Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Will-o'-Wisp

Small · Undead · CR 2 · Chaotic Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

19 (natural armor)

27 (11d4)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-5

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Undead

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +9

Movement

Walk 5 ft (1.5 m)

Fly 50 ft (15.2 m)

Swim 2 ft (0.6 m)

Climb 2 ft (0.6 m)

Crawl 2 ft (0.6 m)

Hover Yes

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 12

Saving Throws

Strength -5 Dexterity +9 Constitution +0 Intelligence +1 Wisdom +2 Charisma +0

Languages

Common plus one other language

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

lightning, poison

Damage Resistances

acid, cold, fire, necrotic

Condition Immunities

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

Traits

Ephemeral

The wisp can't wear or carry anything.

Illumination

The wisp sheds Bright Light in a 20-foot radius and Dim Light for an additional 20 feet.

Incorporeal Movement

The wisp can move through other creatures and objects as if they were Difficult Terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) Force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.

Actions

Shock

Cost 1

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8+2 lightning damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft. 11 (2d8 + 2) Lightning damage.

Bonus Actions

Consume Life

Constitution Saving Throw: DC 10, one living creature the wisp can see within 5 feet that has 0 Hit Points. Failure: The target dies, and the wisp regains 10 (3d6) Hit Points.

Vanish

The wisp and its light have the Invisible condition until the wisp's Concentration ends on this effect, which ends early immediately after the wisp makes an attack roll or uses Consume Life.

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 19 and possesses 27 hit points (derived from 11d4).

Will-o'-Wisp has communication capabilities including Common plus one other language. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Will-o'-Wisp

3 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.
Incorporeal Movement: This creature can pass through objects and walls! Use 'Magic Circle', 'Forcecage', or other magical barriers. Physical obstacles are ineffective.

Player Guide: Facing Will-o'-Wisp

3 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.
Hit Incorporeal Creature: This creature can pass through objects! Use magical weapons or spells. Physical attacks may not work. 'Magic Missile' or 'Spiritual Weapon' are effective.

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 Common plus one other language.