Death Ward

A
Support

Death Ward is a Support spell. Support spells strengthen, protect, or buff allies.

See all Support spells →
 spell that shields a creature from death, letting it cling to 1 Hit Point and shrug off a fatal blow.
healing

Death Ward is a Healing spell. Healing spells restore hit points and bring characters back to life.

See all Healing spells →

2024 Rules
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.

2014 Rules
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 first trigger is broader now: in 2024, the ward works any time the target would drop to 0 Hit Points before the spell ends, not just from taking damage. So it can save you from more non-damaging effects that reduce you to 0.

Death Ward popularity

Death Ward is a commonly chosen level 4 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Death Ward

  • Warding Bond 2nd-level abjuration

    Both are abjuration protections you cast by touch to shield an ally from harm for a duration.

  • Aura of Life 4th-level abjuration

    It’s a same-level cleric/paladin defensive aura that actively prevents lethal outcomes and helps keep allies alive.

  • Aid 2nd-level abjuration

    Although lower level, it grants lasting hit point buffer to allies and is used for long-duration frontline preservation.

  • False Life 1st-level necromancy

    This spell provides an immediate hit point buffer like Death Ward’s single-use protection, functionally reducing the chance of death.

  • Beacon of Hope 3rd-level abjuration

    It boosts and stabilizes healing recipients so they’re far less likely to be dropped to zero hit points during its effect.