Ranking All Smite Spells in Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 offers players a fascinating spellcasting experience, enabling access to spells up to the sixth level. These spells primarily stem from the iconic Dungeons & Dragons franchise, with a select few crafted specifically for BG3. Among these, players can harness several Smite abilities derived from their chosen class or race, significantly enriching gameplay strategy.

Though associated predominantly with the paladin class, it is noteworthy that these Smite abilities are not exclusive to paladins, nor are they accessible to every paladin avatar. While classified differently, the mechanics of these abilities align closely with spellcasting, as utilizing a Smite invariably consumes a spell slot. Each Smite possesses unique applications; however, their effectiveness can vary considerably.

9 Staggering Smite

The Paladin Spell That Never Was

Staggering Smite stands out as the least effective Smite ability in Baldur’s Gate 3, as it is exclusive to NPCs. This fourth-level ability is tied to Death Knight encounters, including characters like Stalker Svignee found in the sewers and several located in the Bhaalist crypt. Players are unable to access this particular Smite, owing to the paladin class’s limitation restricting spells above level four, leaving them merely one level shy of potential access.

Despite its robust damage output for a fourth-level ability, Staggering Smite’s overall impact feels diminished when compared to typical fourth-level spells. It can impose debilitating conditions on affected targets, such as denying them reactions and imposing disadvantage on ability checks and attack rolls.

8 Lunar Smite

Dame Aylin’s Unique Ability

Lunar Smite is another ability reserved for non-playable characters (NPCs) and is unavailable to players. This ability is notably utilized by Dame Aylin, a potential ally during battles against Ketheric Thorm and The Apostle of Myrkul. It inflicts an additional 1d6 radiant damage and invokes Holy Fire, dealing ongoing damage to targets.

Should the player choose to betray Aylin by surrendering her to Lorroakan, she will retaliate with Lunar Smite, summoning allies capable of using this ability against the player. Aylin can significantly influence the tide of battle, particularly against undead foes that are vulnerable to radiant damage, proving her utility during critical encounters, though her presence is limited.

7 Wrathful Smite

A Useful Spell, But Overshadowed by the Other Smites

Wrathful Smite enhances melee attacks with an additional 1d6 psychic damage, while also having the potential to instill the Frightened status on targets, hindering their movement and imposing disadvantage on their attack rolls for two turns. This makes it a strong tactical choice in combat.

As a level one spell, Wrathful Smite is somewhat situational, providing strategic advantages in conserving party health by immobilizing specific enemies. However, due to its situational nature, players may opt for more impactful spell slots, especially when melee attacks often draw enemy focus anyway.

6 Searing Smite

Fire Damage Is Useful in Some Circumstances

Searing Smite, accessible at level one for paladins, offers moderate fire damage with potential additional effects. This spell is particularly useful in certain scenarios, although it may prove less potent than expected depending on enemy resistances. Initially, the damage caps at six fire damage, with additional bonuses for higher spell levels.

However, players should beware that fire damage is one of the most commonly resisted and immune damage types in Baldur’s Gate 3. It often means players may find greater effectiveness with alternative types of Smite spells in higher-tier areas, especially when facing tougher foes.

5 Thunderous Smite

A Useful Early Game Ability

Thunderous Smite operates as a potent early-game Smite, delivering up to 12 thunder damage while providing the potential to knock foes prone. This ability creates strategic opportunities for additional attacks, particularly useful for melee characters, such as rogues who can capitalize on the fallen targets.

Although it loses effectiveness in the late game since it cannot be upcast, during Act One it remains an excellent option. The cost of a first-level spell slot makes it an economical way to manipulate enemy positioning. If players seek alternatives to thunderwave, this spell serves as a solid backup.

4 Branding Smite

A Useful Ability Which Deals Radiant Damage at Range

Branding Smite is one of the few abilities capable of applying radiant damage both at melee and ranged distances. It deals 2d6 radiant damage when cast at level two, and the branded target cannot turn invisible. While this ability shines in certain combat scenarios, it has diminishing returns against enemies who can be seen, especially if players possess Permanent See Invisibility via Volo’s Ersatz Eye.

Notably, Branding Smite can be upcast for additional radiant damage, typically making it a formidable option when battling foes with invisibility tactics.

3 Blinding Smite

A Powerful Attack That Blinds Enemies

Blinding Smite functions as a level three spell that unleashes 3d8 radiant damage with an added chance of blinding the target. This blinding effect considerably hampers the enemy’s ability to retaliate, rendering them ineffective in battle by limiting their reach during ranged attacks and preventing them from executing opportunity attacks. This ability maximally leverages advantage against blinded targets, synergizing particularly well with allies who benefit from such conditions.

Its strong damage output and blinds effect can make it a preferred choice over other Smite options. However, players must manage their spell slots wisely, given its higher level cost and the finite number of slots available at a paladin’s disposal.

2 Banishing Smite

A Powerful Attack Unique to Bards

Banishing Smite, although a level five paladin spell in traditional D&D, is accessible to bards at level ten through Magical Secrets—a shift that enhances its strategic utility. This powerful spell delivers 5d10 force damage and offers both melee and ranged applications, making it one of the most formidable bard spells. Additionally, its potential to banish foes to another plane for two turns represents a significant tactical advantage in combat.

Damage-Dealing Bard Spells	Damage Output At 5th Level
Banishing Smite	Weapon Damage + 5d10 Force
Thunderwave	6d8 Thunder Damage
Dissonant Whispers	7d6 Psychic Damage
Cloud of Daggers	10d4 Slashing Damage
Heat Metal	5d8 Fire Damage
Shatter	5d8 Thunder Damage

Despite bards having a limited number of high-level spell slots, Banishing Smite stands out as their most impactful choice for burst damage when cast at higher levels. While supporting others may take precedence with spells like Hold Monster or Mass Cure Wounds, the destructive power of this spell presents an attractive option for dealing with troublesome foes early on.

1 Divine Smite

The Most Iconic Smite There Is

When discussing powerful Smite abilities, Divine Smite is crowned as the most iconic. Available to paladins from level two, it ranks as one of the strongest damage-dealing options, costing a spell slot only if the attack successfully lands. At its base level, it unleashes 2d8 radiant damage, increasing by 1d8 for each higher spell slot used, maxing out at 5d8.

Astarion has been your favourite Origin character avatar, shortly followed by the wizard of Waterdeep and, of course, God’s favourite princess. However, over 93% of players chose to play as a custom avatar. Nice. pic.twitter.com/rzyj3scKPx — Baldur’s Gate 3 (@baldursgate3) August 7, 2024

With the ability to use Divine Smite on critical hits, it becomes a cornerstone of the paladin class’s appeal, consistently ranking as the top choice among players in Baldur’s Gate 3. Its effectiveness is supported by the improved variant gained at level 11, adding an extra 1d8 radiant damage for even more formidable strikes.

This potent smite can be unleashed multiple times in a single turn, rewarding players with the ability to dismantle foes swiftly. The reliance on radiant damage is particularly beneficial against various undead threats throughout the game. Consequently, while Baldur’s Gate 3 features an array of unique and powerful Smites, the unmatched utility and damage potential of Divine Smite solidify its place as the definitive champion.

Source: Baldur’s Gate 3/Twitter (1, 2)

Source & Images