Does Great Weapon Fighting Apply to Smite?
As the title suggests, this article aims to answer the crucial question of whether Great Weapon Fighting (GWF) applies to Smite attacks in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. With the recent release of Xanathar’s Guide to Everything in 2017, great weapon fighting has become more complex and nuanced, providing players with new ways to wield their mighty weapons in combat. However, players and DMs alike remain unsure about the application of GWF to Smite attacks.
What is Great Weapon Fighting?
Before diving into the matter at hand, it is essential to understand what great weapon fighting is. As per the Player’s Handbook (p. 274), great weapon fighting is a combat tactic that allows a fighter with a large or two-handed weapon to make an attack as a bonus action while also making a melee attack. This tactic is usually employed to deal massive amounts of damage, especially at higher levels.
Understanding Smite
Smite is a 1st-level paladin spell introduced in the Player’s Handbook (p. 184). It can be cast as a martial spell, allowing paladins to deal an extra 2d8 radiating damage to a demon, undead, or giant. The spell has a somatic component and requires an attack roll to hit its target.
Does GWF Apply to Smite?
Now, with the understanding of both GWF and Smite established, we can directly address the question: Does Great Weapon Fighting apply to Smite? The answer is no. According to the Xanathar’s Guide to Everything (p. 127), Great Weapon Fighting specifically states that it cannot be used with spells or spell-like abilities. Given that Smite is a spell, it falls squarely outside the scope of GWF.
Why Does this Matter?
This question may seem trivial to some, but it has implications for paladin builds that rely on Smite and GWF. Missing out on the bonus attack and damage from GWF can significantly impact a paladin’s damage output in combat. Furthermore, understanding the limitations of Great Weapon Fighting can help build more effective and balanced parties.
Comparison of Bonus Actions
To better visualize the differences between GWF and Smite, compare the following bonus actions in the table below:
| Action | GWF | Smite |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Action | Melee | Spell |
| Can Apply to | Large/Two-Handed Melee Weapons | Spells & Spell-Like Abilities (No) |
| Bonus Damage | Varies | 2d8 Radiating Damage to Demons, Undead, or Giants |
This table highlights the distinctiveness of each bonus action: GWF is designed specifically for melee combat, whereas Smite is a powerful spell that deals radiant damage to specific creatures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Great Weapon Fighting does not apply to Smite due to the explicit limitations placed on GWF in the Xanathar’s Guide to Everything (p. 127). Paladins may still benefit from other ability score improvements, feats, and martial training to bolster their combat prowess. To maximize damage output, building a well-rounded party that leverages each member’s unique abilities is crucial for success in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition combat.
Additional Tips
- When building a paladin, consider investing in martial training and ability scores to enhance melee combat, as Smite is one of the paladin’s most powerful abilities.
- Consider alternative bonus actions like the Paladin’s Divine smite feature, which applies to spell attacks, making it a more suitable bonus action for paladins.
- Don’t over-rely on GWF for paladin builds that focus on Smite – instead, focus on more versatile abilities and martial tactics.
By understanding the complexities of Great Weapon Fighting and Smite, players and DMs can create more well-rounded and balanced characters for their Dungeons & Dragons adventures.
