5e Wrathful Smite: The Brutal Honest Review

The brutal truth is that Wrathful Smite is a classic, reliable option for Paladins seeking to unleash divine fury. Its straightforward damage boost is always welcome, especially in early levels. However, its limitations become apparent as you delve deeper into the game. It lacks versatility, and its reliance on a single attack roll makes it vulnerable to bad luck.

Breaking Down 5e Wrathful Smite: Pros, Cons, and Everything Between

Pros:

  • Reliable damage boost: Wrathful Smite consistently provides extra damage, making it a good choice for consistent damage output.
  • Early-game effectiveness: In lower levels, the damage increase is significant and can help Paladins remain competitive.
  • Simplicity: The ability’s simplicity makes it easy to use and understand, even for beginner players.

Cons:

  • Limited versatility: Wrathful Smite only affects a single weapon attack, limiting its flexibility in combat situations.
  • Vulnerability to bad rolls: Since Wrathful Smite requires a successful attack roll, it can be unreliable against enemies with high AC.
  • Scaling issues: As characters level up, the damage bonus from Wrathful Smite becomes less impactful, making it less valuable at higher levels.