Mage Armor

Level & School
1st-level abjuration
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a piece of cured leather)
Duration
8 hours
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

You touch a willing creature who isn't wearing armor. Until the spell ends, the target's base AC becomes 13 plus its Dexterity modifier. The spell ends early if the target dons armor.

Level & School
1st-level abjuration
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a piece of cured leather)
Duration
8 hours
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

You touch a willing creature who isn't wearing armor, and a protective magical force surrounds it until the spell ends. The target's base AC becomes 13 + its Dexterity modifier. The spell ends if the target dons armor or if you dismiss the spell as an action.

Mage Armor 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Both versions have the same duration, classes, and effect. The 2024 version explicitly states the spell ends early if the target dons armor, whereas the 2014 version states it ends if the target dons armor or if you dismiss it as an action. No significant mechanical differences.

Spells similar to Mage Armor

  • Protection from Evil and Good

    Both provide defensive benefits to a willing creature touched.

  • Shield of Faith

    Both increase a creature's Armor Class, although Mage Armor is a longer-lasting effect.

  • Resistance

    Both spells enhance the survivability of a creature by providing protective effects.

  • Cure Wounds

    Both touch spells provide direct benefits to creatures, with one restoring hit points.

  • Sanctuary

    Both ward a creature, providing protection from harm while remaining in effect.