Shield
2024 Rules
- Level & School
- 1st-level abjuration
- Casting Time
- Reaction, which you take when you are hit by an attack roll or targeted by the Magic Missile spell
- Range
- Self
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- 1 round
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Wizard
An imperceptible barrier of magical force protects you. Until the start of your next turn, you have a +5 bonus to AC, including against the triggering attack, and you take no damage from Magic Missile.
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- 1st-level abjuration
- Casting Time
- Reaction
- Range
- Self
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- 1 round
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Wizard
An invisible barrier of magical force appears and protects you. Until the start of your next turn, you have a +5 bonus to AC, including against the triggering attack, and you take no damage from magic missile.
Shield 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Shield popularity
How popular is Shield? It is one of the most popular spells in the game, and is often chosen over other options when available. This spell is a proven favourite among spellcasters.
- #1 picked level 1 Sorcerer spell
- #1 picked level 1 Wizard spell
- Top 5% of all 5e spells
- Top 10% of all level 1 spells
Spells similar to Shield
Counterspell 3rd-level abjuration
Counterspell and Shield share the same instantaneous, reactive mindset: you spend a reaction to negate or blunt an incoming magical threat at the moment it happens.
Players prefer Counterspell over Shield
Mage Armor 1st-level abjuration
Like Shield, it’s a low‑level abjuration option a wizard or sorcerer can use to improve AC and survive longer, but it does so as a longer‑lasting protective effect.
Players prefer Shield over Mage Armor
Shield of Faith 1st-level abjuration
Both are first‑level abjurations a caster uses to boost a creature's defenses in combat, making them natural alternatives when you want to avoid getting hit.
Players prefer Shield over Shield of Faith
Mirror Image 2nd-level illusion
This spell also gives a short‑term personal defensive effect that makes you harder to hit, serving a similar tactical role in staying alive during an encounter.
Players prefer Shield over Mirror Image
Sanctuary 1st-level abjuration
Although it works differently, Sanctuary is another low‑level way to discourage or reduce attacks against a protected character, keeping them safer for a round or more.
Players prefer Shield over Sanctuary