Shield
Level 1 · Abjuration
- Utility
Shield occupies the abjuration school at level 1, available to sorcerer and wizard. Cast time: Reaction. Range Self, components V/S, duration 1 round. Effect: An imperceptible barrier of magical force protects you.
Stat Block
- Level
- 1
- School
- Abjuration
- Casting Time
- Reaction
- Range / Area
- Self
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- 1 round
- Ritual
- No
- Concentration
- No
- Classes
- Sorcerer, Wizard
- Material
- —
Description
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.
5e (2014) vs 2024 changes
This spell has both a 5e (2014) and 2024 Player's Handbook version. Doungim shows the current 2024 stat block above. Differences between editions typically affect components, range, or scaling — check both source books for the table.
Doungim Lore
School Fit
Shield is the Abjuration school's most-cast Reaction spell. A 1st-level slot, no concentration, and the caster's AC rises by 5 until the start of their next turn — usually enough to convert a hit into a miss, occasionally enough to convert a critical hit into a regular hit by reducing the attack roll below the raised AC threshold.
Class Fit
- Sorcerer: Sorcerers know Shield as one of their permanent picks by level 1 or 2. Font of Magic means the Sorcerer can convert sorcery points into extra 1st-level slots specifically to cast Shield more times. Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul Sorcerers get Shield as a bonus spell — the build saves a known-spell slot if those subclasses are taken.
- Wizard: Every Wizard prepares Shield. The 1st-level slot is cheap, the Reaction cost means Shield doesn't block the Wizard's regular casting, and Arcane Recovery returns the slot on a short rest. Abjuration Wizards specifically gain Arcane Ward charges from casting Shield, making the spell self-funding.
Related Spells
Frequently Asked Questions about Shield
- What level spell is Shield?
- The spell Shield is a level 1 spell in the Abjuration school. Sorcerer, Wizard all have access to it.
- What is the range of Shield?
- Shield is self-target only — the caster is the target of the spell, not another creature.
- How long does Shield last?
- Shield sticks for 1 round. Concentration is not required, so the caster's concentration slot stays free.
- What components and casting time does Shield need?
- For Shield: Shield requires V, S; on top of that, the casting time is reaction (not a standard Action).