Divine Favor — Complete D&D 5e Spell Guide

Quick Answer: Situational: Excellent bonus action for Paladin multiattackers in 1-minute fights, averaging +2.5 radiant damage per weapon hit (up to +10/turn at level 5). Poor if concentration needed elsewhere or fighting radiant-resistant foes.

Table of Contents

• •Quick Answer
• •Overview
• •Stat Block
• •When NOT to Use
• •Comparisons
• •Spell Slot Efficiency
• •Pro Tips
• •Common Mistakes
• •Usage Tips
• •Synergies
• •FAQ

Overview

Stat Block

When NOT to Use This

• •Ranged-only turns or bow Oathbow builds—zero weapon hits means zero damage.
• •Concentration contested by must-haves like Shield of Faith (need AC 20+ vs dragons).
• •Radiant-resistant/immune foes like devils or shadows—wasted 1d4 averages nothing.
• •Party-heavy fights where Bless's 3d4 attack boosts outperform your solo +2.5.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Divine Favor vs Hex (Warlock 1st-level)

Verdict: Divine Favor edges out for Paladins (avg +2.5/weapon hit vs Hex +3.5/any hit), but Hex more versatile.

Divine Favor vs Bless (1st-level, Paladin/Cleric)

Verdict: Bless wins 90% of tables—Divine Favor is selfish DPR trap unless solo.

Divine Favor vs Crusader's Mantle (3rd-level Paladin)

Verdict: Mantle is the upgrade; Divine Favor trains you for it but pales in groups.

Spell Slot Efficiency

When worth the slot: Short boss fights with 2+ attacks/turn and radiant-vulnerable foes (e.g., vampires).

When NOT worth the slot: Exploration, long adventuring days, or when Hex/Bless available via multiclass.

Pro Tips (Veteran Secrets)

Tip #1: Pre-cast before initiative on multiattack bosses; at level 5, 3 attacks yield avg +7.5 radiant/turn (1d4x3).

Why veterans know this: Bonus action means no action loss; stacks multiplicatively with GWM/SS for +100 DPR over 10 rounds in optimized builds.

This avoids the mistake of: Don't cast mid-fight—wastes bonus actions better spent smiting.

Tip #2: Pair with Haste or Spirit Shroud for 4+ attacks/turn; totals +10-15 radiant DPR.

Why veterans know this: Concentration chains: drop Favor for Shroud mid-fight seamlessly. Radiant bypasses many fiend/dragon resists.

This avoids the mistake of: Forgetting it's weapons-only—useless for Eldritch Blast Paladins.

Tip #3: Use on undead-heavy encounters; radiant shreds skeletons/zombies without resistance worries.

Why veterans know this: Avg 2.5 DPR stacks with your 2d8+STR+CHA Divine Smite (radiant too)—melts DR 5/slashing foes.

This avoids the mistake of: Ignoring foe immunities; scout with Detect Magic first.

Tip #4: Dismiss early for Shield of Faith if AC dips below 18.

Why veterans know this: 1-minute uptime perfect for nova phases; Paladin slot economy favors short buffs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Casting on single-attack turns (pre-level 5).

Why it's bad: Only +2.5 DPR vs potential Bless party buff or just smiting harder—wastes concentration.

Do this instead: Hold for level 5+ Extra Attack; otherwise prep Bless or Command.

Forgetting concentration—overlapping with Shield of Faith.

Why it's bad: Loses both buffs instantly on DC 10 Con save fail; Paladins fail 25% at +2 Con.

Do this instead: Track with physical tokens; prioritize AC buffs in AoE fights.

Using vs ranged Paladins or spell-only builds.

Why it's bad: Weapons-only clause = zero value for Oathbreaker EB spammers.

Do this instead: Oath of Devotion? Go Bless. Ancients? Moonbeam instead.

Not upcasting—thinks no higher levels.

Why it's bad: No scaling text means wasted higher slots vs Fireball's boom.

Do this instead: Never upcast; refund via Paladin's flexible casting.

Tactical Modules

• •Multiattack Nova — When to use: Level 5+ vs bosses with <100 HP left.. Synergy: Extra Attack + Great Weapon Master + Smite = 4d4 radiant (avg 10) + melee DPR.
• •Undead Grinder — When to use: Necromancer lairs or zombie hordes.. Synergy: Radiant ignores necrotic resist; stacks with Turn Undead fear.
• •Party Aura Prep — When to use: Pre-empting Crusader's Mantle at level 9.. Synergy: Trains radiant stacking; combo with Aid for HP buffer.
• •Sustained DPR — When to use: 1-minute fights without AoE threats.. Synergy: Haste from party Wizard doubles attacks to +5d4 radiant.

Countermeasures

• •Threat: Concentration breakers (e.g., DC 15 spells like Hold Person). — Response: Cast at +5 Con proficiency; use War Caster to attack as reaction.. Fallback: Ready Smite instead—slot-ondemand.
• •Threat: Radiant-resistant devils (fire imps, etc.). — Response: Dismiss early; pivot to Thunderous Smite for prone control.. Fallback: Position for Hunter's Mark if multiclass Ranger.
• •Threat: Long fights draining slots. — Response: Bonus action efficiency shines—uptime 10 rounds max.. Fallback: Short rest, Arcane Recovery equivalent via Paladin features.
• •Threat: Ranged skirmishes. — Response: Don't cast; mount charge instead.. Fallback: Bless self for +1d4 to hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

best level to take divine favor paladin

Level 3+ for Oath spells freeing slots. Must-have at 5 for Extra Attack payoff; drop post-9 for Mantle.

Related Content

• •Hex (Similar) — hex
• •Bless (Alternative) — bless
• •Crusader's Mantle (Upgrade) — crusaders-mantle
• •Divine Smite (Synergy) — divine-smite
• •Shield of Faith (Counter) — shield-of-faith

Citations: api:spells/divine-favor

Includes SRD content per CC BY 4.0. Source: dnd5eapi.co.