Antilife Shell

A
Control

Antilife Shell is a Control spell. Control spells restrict enemy options through debuffs or denial effects.

See all Control spells →
 spell that creates a protective aura of
battlefield control

Antilife Shell is a Battlefield Shaping spell. Battlefield Shaping spells alter terrain, create obstacles, introduce hazards, and affect enemy positioning.

See all Battlefield Shaping spells →
, blocking most creatures while letting attacks and spells pass through.

2024 Rules
Level & School
5th-level abjuration
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self
Components
V, S
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 hour
Classes
Druid

An aura extends from you in a 10-foot Emanation for the duration. The aura prevents creatures other than Constructs and Undead from passing or reaching through it. An affected creature can cast spells or make attacks with Ranged or Reach weapons through the barrier.

If you move so that an affected creature is forced to pass through the barrier, the spell ends.

2014 Rules
Level & School
5th-level abjuration
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self (10-foot radius)
Components
V, S
Duration
Concentration, 1 hour
Classes
Druid

A shimmering barrier extends out from you in a 10-foot radius and moves with you, remaining centered on you and hedging out creatures other than undead and constructs. The barrier lasts for the duration.

The barrier prevents an affected creature from passing or reaching through. An affected creature can cast spells or make attacks with ranged or reach weapons through the barrier.

If you move so that an affected creature is forced to pass through the barrier, the spell ends.

Antilife Shell 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Effectively the same spell. The 2024 version is reworded, but it still makes a 10-foot shell around you with the same concentration, duration, and creature-restriction effects.

Antilife Shell popularity

Antilife Shell is a commonly chosen level 5 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Antilife Shell

  • Wall of Force 5th-level evocation

    It creates an impermeable barrier to shape the battlefield from self and lasts with concentration, making it the closest mechanical analogue to stopping movement through a zone.

  • Wall of Stone 5th-level evocation

    This spell builds a physical wall to control movement and block enemies, matching the same level and battlefield‑shaping intent as the target spell.

  • Leomund's Tiny Hut 3rd-level evocation

    Tiny Hut produces a protected dome around you that prevents others from entering, mirroring the target's self‑centered, exclusionary aura and long duration.

  • Magic Circle 3rd-level abjuration

    Magic Circle wards an area against certain creature types and creates a defensive perimeter, similar in purpose to an aura that forbids passage by some beings.

  • Antimagic Field 8th-level abjuration

    Although higher level, Antimagic Field is a self‑centered, sustained aura that fundamentally alters what can occur within its radius, comparable to an aura that restricts who can cross it.