Death Ward

Support Healing

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

  • 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.