1st-level abjuration · 2024 version below
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.
When an attack hits you, you can use your reaction to cast Shield and gain +5 to your Armor Class until the start of your next turn. The bonus applies to the attack that triggered it, so if the attack roll no longer beats your new AC, it misses. You also take no damage from Magic Missile.
It’s one of the most efficient spells in the game. A wizard with AC 13 from Mage Armor jumps to 18 for a whole round, which turns most attacks into misses. Because you cast it only after you know you’ve been hit, the slot is never wasted on an attack that would have missed anyway.
When you’re hit by an attack, or targeted by Magic Missile. In play, the DM tells you the attack hits, you decide whether to cast Shield, and if the attack roll is lower than your AC plus 5, it misses instead.
No. A natural 20 always hits, whatever your AC, so Shield can’t turn it into a miss.
Until the start of your next turn, so it protects you against every attack in the rest of the round, not just the first one.
No. It only raises your Armor Class, which matters for attack rolls. It doesn’t help against spells or effects that call for a saving throw.
Yes. They’re different spells: Mage Armor sets your base AC, and Shield and Shield of Faith add bonuses on top.
Yes. Eldritch Knights and Arcane Tricksters learn wizard spells, and anyone can take a level of sorcerer or wizard. It also appears on the Hexblade warlock’s list in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything.
| Spell | How it compares |
|---|---|
| Mage Armor | 1st level: base AC 13 + Dexterity modifier for 8 hours. The all-day armor that Shield builds on. |
| Shield of Faith | 1st level: +2 AC for 10 minutes with concentration, on you or an ally. Smaller, but it lasts all fight. |
| Blur | 2nd level: attackers have disadvantage against you for a minute, with concentration. |
| Mirror Image | 2nd level: three illusory duplicates that can soak up attacks for a minute, no concentration. |
| Ring of Protection | Rare item: +1 AC and +1 to saves, always on. Smaller, but it costs nothing to use. |
| Class | First available | Spellcasting ability |
|---|---|---|
| Sorcerer spells | 1st character level | Charisma |
| Wizard spells | 1st character level | Intelligence |
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.
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.
2024 version from the SRD 5.2. Most tables settle on one edition, so check which one yours uses.
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