If there is one thing that all DnD players can agree about, then it has to be the fact that creating new characters is always fun. There are so many spells and cantrips to choose from that you can get lost in their lore and stats. If you are looking for a cantrip that will help keep your Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, or Wizard safe from melee damage, Balde Ward is definitely one of the best choices you can make.
Blade Ward is a 5e cantrip that can be used by Bards, Sorcerers, Warlocks, and Wizards. This is an abjuration cantrip and it requires 1 action for cast time. Players can use the cantrips on themselves and it lasts for an entire round. What makes Blade Ward DnD 5e a popular cantrip is the fact that it allows “squishy” characters such as spellcasters to receive resistance against bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage that is caused by weapon attacks. Even though parties usually have an assigned frontline character, it’s always a good idea to have Blade Ward available as a cantrip when combat gets too close.
There’s a bunch of amazing cantrips that you can use in DnD 5e and today I will share everything there is to know about Blade Ward. By the end of the article, you will know if Blade Ward is the cantrip for your character.
What Does Blade Ward 5e Do?
If you are new to DnD 5e and are making your first character, it can seem overwhelming to learn what every cantrip does. Don’t worry if you are in this situation because I will list all the spell stats and everything else you need to know about the cantrip.
Blade Ward is a defense cantrip. Players can use it when their characters are surrounded and they don’t have a high AC (armor class). In short, Blade Ward will make the players have resistance against bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage that is dealt by weapon attacks.
Here is how the cantrip is explained in the DnD player manual: “You extend your hand and trace a sigil of warding in the air. Until the end of your next turn, you have resistance against bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage dealt by weapon attacks.”
Blade Ward 5e Stats
Casting Time: 1 action;
Range: Self;
Components: V, S,
Spell Lists: Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard.
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Who Can Use Blade Ward 5e?
Blade Ward 5e can be used by Bards, Sorcerers, Warlocks, and Wizards. The cantrip is designed as a crafty spell that can be used when monsters or other NPCs get too close to a spellcaster. Usually, the spellcasting type doesn’t have a high AC. They rely on special traits, skills, and cantrips like Blade Ward to keep them safe.
How Does Blade Ward Work in DnD 5e?
When the player uses Blade Ward, the character will extend their hand and create a sigil ward in the air. The sigil will provide the character with resistance against bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage dealt by weapon attacks.
The best way to use Blade Ward when playing DnD is to keep it for “tight” spots. If you feel like an NPC is getting too close and your spellcaster might not be able to take a direct shot, you shouldn’t waste any time and create a protection sigil with Blade Ward. Basically, you will be giving up an action to become resistant to three damage types. I think this is a fair trade-off.