Quick Answer

Paladin power comes from turning key hits into kills, not from spending the highest smite on every swing. Vengeance supports focused aggression, but oath choices and spell slots still need discipline.

StageWhat To DoWatch Out
Early gameUse Bless, healing, or control supportMissing smites is expensive
Level 4Fix main stat or weapon featAvoid penalty feats with poor accuracy
Level 5Extra Attack boosts burst windowsSave smites for elites and bosses
Story choicesCheck oath direction when unsureOathbreaking changes the cost of play

Key Checks

  • Set Divine Smite reactions to ask on hit.
  • Smite restrained, prone, sleeping, or high-threat targets first.
  • Spend more aggressively before a planned long rest.