite
Searing Smite 1st-level evocation
Both are paladin smite spells cast on the self that add damage when a weapon attack hits and persist for up to a minute.
Players prefer Shining Smite over Searing Smite
Divine Favor 1st-level transmutation
Like Shining Smite, this paladin spell enhances weapon attacks with radiant damage while lasting for a minute.
Players prefer Shining Smite over Divine Favor
Wrathful Smite 1st-level necromancy
The shared paladin smite format, bonus-action setup, concentration, and attack-triggered damage make it a close tactical alternative despite its different damage type and rider.
Players prefer Shining Smite over Wrathful Smite
Faerie Fire 1st-level evocation
It similarly exposes enemies, grants attackers Advantage against them, and helps counter invisibility, though it affects an area and requires a save.
Players prefer Shining Smite over Faerie Fire
Spirit Shroud 3rd-level necromancy
Both are self-centered concentration spells that reward close combat with extra damage over roughly one minute.
Players prefer Shining Smite over Spirit Shroud