Shield 5e DM TipsĪs a DM, it’s up to you how much information you let slide about how high your creatures’ attack rolls are. Overall, both Shield and Absorb Elements are worth having if you’re a defensively-minded Sorcerer or Wizard, but you can use these general guidelines when prioritizing which spell to pick up first.
Absorb Elements is also very strong against area of effect damage, such as dragons’ breath. It instantly cuts the damage in half and allows you to add 1d6 of that type of damage if you land a melee attack on your next turn.īasically, Shield is better if you think enemies will be rolling against your AC, whereas Absorb Elements is better if you think you’ll be targeted by elemental spellcasters. Shield 5e Compared to Absorb Elementsīoth Shield and Absorb Elements are incredibly powerful first-level spells.Ībsorb Elements is also used as a reaction, but specifically when taking damage from acid, cold, fire, lightning, or thunder damage. While there’s no upcast potential from Shield, having it available for a cheap 1st-level spell slot in the late to mid-game feels really good. +5 AC and Magic Missile immunity are also relevant throughout the game, not just at early levels. Having an instant reaction that not only helps against the triggering attack but provides protection for a full round of combat, is usually enough to save your life at least once in a fight. The classic classes that have Shield (Sorcerer and Wizard) are typically easy targets with low ACs and hit point pools. Yes, Shield is an incredibly good spell that any caster should consider taking. Learning these hints can help you avoid wasting Shield at an inopportune time. Some DMs smile gleefully on a high roll or use verbal cues to indicate a near hit.
If your DM isn’t totally forthcoming about how high the monster’s attack roll was, look for clues. That opportunity attack trick from the tip above applies equally well here. Run away! Shield is good for getting into sticky situations, but it’s even better for getting out of them. Shield can be used as a reaction to an opportunity attack, and the fact that it lasts for a full round of combat means this can be the perfect spell to caster before diving deep into the action, perhaps for a Thunderwave. Here are some additional fun ways to use Shield: Shield is obviously good for reacting to being smacked or Magic Missile’d. Therefore, they shouldn’t change their behavior in any way, unless intelligent and/or magically inclined. This indicates that other creatures should not notice the effects on the caster. This could come in handy if restrained or gagged. However, that is the only form of Metamagic that the Shield spell is eligible for. Sorcerers can use Subtle Spell with Shield. Both are considered reactions, so you’ll need to wait until the next round of combat before you’re able to make opportunity attacks again. You cannot make an opportunity attack after casting Shield. It means when the initiative count returns back to the caster. To be clear, that does not mean at the end of the current initiative count. The duration of the spell “1 round” can be confusing. Shield lasts until the start of the caster’s next turn. If +5 AC won’t help to avoid damage from the triggering attack, the caster should be told that and not taxed a spell slot. According to this Sage Advice thread, a caster can’t waste their Shield “from not knowing” the result of the roll. You can’t waste Shield if it won’t make a difference on the triggering attack. If a Zombie takes a swing at you, you don’t have to cast Shield until the DM tells you that the attack will land. As the spell description clearly states, the +5 AC and Magic Missile immunity happens instantly and applies to the triggering attack. The rules for Shield in DnD 5e are as follows: There are a few common questions about Shield though. It’s a fairly straightforward defensive spell with no upcast potential but serious utility all throughout the game. Shield instantly gives the caster +5 AC and Magic Missile immunity for the remainder of the round, and can only be used in reaction to an attack or Magic Missile targeting the caster. The following subclasses get Shield for free:Īdditionally, Hexblade Warlocks have access to Shield as part of their expanded spell list (XGtE 55).
The following classes have Shield on their spell list: With the Shield spell, you can bolster your defenses at the last minute, and keep up your guard for the remainder of the round as well. A Goblin’s arrow is whizzing toward you an Orc’s ax coming directly for your face a Drow Mage’s Magic Missile is almost upon you.
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