Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Basilisk

Medium · Monstrosity · CR 3 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

15 (natural armor)

52 (8d8 + 16)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

-1

CON

INT

-4

WIS

-1

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Unaligned

XP 700

Initiative Bonus -1

Movement

Walk 20 ft (6.1 m)

Swim 10 ft (3 m)

Climb 10 ft (3 m)

Crawl 10 ft (3 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 9

Saving Throws

Strength +3 Dexterity -1 Constitution +2 Intelligence -4 Wisdom -1 Charisma -2

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+3 piercing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +5, reach 5 ft. 10 (2d6 + 3) Piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) Poison damage.

Bonus Actions

Petrifying Gaze (Recharge 4-6)

Constitution Saving Throw: DC 12, each creature in a 30-foot Cone. If the basilisk sees its reflection within the Cone, the basilisk must make this save. First Failure The target has the Restrained condition and repeats the save at the end of its next turn if it is still Restrained, ending the effect on itself on a success. Second Failure The target has the Petrified condition instead of the Restrained condition.

About Basilisk

Basilisk is a medium monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 52 hit points (derived from 8d8 + 16).

GM Tips: Using Basilisk

2 tips available

When using Basilisk in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Mid-level Encounter: Ideal for parties levels 3-8 as solo or small groups
Terrain Advantage: Use terrain to offset moderate combat abilities

Player Guide: Facing Basilisk

2 strategies available

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

Moderate Threat: Prepare standard combat tactics
Tactical Advantage: Use terrain and positioning

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 1,200 XP
Hard: 1,800 XP
Deadly: 2,400 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 Basilisk?: Basilisk has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Basilisk?: Basilisk is a Medium Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.