Searing Smite 5E, found on page 274 of the Player’s Handbook, is an excellent first-level spell for Rangers and Paladins. The spell allows you to do extra damage and possibly set your opponent on fire. In this article, we will break down how Searing Smite works and some fascinating ways to use it.
Searing Smite
1 evocation
- Casting Time: 1 bonus action
- Range: Self
- Target: Self
- Components: V
- Duration: Concentration, Up to 1 minute
- Classes: Paladin, Ranger
- The next time you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack during the spell’s duration, your weapon flares with white-hot intensity, and the attack deals an extra 1d6 fire damage to the target and causes the target to ignite in flames. At the start of each of its turns until the spell ends, the target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, it takes 1d6 fire damage. On a successful save, the spell ends. If the target or a creature within 5 feet of it uses an action to put out the flames, or if some other effect douses the flames (such as the target being submerged in water), the spell ends.
- At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the initial extra damage dealt by the Attack increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 1st.
| Spell Level | 1st level | 2nd level | 3rd level | 4th level | 5th level | 6th level | 7th level | 8th level | 9th level |
| Damage Dice | 1d6 | 2d6 | 3d6 | 4d6 | 5d6 | 6d6 | 7d6 | 8d6 | 9d6 |
| Min Damage | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Average Damage | 3.5 | 7 | 10.5 | 14 | 17.5 | 21 | 24.5 | 28 | 31.5 |
| Max Damage | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 | 36 | 42 | 48 | 54 |
What classes can cast Searing Smite?
Searing smite 5E can be cast by both Paladins and Rangers, as well as anybody who has access to their spell list.
At what level can Paladins and Rangers cast Searing Smite?
Searing Smite 5E can be cast at level 2 by both Rangers and Paladins.
Spell components?
The only component for Searing Smite 5E is verbal. It requires no physical component, nor does it require you to have a free hand which is great! This allows you to use a shield or a two-handed weapon while casting this spell.
Are there any feats that allow you to cast Searing Smite?
If you are not a Paladin or a Ranger and you wish to learn Searing Smite, you can do so by taking the Magic Initiate feat. You would choose to gain access to either Paladin or Ranger spells, allowing you to learn two cantrips and one first-level spell from their spell list. For the first level spell, you would take Searing Smite.
Alternative uses for Searing Smite.
When it comes to alternative uses for Searing Smite, it really depends on what your Dungeon Master will allow you to get away with.
One of the first things that comes to mind is setting things on fire. Let’s say you decide to set a palace on fire by casting Searing Smite and attacking the drapes. Some DMs will probably appreciate your creativity.
However, other DMs may not appreciate you trying to set the king’s palace on fire. And these not-so-happy DMs that are clever will point out that this spell states, “the next time you hit a creature with a melee attack,” and since the drapes are not a creature, you cannot set them on fire.
All that to say, always check with your DM about how you can use a spell. Tell them your ideas and see what they will allow.
Another alternative is to use your flaming weapon as an intimidation tactic. Let’s say you pull out your sword to intimidate a thief into telling you where their hideout is.
It would be even more intimidating if that regular sword caught fire. I, as a DM, would at least give you advantage on your intimidation check.
Pop culture reference
The closest thing I have seen to searing smite in pop culture recently comes to us from season two of The Witcher. In episode two, Geralt uses a spell to turn his sword blade red hot and then strikes down a monster with it.
Technically Geralt does not speak any words (Verbal in D&D Terms) but instead uses his hand, or cymatic, when it comes to D&D, to cast the spell. But other than that, in my opinion, this is a perfect example of Searing Smite.
Our Thoughts
Searing Smite is a good spell for both the Paladin and Ranger. Being able to do extra damage is always great, and the continued burning effect for the next minute of combat can really add up if they fail their constitution saving throw.
One thing to consider is that Searing Smite is a melee attack, not ranged, so if you are playing a Ranger that is mainly focusing on archery, this would not be a spell for you. However, if you plan on getting up close and hitting things, why not do a little extra damage and set them on fire.
What’s not to love about that?
FAQs about Searing Smite.
Does searing smite only hit once?
Yes, Searing Smite only does an extra D6 fire damage once. So, if you make two attacks and use Searing Smite on the first attack, the second attack would only do normal damage.
Searing Smite requires a bonus action. You are only allowed one bonus action per turn, thus you can only cast the spell once and only do the extra damage once.
After you hit them, they will be on fire and will have to make a constitution saving throw. If they fail, they will take an extra d6 damage until they succeed or the spell ends.
Does searing smite count as a spell?
Yes, Searing Smite is a first-level spell for Rangers and Paladins. Casting it will require at least a first-level spell slot.
Does searing smite stack?
Yes, Searing Smite can stack. Let’s say you’re a level two paladin. You use your bonus action to cast Searing Smite, then you strike a creature with your long sword. You can then use one spell slot to Divine Smite as well.
Since Divine Smite does not require a bonus action or concentration, you can cast it on top of Searing Smite, which requires both concentration and your bonus action.
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