Holy Weapon 5e: Imbuing Your Strikes with Divine Might

In Dungeons & Dragons 5e, the Holy Weapon is an extraordinary power only a pure heart can use. It’s more than a weapon, though—it’s a sacred tool that brings light and fights evil. In Dungeons & Dragons 5e, there’s an extraordinary power called the Holy Weapon that only the pure-hearted can use. It’s not just a weapon but a sacred tool that brings light and fights evil.
Imagine a dark battlefield. A paladin, a hero of hope, steps forward. They pray and raise their sword. Suddenly, a bright light fills the weapon with heavenly power. This glowing sword can now cut through darkness and defeat injustice.
The Holy Weapon spell is a gift from the gods to their loyal followers. It’s not just about being more decisive in battle; it’s a sign of the gods’ support. Using this power means becoming a messenger of the gods, delivering their holy wrath with every strike.
The Holy Weapon in D&D 5e is a mix of faith and steel. It’s a promise to protect the innocent and a warning to enemies. It can change the course of a battle, inspire friends, and scare even the strongest demons. For those who use it, the Holy Weapon is more than just magic; it’s a sacred promise to uphold the light in a world entirely of shadows.
Let’s explore how to use the Holy Weapon to defeat evil and defend good. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or new to the game, understanding its divine origins and power is the first step to mastering this enchantment. Prepare for a journey of faith and bravery, for the Holy Weapon’s power awaits those courageous enough to wield it.

The Power of Holy Weapon in D&D 5e
Holy weapon is a 5th-level evocation spell used mainly by Paladins and Clerics. It calls on the gods to transform a simple weapon into one with divine power.
Imagine a holy place under attack, where a lone paladin stands against overwhelming odds. Despite the darkness, the Paladin’s faith remains strong. They call upon the Holy Weapon, whose blade glows with a radiant light, now burning with sacred fire.

The Paladin charges forward as enemies approach, their holy weapon cutting through foes, who vanish into shadows. The battle turns in favor of the Paladin, transforming a desperate situation into a victory, showcasing the power of the divine and the strength of faith.
Holy weapon does more than increase damage; it boosts morale and symbolizes divine presence on the battlefield. It can turn defeat into triumph and despair into hope. It shows that the light will always shine with faith, no matter the odds.
The Inner Workings of Holy Weapon in D&D 5e
In Dungeons & Dragons 5e, spells are essential for adventurers. One powerful spell is the Holy Weapon, which brings divine power to the battlefield. Understanding how this spell works is vital to using it effectively.

Holy weapon is a 5th-level spell used by Paladins and Clerics. When cast, it fills a weapon with divine energy, making it glow with bright light and increasing its power.
Here’s how the spell works:
- Casting Time: 1 bonus action
- Range: Touch
- Components: Verbal and Somatic (you need to speak and move your hands)
- Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour
- Classes: Paladin, Cleric
When you cast Holy Weapon, the chosen weapon shines brightly in a 30-foot radius and gives off dim light for another 30 feet. This light can reveal hidden things.
The spell also increases the weapon’s damage. Every hit deals an extra 2d8 radiant damage, which is very powerful.
You can also end the spell early to create radiant energy. This explosion deals 4d8 radiant damage to all creatures within 30 feet. Creatures hit by this explosion must pass a Constitution saving throw or be blinded for 1 minute.

Holy weapon can be a game-changer. For example, if you’re fighting undead enemies, a Paladin can cast a Holy Weapon to make their sword a powerful tool against them. Each hit sears the undead with radiant light.
In instant, Holy Weapon isn’t just about extra damage; it’s about bringing divine power to the fight and inspiring your allies. Understanding how to use it can help you succeed in your adventures, making you an agent of the gods and a beacon of light against darkness.
Mastering the Tactical Uses of Holy Weapon in D&D 5e
In Dungeons & Dragons 5e, the Holy Weapon spell is a powerful tool that can change the course of a battle. It’s not just about doing more damage; this spell has many uses to help you control the battlefield.

Let’s look at how you can use this divine spell.
Offensive Powerhouse
The Holy Weapon spell strengthens any weapon by adding radiant energy to each hit. This extra damage is excellent for defeating formidable enemies like enemy leaders or giant monsters. A paladin or cleric using Holy Weapon can become the key player in defeating a dragon or an evil warlord.
Undead Scourge
Radiant damage is very effective against undead creatures like zombies, vampires, and liches. Holy Weapon’s radiant strikes hurt these enemies and weaken the magic that keeps them alive. This makes it a must-have spell when fighting the undead.
Area Denial
Holy Weapons can also be used to control an area. Using a bonus action, you can make the weapon explode with radiant light, hurting and potentially blinding nearby enemies. This can keep enemies away from certain spots or help protect your team during a retreat.
Supporting Role
You can cast Holy Weapon on an ally’s weapon, making them more powerful. This means a rogue’s dagger or a ranger’s bow can become as deadly as a paladin’s sword. It’s a great way to share the spell’s benefits and strengthen your whole party.
Concentration Management
Keeping Holy Weapon active requires concentration, so staying focused while avoiding enemy attacks and possibly maintaining other spells. Balancing these demands is a challenge but crucial for using the spell effectively.
In conclusion, Holy Weapon is more than just extra damage; it’s a versatile tool that can help in many situations. Whether fighting an army of undead, defending a fortress, or helping your allies in a tough fight, this spell can be a game-changer. Use it wisely to lead your team to victory.
Synergies and Tips for Using Holy Weapon in D&D 5e

In Dungeons & Dragons 5e, the Holy Weapon spell can be potent with the right character choices.
This is a straightforward guide to maximizing your experience.
Best Classes for Holy Weapon
- Paladins: They can add radiant damage with their smites, making their attacks even more vital.
- Clerics: Especially War domain clerics, who can turn their divine power into physical strength.
- Rangers: Though not typical users, they can still benefit from Holy Weapon through class features or multi-classing.
Useful Feats and Fighting Styles
- Remarkable Weapon Master Feat: This feat lets you take a -5 penalty to an attack roll to gain +10 damage. Combining this with Holy Weapon’s extra radiant damage makes your hits incredibly powerful.
- Great Weapon Fighting Style: This allows you to reroll 1s and 2s on damage dice, which includes the radiant damage dice from Holy Weapon, increasing your overall damage.
Efficient Use of Actions
Holy weapon can be cast as a bonus action, which is great for action economy. This means you can enhance your weapon without using your main action. However, if you often use your bonus action for other things, you must decide carefully when to use the Holy Weapon.
Choosing the Spell
Holy weapon is a 5th-level spell, so it’s essential to consider its benefits compared to other high-level spells you could cast. Since it requires concentration, you must also maintain focus in battle, balancing it with other concentration spells you might use.
Knowing Your Enemy
Radiant damage is generally effective, especially against undead. However, some enemies might resist or be immune to radiant damage. Knowing your enemies’ weaknesses and strengths is crucial to using Holy Weapon effectively.
Holy Weapon in Action: Examples

The Paladin’s Last Stand
Picture a brave Paladin standing in front of a city under attack. Behind him, scared people huddle inside the city walls. In front of him, a bunch of spooky undead creatures is creeping closer. The Paladin prays, and his sword suddenly starts glowing with a fiery light. This happens because of a spell called Holy Weapon.
As the undead get closer, the Paladin swings his glowing sword, cutting through them like butter. The holy fire hurts them and cleanses them, leaving only ash behind. The undead don’t like the light and can’t handle the Paladin’s mighty sword. The Paladin strengthens with each undead he defeats, and his sword shines even brighter. It’s like a bright light in the middle of darkness, giving hope to everyone.
The Cleric’s Empowering Touch
Now, imagine a different battle. There’s a big scary monster, and a Cleric is trying to fight it with her friends. The cleric knows they need more strength, so she blesses her friend’s axe with a touch. Suddenly, the axe glows with a bright light because of the Holy Weapon spell.

Her friend, now wielding this mighty glowing axe, attacks the monster. Each hit is like a strong belief and shows the power of faith. The beast can’t handle the holy energy, and its tough armor starts to crack. The cleric’s innovative use of the Holy Weapon spell helps her friend fight against the evil monster.
In both stories, the Holy Weapon spell is super important. It helps the heroes fight better by strengthening or empowering a friend’s weapon. It shows how strong their faith is and how they fight against the darkness with light.
The Summary
In conclusion, Holy Weapon is a tricky spell in the arsenal of divine characters within D&D 5e. It not only infuses a weapon with radiant energy to deal an extra 2d8 radiant damage on a hit, but it also has the potential to disrupt and dazzle opponents with a burst of light upon ending the spell. This dual nature makes it an excellent choice for offense and tactical maneuvers.

Its effectiveness is further highlighted by its versatility—applying to any weapon and its ability to turn the tide of battle with its blinding feature. Whether planning a strategic ambush or standing your ground in a fierce confrontation, Holy Weapon can provide that crucial edge needed for victory.
For players crafting divine characters, such as paladins or clerics, incorporating Holy Weapon into your character build can significantly enhance your combat capabilities. It’s a spell that complements the thematic elements of a divine warrior and offers practical benefits on the battlefield.
So, as you delve into the world of D&D and bring your divine characters to life, remember the radiant power of the Holy Weapons. May it light your path to glory and help you conquer the darkness threatening your adventures. Embrace its brilliance, and let your enemies beware of the might of your holy arsenal!
Holy Weapon 5e: FAQs
Here are five frequently asked questions about the Holy Weapon spell in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition:
What does Holy Weapon do?
Holy weapon imbues a weapon with divine power, granting several benefits:
- Radiant Damage: Attacks with the weapon deal an extra 2d8 radiant damage on a hit.
- Light Source: The weapon sheds light in a 30-foot radius and dim light for an additional 30 feet.
- Magic Weapon: If the weapon isn’t already magical, it becomes one for the spell’s duration.
- Burst of Radiance (Bonus Action): You can dismiss the spell as a bonus action, causing the weapon to emit a burst of radiance. Enemies within 30 feet of the weapon must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, they take 4d8 radiant damage and are blinded for 1 minute.
Which classes can cast Holy Weapon?
Holy weapon is a 2nd-level spell on the cleric spell list. Paladins can also gain access to it through their oath spells.
How long does Holy Weapon last?
The spell lasts for up to 1 hour with concentration, meaning you can maintain the effect as long as you concentrate on it and don’t lose consciousness or become incapacitated.
Can Holy Weapon be used with ranged weapons?
Yes, Holy Weapon can be cast on any weapon you touch, including ranged weapons like bows or crossbows. The extra radiant damage and light source will still apply to ranged attacks.
Is the burst of radiance a good use of Holy Weapon?
The burst of radiance can be a powerful option against groups of enemies, especially undead or fiends who are vulnerable to radiant damage. However, it also ends the spell, so consider if the extra damage outweighs the ongoing benefits of the weapon enchantment.