What ways are there for a wizard in D&D 5e to use a shield?
The only option I could think of was multiclassing which does not seem worth it.
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4 Answers
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The only ways for a wizard to gain shield proficiency are either multiclassing, or the Moderately Armored feat. Since Moderately Armored requires you to be proficient in light armor, most wizards will need either a multiclass or another feat (Lightly Armored).
Note that you can use a shield without proficiency - you just won't be able to cast spells, and you'll have disadvantage on any attack roll, saving throw, or ability check that involves Strength or Dexterity.
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3\$\begingroup\$ Bladesinger wizards gain light armor proficiency at level 2, which would covers the prerequisite for the Moderately Armored feat. Bladesong doesn't function with shields, though. \$\endgroup\$– SebkhaCommented Jul 19, 2017 at 2:19
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1\$\begingroup\$ As Rowan's new answer also points out, hobgoblins also start with light armor proficiency, making it easier to get the Moderately Armored feat without getting another feat first. \$\endgroup\$– V2BlastCommented Aug 24, 2019 at 7:37
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1\$\begingroup\$ And as Pyrotechnical notes in a comment on Rowan’s answer, mountain dwarves also come with light (and medium too, in that case) armor proficiency and can also take Moderately Armored. \$\endgroup\$– KRyanCommented Jul 21, 2021 at 21:53
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\$\begingroup\$ Munchkin's should remember that don/doff of a shield is explicitly an action. (There goes the idea of donning it at the end of your turn and taking it off the next one.)rpg.stackexchange.com/a/49377/45342 \$\endgroup\$– KvotheCommented Apr 9 at 12:39
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To get Shield proficiency without multiclassing you could use the Mountain Dwarf, Hobgoblin, or Githyanki races, all of which provide you with light armor proficiency. If your DM allows the Supernatural Gift from Mythic Odysseys of Theros with feats, you could also get the Moderately Armored feat right off the bat at 1st level. Choose to get money for equipment instead of the standard equipment. Then you can buy scale mail plus a shield, for a base AC of 16 +2 Dex max = 18 AC. When you can, buy a Half Plate Armor for AC of 17 +2 Dex max = 19 AC.
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If you select hobgoblin as your race you start with proficiency in light armor and may take the moderately armored feat giving you a proficiency with both medium armor and shields allowing for an ac of up to 19 (24 with the shield spell)
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3\$\begingroup\$ You may wish to improve this answer to include Mountain Dwarves which also have Light and Medium armor proficiency. \$\endgroup\$ Commented Aug 28, 2020 at 18:37
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Besides the options listed above, the only other way I am aware of for a Wizard to use a shield is the Tenser's Transformation spell from Xanathar's Guide to Everything. Among other things, the spell gives you:
- You have proficiency with all armor, shields, simple weapons, and martial weapons.
The spell does prevent you from performing any spellcasting while the spell is in effect, but otherwise, it does allow a Wizard to use a shield as requested.
answered Aug 28, 2020 at 18:33
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1\$\begingroup\$ generally placing all relevant information in a single answer is superior to referring to other answers \$\endgroup\$– user2754Commented Jul 22, 2021 at 1:43