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Doppelganger

Medium · Monstrosity · CR 3 · Neutral

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

14 (natural armor)

52 (8d8 + 16)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Neutral

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +4

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Saving Throws

Strength +0 Dexterity +4 Constitution +2 Intelligence +0 Wisdom +1 Charisma +2

Skills

Deception +6 Insight +3

Languages

Common plus three other languages

Actions

Multiattack

Cost 1

The doppelganger makes two Slam attacks and uses Unsettling Visage if available.

Read Thoughts

Cost 1

The doppelganger casts Detect Thoughts, requiring no spell components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 12).

At Will: Detect Thoughts

Slam

Cost 1

Melee Attack Roll: +6 (with Advantage during the first round of each combat), reach 5 ft. 11 (2d6 + 4) Bludgeoning damage.

Unsettling Visage

Recharge 6 Cost 1

Wisdom Saving Throw: DC 12, each creature in a 15-foot Emanation originating from the doppelganger that can see the doppelganger. Failure: The target has the Frightened condition and repeats the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. After 1 minute, it succeeds automatically.

Bonus Actions

Shape-Shift

The doppelganger shape-shifts into a Medium or Small Humanoid, or it returns to its true form. Its game statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed.

About Doppelganger

Doppelganger is a medium monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 52 hit points (derived from 8d8 + 16).

Doppelganger has communication capabilities including Common plus three other languages. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Doppelganger

2 tips available

When using Doppelganger 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 Doppelganger

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 Doppelganger?: Doppelganger has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Doppelganger?: Doppelganger is a Medium Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Doppelganger speak?: Doppelganger can communicate in Common plus three other languages.