You bless up to three creatures of your choice within range. Whenever a target makes an attack roll or a saving throw before the spell ends, the target can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to the attack roll or saving throw.
At higher levels
When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, you can target one additional creature for each slot level above 1st.
How Bless plays
Up to three creatures within 30 feet add a d4 to every attack roll and saving throw they make for the next minute, as long as you keep concentrating. There’s no limit on how many rolls it helps: every swing, every arrow and every save for ten rounds.
A d4 averages 2.5, about the same as +2 or +3, and it applies to three characters at once. Over a fight of several rounds it often adds more damage than a 1st-level attack spell would, and the bonus on saving throws can be the difference between shrugging off a Hold Person and standing helpless.
When to pick Bless
Clerics and paladins with no better concentration spell to hold should open fights with it. It’s at its best in a party with several characters who attack more than once a turn.
Cast it in the first round. It lasts a minute, which is almost every fight, so the earlier it goes up, the more rolls it improves.
Protect your concentration. A paladin in heavy armor holds it more easily than a cleric in the middle of the fight. The War Caster feat or proficiency in Constitution saves helps.
Common questions
Can I Bless myself?
Yes. You’re a creature of your choice within range, so you can be one of the three.
Does Bless help with ability checks?
No. It adds to attack rolls and saving throws. Guidance is the version for ability checks.
Does Bless stack with Bardic Inspiration?
Yes. They’re different effects, so a blessed creature can add both a d4 and a Bardic Inspiration die to the same roll. Two Bless spells on the same creature don’t stack.
Does Bless help with concentration saves?
Yes. Concentration checks are Constitution saving throws, so a blessed caster adds the d4, and that includes you if you’re one of the targets.
How many creatures can I Bless when I upcast it?
One more per slot level above 1st: four with a 2nd-level slot, five with a 3rd.
Does Bless need a material component?
Yes, a sprinkling of holy water. A component pouch or holy symbol can stand in for it, since it has no listed cost.
The 2024 Player’s Handbook revised many spells, and the SRD 5.2 carries the new text. What changed from the 2014 version above:
Same level, casting time, range, components, duration and dice; the text is reworded for the 2024 rules glossary.
Casting time
Action
Range
30 feet
Components
V, S, M (a Holy Symbol worth 5+ GP)
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
School
Enchantment
Level
1
Classes
Cleric, Paladin
Tags
concentration
You bless up to three creatures within range. Whenever a target makes an attack roll or a saving throw before the spell ends, the target adds 1d4 to the attack roll or save.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. You can target one additional creature for each spell slot level above 1.
2024 version from the SRD 5.2. Most tables settle on one edition, so check which one yours uses.
