Blade Ward

A
Control

Blade Ward is a Control spell. Control spells restrict enemy options through debuffs or denial effects.

See all Control spells →
 spell that wards you in battle, weakening incoming attacks with a magical ward of protection.

2024 Rules
Level & School
Abjuration cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self
Components
V, S
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

Whenever a creature makes an attack roll against you before the spell ends, the attacker subtracts 1d4 from the attack roll.

2014 Rules
Level & School
Abjuration cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self
Components
V, S
Duration
1 round
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

You extend your hand and trace a sigil of warding in the air. Until the end of your next turn, you have resistance against bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage dealt by weapon attacks.

Blade Ward 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Blade Ward now requires Concentration and lasts up to 1 minute instead of 1 round. Its defense changed from giving you resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from weapon attacks to imposing a 1d4 penalty on attack rolls made against you before the spell ends.

Blade Ward popularity

How popular is Blade Ward? It is a commonly found spell in the game, but is chosen less than other options when available. This spell may be situational for many spellbooks.

Spells similar to Blade Ward