Warding Bond

A
Support

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

See all Support spells →
 spell that binds you to an ally, shielding them with stronger defenses and shared protection while you take their pain upon yourself.

2024 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level abjuration
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a pair of platinum rings worth 50+ GP each, which you and the target must wear for the duration)
Duration
1 hour
Classes
Cleric, Paladin

You touch another creature that is willing and create a mystic connection between you and the target until the spell ends. While the target is within 60 feet of you, it gains a +1 bonus to AC and saving throws, and it has Resistance to all damage. Also, each time it takes damage, you take the same amount of damage.

The spell ends if you drop to 0 Hit Points or if you and the target become separated by more than 60 feet. It also ends if the spell is cast again on either of the connected creatures.

2014 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level abjuration
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a pair of platinum rings worth at least 50 gp each, which you and the target must wear for the duration)
Duration
1 hour
Classes
Cleric

This spell wards a willing creature you touch and creates a mystic connection between you and the target until the spell ends. While the target is within 60 feet of you, it gains a +1 bonus to AC and saving throws, and it has resistance to all damage. Also, each time it takes damage, you take the same amount of damage.

The spell ends if you drop to 0 hit points or if you and the target become separated by more than 60 feet. It also ends if the spell is cast again on either of the connected creatures. You can also dismiss the spell as an action.

Warding Bond 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version no longer lets you dismiss the spell as an action, so it lasts until it ends normally. It’s also now available to Paladins.

Warding Bond popularity

Warding Bond is a seldom chosen level 2 spell. Choosing it adds a unique option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Warding Bond

  • Shield of Faith 1st-level abjuration

    It’s a low‑level cleric/paladin spell that grants a direct bonus to a creature’s AC for a duration, making it a close mechanical analogue.

  • Aid 2nd-level abjuration

    Both are second‑level abjuration spells used by divine casters to bolsters allies for an extended time rather than dealing damage.

  • Barkskin 2nd-level transmutation

    It’s another touch spell that improves a target’s survivability by changing their defenses for an hour, so players often pick it for similar protective purposes.

  • Protection from Energy 3rd-level abjuration

    Though one level higher, it grants damage resistance to a target for up to an hour, matching Warding Bond’s core idea of absorb/mitigate incoming harm.

  • Death Ward 4th-level abjuration

    This abjuration spell is used by the same classes to keep a single ally alive by preventing a fatal drop in hit points, serving a similar protective niche.