This spell is completely negated by the Shield spell.

Always Hits

Hits three times*, which can be split between targets when casting.

• 1d4+1 force damage for each missile.

*Upcasting: Add one missile (1d4+1 force damage) for each spell level above 1st.

If you strike the same target multiple times and your target needs to make a concentration check, only roll once for the combined damage. This spell also doesn't cause more than one death saving throw failure when striking a creature with 0 hit points multiple times.