Resistance

A
Support

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

See all Support spells →
 spell that shields a creature from a chosen damage type, softening the blow when danger strikes.

2024 Rules
Level & School
Abjuration cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Classes
Cleric, Druid

You touch a willing creature and choose a damage type: Acid, Bludgeoning, Cold, Fire, Lightning, Necrotic, Piercing, Poison, Radiant, Slashing, or Thunder. When the creature takes damage of the chosen type before the spell ends, the creature reduces the total damage taken by 1d4. A creature can benefit from this spell only once per turn.

2014 Rules
Level & School
Abjuration cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a miniature cloak)
Duration
Concentration, 1 minute
Classes
Cleric, Druid

You touch one willing creature. Once before the spell ends, the target can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to one saving throw of its choice. It can roll the die before or after making the saving throw. The spell then ends.

Resistance 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Resistance changed a lot. It no longer boosts a saving throw; instead you choose a damage type, and the target reduces damage of that type by 1d4 once per turn. The material component was removed.

Resistance popularity

Resistance is one of the rarest cantrips in the game. Choosing it will set you apart from all other casters.

Spells similar to Resistance

  • Guidance Divination cantrip

    It's a touch cantrip that grants a short, concentration-based buff to a willing creature for up to a minute, matching the same support niche and duration.

  • Protection from Energy 3rd-level abjuration

    This spell also lets you pick a damage type and protects a touched target from that type for a limited time, making it a clear higher-level analogue.

  • Blade Ward Abjuration cantrip

    As an abjuration cantrip that grants brief damage resistance, it occupies a very similar defensive, low-level option for preventing harm.

  • Protection from Poison 2nd-level abjuration

    It’s a touch abjuration that grants protection against a specific harmful effect, so it resembles the single-type defensive focus of the target spell.

  • Warding Bond 2nd-level abjuration

    Though higher level, it creates a protective link on a touched ally that reduces harm and supports them over time, reflecting a related protective purpose.