1st-level abjuration (concentration) · 2024 version below
A shimmering field appears and surrounds a creature of your choice within range, granting it a +2 bonus to AC for the duration.
As a bonus action, you wrap a creature within 60 feet in a shimmering field that gives it +2 AC for up to 10 minutes while you concentrate. That’s the whole spell: simple, reliable, and cast without using your action.
+2 AC is worth about the same as carrying a shield. Against a monster that needs an 11 to hit, it cuts the hits from half its attacks to four in ten, for the whole fight. It stacks with everything else that raises AC, because nothing else is Shield of Faith.
Yes. They’re different spells, so a creature under both has +7 AC until the start of its next turn.
Yes. Magic items, armor and shields all add to it. Only a second casting of Shield of Faith wouldn’t stack.
Yes. It takes your bonus action, so your action is free for the Attack action. The only limit is on spells: after casting a bonus-action spell, the only other spell you can cast that turn is a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.
Yes, up to 10 minutes. Each time the caster takes damage, a failed Constitution save ends it.
Bless adds a d4 to the attacks and saves of three creatures, which usually does more for the party. Shield of Faith is better when one ally is taking all the hits, or when you need your action for something else, since it’s a bonus action.
| Spell | How it compares |
|---|---|
| Shield | 1st-level reaction for sorcerers and wizards: +5 AC until your next turn, cast only when you’re hit. No concentration. |
| Bless | 1st level, concentration: +1d4 to attack rolls and saves for up to three creatures for a minute. |
| Mage Armor | 1st level: base AC 13 + Dexterity for 8 hours for someone without armor, no concentration. Stacks with Shield of Faith. |
| Warding Bond | 2nd level, no concentration: +1 AC and saves and resistance to all damage for one ally, while you share its damage. |
| Ring of Protection | Rare, requires attunement: +1 AC and saving throws, always on. |
| Class | First available | Spellcasting ability |
|---|---|---|
| Cleric spells | 1st character level | Wisdom |
| Paladin spells | 2nd character level | Charisma |
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.
A shimmering field surrounds a creature of your choice within range, granting it a +2 bonus to AC for the duration.
2024 version from the SRD 5.2. Most tables settle on one edition, so check which one yours uses.
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