Searing Smite Spell Guide 5e

Searing Smite is a powerful spell that deals fire damage to a creature. It’s an excellent choice for Paladins, as it packs a punch and can easily take down weaker monsters. In this guide, we’ll discuss the mechanics of Searing Smite and help you get the most out of this fiery spell!

What Is Searing Smite?

Searing Smite is a 1st-level evocation spell that deals fire damage and can cause creatures to ignite in flames. It’s a good spell for Paladins who are looking to maximize their damage, and it can be especially helpful against enemies that are vulnerable to fire. 

The main benefit to using Searing Smite is that it has the potential to deal fire damage over time. For a low-level spell, Searing Smite can be deadly! The main drawback of using this spell is that it may be easily ended with a saving throw or through dousing the flames, so you’ll need to use this spell strategically to get the most out of it. 

Thanks to the class variants available in the Unearthed Arcana, Rangers can also learn this spell. It’s important to note that Searing Smite only works with melee attacks. You can’t create flaming arrows with this spell!

How Does Searing Smite Work?

Searing Smite requires a bonus action to cast. Once the spell is active, you’ll need to make a melee attack to trigger it. When the spell is activated, your weapon will flare from the intense heat and deal an extra 1d6 of fire damage to the target.

Once you’ve hit your target, they’ll burst into flames. On the monster’s next turn, it will need to make a Constitution saving throw or else take another 1d6 of fire damage. If you can maintain concentration, this spell has the potential to last up to 1 minute (10 rounds).

Searing Smite is best for characters who are expected to meet enemies head-on, relying heavily on melee damage to defeat opponents. Because this spell requires concentration, you won’t be able to use some other magic that might benefit your party while using Searing Smite. 

Using Searing Smite Strategically

This spell is perfect when you’re looking to deal as much pain to a creature as you can. When you’re up against an enemy that’s susceptible to fire damage, this spell is particularly lethal and can help you finish them off quickly. If you find yourself face-to-face with a vicious troll, for example, Searing Smite can help you defeat the creature before it has a chance to regenerate.

Classes That Can Use Searing Smite

• Paladin: As a Paladin, you’re expected to deal a lot of damage with minimal effort. Searing Smite will help you do just that!
• Ranger: The new Ranger class variants in Unearthed Arcana allow you to learn this spell. If you’re playing a melee-focused Ranger, you should consider learning Searing Smite so that you’ll have access to fire magic.

Searing Smite is a great spell for classes focused on melee combat. If you’re playing a Paladin or Ranger, this spell should definitely be in your toolbox.

How Do I Maximize the Damage of Searing Smite?

Paladins are exemplary at delivering massive blows with a single hit. Pairing Searing Smite with Divine Smite could yield some devastating results. 

Searing Smite has strategic uses as well. Most monsters don’t like being set on fire. Typically, they’ll try to put the fire out using whatever is available, whether it’s a magic spell or a bucket of water. While dousing the flames will end the effects of Searing Smite, it also costs your enemy an action. Using this attack on the right enemy just might end up saving your life.

Tips for Using Searing Smite:

• Use this spell against enemies vulnerable to fire.
• Use this spell when you’re expecting to fight an enemy head-on.
• Try to maintain concentration for the entire duration of the spell to get its full benefit.
• Use this spell in combination with other fire spells for maximum effect.

What Creatures Are Vulnerable to Searing Smite?

Because Searing Smite deals fire damage, many monsters that are immune or resistant to fire will be unphased by this spell. However, most creatures don’t like being burned, and some are even vulnerable to fire. Fire spells deal double damage to these monsters. 

Here are some common creatures that are vulnerable to fire damage in DnD 5e:

• Awakened Shrubs: An awakened shrub is created when a druid gives an ordinary shrub sentience. Unfortunately, these plant creatures tend to catch fire relatively quickly. These walking tinderboxes are an excellent target for a Searing Smite spell.
• Mummies: Mummies are undead creatures that are usually wrapped in bandages. While their wrappings are perfect for striking fear into the hearts of adventurers, they’re not so great at stopping fire damage. 
• Trolls: Trolls are large, brutish creatures with a regeneration ability that allows them to quickly heal from wounds. Fire and acid are the only two things that can prevent a troll from regenerating. Searing Smite will prove indispensable against these creatures.
• Ice Mephits: If you’ve never fought an ice mephit, consider yourself lucky. These little creatures are born from the Elemental Plane of Ice, and they’re not afraid to show it! Ice mephits are weak to fire damage, so Searing Smite is a great way to take them down.

Common Questions About Searing Smite

If you’re new to playing Dungeons and Dragons, you might have some questions about how this spell works. To make things easier, we’ve answered some of the most common questions players have about Searing Smite.

Is Searing Smite Good?

Yes, Searing Smite is a good spell! It’s solid against hard-to-overcome monsters that have plenty of hit points and can take a lot of damage. This spell is recommended for low-level Paladins who want to excel when it comes to taking down formidable enemies. 

What Does Searing Smite Do in DnD 5e?

Searing Smite deals fire damage to opponents in addition to melee damage. It’s fantastic for battles against trolls, mummies, and other fire-vulnerable creatures, especially when you don’t have a dedicated spellcaster in your party to blast them with fireballs.

Who Can Use Searing Smite in 5e?

Searing Smite is an effective spell for Paladins. Paladins don’t get a lot of fire-based spell options, so Searing Smite is a great way to boost the power of your attacks. And while other spells like Thunderous Smite do more damage, they don’t cause damage over time, which can be very practical. 

Does Searing Smite Hit Multiple Times?

No, Searing Smite only hits once. After the attack, your weapon will return to normal, even if you maintain concentration. However, if you maintain concentration for the full duration of the spell, the target will continue to take damage on their turn for up to 1 minute of combat.