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
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2024)
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, which you take when you are hit by an attack or targeted by the *magic missile* spell
- Range
- Self
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- 1 round
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Wizard
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2014)
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 5% of all level 1 spells
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Shield
Shield of Faith 1st-level abjuration
It provides a direct AC increase through a 1st-level abjuration, although it lasts longer and requires concentration.
Players prefer Shield over Shield of Faith
Mirror Image 2nd-level illusion
This self-targeted defensive spell also helps an arcane caster avoid attacks without requiring concentration.
Players prefer Shield over Mirror Image
Mage Armor 1st-level abjuration
Both are 1st-level abjurations on the sorcerer and wizard lists that improve the caster's defenses through magical protection.
Players prefer Shield over Mage Armor
Sanctuary 1st-level abjuration
Both are low-level abjurations focused on preventing attacks from harming a protected creature during a fight.
Players prefer Shield over Sanctuary
Absorb Elements 1st-level abjuration
Like Shield, it is a self-protective 1st-level abjuration that reacts to an incoming threat and lasts one round.
Players prefer Shield over Absorb Elements
Blur 2nd-level illusion
Each spell protects a wizard or sorcerer in combat by making attacks against the caster less likely to succeed.
Players prefer Shield over Blur