Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Will-o-Wisp

Small · Undead · CR 2 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

28 (8d6)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-4

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Undead

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +7

Movement

Fly 50 ft (15.2 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 12

Languages

the languages it knew in life

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

lightning, poison

Damage Resistances

acid, cold, fire, necrotic, thunder; damage from nonmagical weapons

Condition Immunities

fatigue, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, unconscious

Traits

Conductive

Each time a creature touches the will-o-wisp or hits it with a metal melee weapon for the first time on a turn, the creature takes 7 (2d6) lightning damage. This trait doesnt function while the will-o-wisps glow is extinguished.

Insubstantial

The will-o-wisp can't pick up or move objects or creatures. It can move through creatures and objects. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.

Treasure Sense

The will-o-wisp knows the location of coins, gems, and other nonmagical wealth within 500 feet.

Undead Nature

A will-o-wisp doesnt require air, sustenance, or sleep.

Actions

Shock

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d6 lightning damage.

Melee Spell Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (3d6) lightning damage. The will-o-wisp can't make this attack while its glow is extinguished.

Bonus Actions

Illumination

The will-o-wisp alters the radius of its glow (shedding bright light in a 5- to 20-foot radius and dim light for the same number of feet beyond that radius), changes the color of its glow, or extinguishes its glow (making it invisible).

About Will-o-Wisp

Will-o-Wisp is a small undead with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 28 hit points (derived from 8d6).

Will-o-Wisp has communication capabilities including the languages it knew in life. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Will-o-Wisp

2 tips available

When using Will-o-Wisp in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.
Lightning Damage Awareness: Lightning attacks often have long range and high speed. Advise players to use cover and avoid metal armor/weapons. Water surfaces amplify lightning damage - avoid fighting near water.

Player Guide: Facing Will-o-Wisp

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.
Lightning Damage Protection: This creature deals lightning damage! Avoid metal armor and weapons. Use cover and avoid water surfaces. 'Iron Skin' or 'Protection from Energy' can help.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 2.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 4 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 600 XP
Hard: 900 XP
Deadly: 1,200 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Will-o-Wisp?: Will-o-Wisp has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Will-o-Wisp?: Will-o-Wisp is a Small Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Will-o-Wisp speak?: Will-o-Wisp can communicate in the languages it knew in life.