Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Basilisk

Medium · Monstrosity · CR 3 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2014 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

Environments

Caves Desert Forest or Jungle Hills Mountain Ruins Plane of Earth

Traits

Petrifying Gaze

If a creature starts its turn within 30 ft. of the basilisk and the two of them can see each other, the basilisk can force the creature to make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw if the basilisk isn't incapacitated. On a failed save, the creature magically begins to turn to stone and is restrained. It must repeat the saving throw at the end of its next turn. On a success, the effect ends. On a failure, the creature is petrified until freed by the greater restoration spell or other magic.
A creature that isn't surprised can avert its eyes to avoid the saving throw at the start of its turn. If it does so, it can't see the basilisk until the start of its next turn, when it can avert its eyes again. If it looks at the basilisk in the meantime, it must immediately make the save.
If the basilisk sees its reflection within 30 ft. of it in bright light, it mistakes itself for a rival and targets itself with its gaze.

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage.

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.