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

Blade Ward is a seldom chosen cantrip. Choosing it adds a unique option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Blade Ward

  • Mirror Image 2nd-level illusion

    It protects the caster from being hit by creating multiple illusions that make enemies less likely to land attacks.

  • Blur 2nd-level illusion

    It makes you harder to hit for up to a minute by distorting your form so attackers struggle to target you.

  • Shield 1st-level abjuration

    This instant defensive reaction raises your defenses against incoming attacks for the round, serving a similar threat-mitigation role.

  • Shield of Faith 1st-level abjuration

    It grants a protective bonus to AC on a single target for a duration, functioning as a sustained way to reduce successful hits.

  • Sanctuary 1st-level abjuration

    It protects a creature by discouraging or disrupting attackers, often preventing attacks altogether unless the attacker passes a test.