Wrathful Smite
2024 Rules
- Level & School
- 1st-level necromancy
- 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
- 1 minute
- Classes
- Paladin
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2024)
The target takes an extra 1d6 Necrotic damage from the attack, and it must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Frightened condition until the spell ends. At the end of each of its turns, the Frightened target repeats the save, ending the spell on itself on a success.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 1.
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- 1st-level evocation
- Casting Time
- Bonus action
- Range
- Self
- Components
- V
- Duration
- Concentration, 1 minute
- Classes
- Paladin
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2014)
The next time you hit with a melee weapon attack during this spell's duration, your attack deals an extra 1d6 psychic damage. Additionally, if the target is a creature, it must make a Wisdom saving throw or be frightened of you until the spell ends. As an action, the creature can make a Wisdom check against your spell save DC to steel its resolve and end this spell.
Wrathful Smite 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Wrathful Smite popularity
How popular is Wrathful Smite? It is a commonly found spell in the game, and is often chosen over other options when available. This spell is a reliable addition to any spellbook.
- Top 50% of all 5e spells
- Top 50% picked level 1 Paladin spell
- Bottom 25% of all level 1 spells
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Wrathful Smite
Staggering Smite 4th-level enchantment
Although higher level and instantaneous, it is still a paladin smite that adds damage to a successful attack and disrupts the target.
Players prefer Staggering Smite over Wrathful Smite
Shining Smite 2nd-level transmutation
It follows the same smite pattern of empowering attacks for a minute while dealing an additional damage type.
Players prefer Shining Smite over Wrathful Smite
Blinding Smite 3rd-level evocation
The spell is another paladin attack rider that combines extra damage with a debilitating condition lasting up to a minute.
Players prefer Blinding Smite over Wrathful Smite
Searing Smite 1st-level evocation
Like Wrathful Smite, it is a paladin bonus-action buff that adds damage to a weapon attack and lasts for up to a minute.
Players prefer Searing Smite over Wrathful Smite
Thunderous Smite 1st-level evocation
Both are first-level paladin smites cast on yourself to enhance an upcoming attack with extra damage and a secondary combat effect.
Players prefer Thunderous Smite over Wrathful Smite
Divine Favor 1st-level transmutation
This shares the self-targeted, minute-long paladin weapon-enhancement role, though it lacks the Wisdom save and fear effect.
Players prefer Divine Favor over Wrathful Smite