Mage Armor
2024 Rules
- 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.
2014 Rules
- 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
Mage Armor popularity
Mage Armor is a commonly chosen level 1 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.
- Top 50% level 1 Sorcerer spell
- Top 25% level 1 Wizard spell
Spells similar to Mage Armor
Shield of Faith 1st-level abjuration
Like Mage Armor it’s a low-level protective spell that raises a target’s defensive capability for a limited time.
Barkskin 2nd-level transmutation
It also sets a creature’s base armor value instead of adding a bonus, making it a functional analogue at a slightly higher level.
Warding Bond 2nd-level abjuration
This spell provides a sustained protective effect to a touched ally and is used when you want long-lasting defense through magic.
Armor of Agathys 1st-level abjuration
Although it adds temporary hit points and retaliation, it’s a 1st-level self-protection option often chosen for defensive play like Mage Armor.
Shield 1st-level abjuration
A short-duration, immediate defensive abjuration that players pick for boosting AC in danger, making it a close tactical cousin.