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Doppelganger

Medium · Monstrosity · CR 3 · Neutral

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

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

Skills

Deception +6 Insight +3

Languages

Common

Resistances & Immunities

Condition Immunities

charmed

Environments

Caves Forest or Jungle Grassland or Plains Hills Laboratory Ruins Sewer Shadowfell Underworld Urban

Traits

Ambusher

The doppelganger has advantage on attack rolls against any creature it has surprised.

Shapechanger

The doppelganger can use its action to polymorph into a Small or Medium humanoid it has seen, or back into its true form. Its statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.

Surprise Attack

If the doppelganger surprises a creature and hits it with an attack during the first round of combat, the target takes an extra 10 (3d6) damage from the attack.

Actions

Multiattack

Cost 1

The doppelganger makes two melee attacks.

Read Thoughts

Cost 1

The doppelganger magically reads the surface thoughts of one creature within 60 ft. of it. The effect can penetrate barriers, but 3 ft. of wood or dirt, 2 ft. of stone, 2 inches of metal, or a thin sheet of lead blocks it. While the target is in range, the doppelganger can continue reading its thoughts, as long as the doppelganger's concentration isn't broken (as if concentrating on a spell). While reading the target's mind, the doppelganger has advantage on Wisdom (Insight) and Charisma (Deception, Intimidation, and Persuasion) checks against the target.

Slam

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

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. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Doppelganger

1 tips available

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

Shapechanging Tactics: This creature can change form, potentially gaining new abilities or escaping. Use 'True Seeing' or abilities that reveal true form. Consider finishing blows before it transforms.

Player Guide: Facing Doppelganger

1 strategies available

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

Counter Shapechanging: This creature can change form! Use 'True Seeing' to see its true form. Finish it quickly before it transforms. 'Dispel Magic' might prevent transformation.

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.