Shield of Faith

Support

spell that surrounds a creature in a shimmering ward, granting a protective boost to its Armor Class.

2024 Rules

A shimmering field surrounds a creature of your choice within range, granting it a +2 bonus to AC for the duration.

Level & School: 1st-level abjuration
Casting Time: Bonus action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, S, M (a small parchment with a bit of holy text written on it)
Duration: Concentration, 10 minutes
Classes: Cleric, Paladin

A shimmering field appears and surrounds a creature of your choice within range, granting it a +2 bonus to AC for the duration.

Effectively the same spell. The 2024 version is reworded but functions identically.

Shield of Faith is a commonly chosen level 1 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Bless 1st-level enchantment

A 1st-level cleric/paladin buff that requires concentration and improves a creature's chances in combat, making it a close tactical substitute.
Protection from Evil and Good 1st-level abjuration

Another 1st-level abjuration that protects a single creature for a similar duration and is used in the same defensive support situations.
Mage Armor 1st-level abjuration

It’s an abjuration option that directly alters a target's armor class and is often chosen when a caster wants a durable AC boost for an ally or themselves.
Sanctuary 1st-level abjuration

Also a 1st-level protective spell used to keep one creature safe from attacks, making it a comparable defensive choice even though it works differently.
Warding Bond 2nd-level abjuration

A party-protection spell from similar classes that links two creatures to reduce harm and serve the same protective role in longer fights.