Shadow
Medium undead · Challenge 1/2
For four level 1 characters, 3 shadows is a Moderate fight under the 2024 rules.
How many shadows for a party of four?
The most shadows that fit each difficulty. A dash means even one is too many.
| Level | 2024 rules (XP budget) | 2014 rules (stays below…) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Moderate | High | Medium | Hard | Deadly | |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | 6 | 9 | 16 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| 4 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 4 | 6 | 7 |
Mixed party or different size? Use the encounter builder; it handles any combination.
Questions
What CR is a shadow in 5e?
A shadow is challenge rating 1/2, worth 100 XP. It is a medium undead with an armor class of 12 and 16 hit points on average.
How many shadows should I use against a level 1 party?
For four level 1 characters under the 2024 rules: up to 2 for a Low encounter, 3 for Moderate and 4 for High.
Is a shadow a good fight for level 3 characters?
Yes. Four level 3 characters can face up to 9 for a Moderate fight or 16 for a High one (2024 rules).
Monsters of similar challenge
Orc
CR 1/2 · Medium humanoid · 100 XP
Hobgoblin
CR 1/2 · Medium humanoid · 100 XP
Gnoll
CR 1/2 · Medium humanoid · 100 XP
Lizardfolk
CR 1/2 · Medium humanoid · 100 XP
Sahuagin
CR 1/2 · Medium humanoid · 100 XP
Scout
CR 1/2 · Medium humanoid · 100 XP
Statistics from the System Reference Document 5.1. Full stat block: see the SRD or your rulebook.