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
Shield is one of the most popular level 1 spells in the game. Choosing it adds a D&D staple to your spellbook.
- #2 most popular level 1 Sorcerer spell
- #2 most popular level 1 Wizard spell
Spells similar to Shield
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.