Death Ward

Level & School
4th-level abjuration
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S
Duration
8 hours
Classes
Cleric, Paladin

You touch a creature and grant it a measure of protection from death. The first time the target would drop to 0 Hit Points before the spell ends, the target instead drops to 1 Hit Point, and the spell ends.

If the spell is still in effect when the target is subjected to an effect that would kill it instantly without dealing damage, that effect is negated against the target, and the spell ends.

Level & School
4th-level abjuration
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S
Duration
8 hours
Classes
Cleric, Paladin

You touch a creature and grant it a measure of protection from death.

The first time the target would drop to 0 hit points as a result of taking damage, the target instead drops to 1 hit point, and the spell ends.

If the spell is still in effect when the target is subjected to an effect that would kill it instantaneously without dealing damage, that effect is instead negated against the target, and the spell ends.

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

The 2024 version specifies "before the spell ends" for dropping to 0 hit points, clarifying timing; otherwise, mechanics are the same. No significant mechanical differences are present.

Spells similar to Death Ward

  • Aura of Life

    Both provide protective benefits to a creature while enhancing their survivability against death.

  • Greater Restoration

    Both are abjuration spells that remove debilitating conditions and can restore health or protect against death.

  • Beacon of Hope

    Both provide boosts to saving throws and maximize healing, enhancing the target's survivability.

  • Healing Word

    Both provide healing to a target and can be cast through touch, helping keep targets alive.

  • Cure Wounds

    Both healing spells restore hit points and are beneficial for preventing a target from dropping to 0 hit points.