Bg3 Paladin Smite Accuracy

Caroline Mae

2 min read

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05-01-2025

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The Paladin class in Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3) is renowned for its potent Smite ability, a divine strike capable of devastating foes. However, maximizing its effectiveness requires understanding its mechanics, particularly concerning accuracy. Many players find themselves frustrated by seemingly missed Smite attacks, despite high attack rolls. This article aims to clarify the factors influencing Smite accuracy in BG3.

Understanding Smite's Mechanics

The Paladin's Smite ability is activated after a successful weapon attack. Critically, the Smite itself is a separate attack roll, not contingent on the initial hit. This means you can successfully hit an enemy with your weapon attack but still miss with the Smite. This is a key point of confusion for many.

Factors Affecting Smite Accuracy

Several factors affect the accuracy of your Smite:

• Your Character's Stats: Your Strength (or Dexterity, depending on your weapon) modifier directly impacts your attack roll for the Smite. A higher modifier increases your chances of hitting. Consider investing in the relevant stat to improve your overall accuracy.
• Weapon Proficiency: Ensure your Paladin is proficient with the weapon used to trigger the Smite. Proficiency bonuses significantly improve your chance to hit.
• Enemy Armor Class (AC): The target's AC is the primary defense against your attack. A higher AC makes it harder to land both the initial attack and the Smite.
• Blessings and Curses: Various spells, effects, and conditions can impact both your attack roll and the enemy's AC, thus influencing Smite accuracy. Consider these buffs and debuffs when planning your strategy.
• Advantage and Disadvantage: Having advantage increases your chance to hit significantly, benefiting both the initial attack and the Smite. Conversely, disadvantage drastically reduces your odds.

Maximizing Smite Accuracy

Here are some strategies to improve your chances of landing Smite attacks consistently:

• Invest in Strength/Dexterity: Prioritize increasing your relevant ability score for better attack rolls.
• Utilize Advantage: Use spells, abilities, or positioning to gain advantage whenever possible.
• Debuff Enemy AC: Employ spells or abilities to lower the enemy's Armor Class, making it easier to hit.
• Choose Appropriate Weapons: Select weapons that your Paladin is proficient with to enhance your attack rolls.
• Consider Divine Sense: Using Divine Sense to locate hidden enemies before attacking can help avoid disadvantage from surprise.

Conclusion

While seemingly straightforward, the Paladin's Smite ability has nuances that require attention. By understanding the factors affecting accuracy and employing the strategies outlined above, players can significantly increase their Smite's effectiveness, making their Paladin a truly formidable force on the battlefield. Remember to always consider the overall battle strategy and enemy conditions when deciding when and how to use your Smite.