Pit Fiend 5e Guide
Large Fiend (devil), Lawful Evil
At a Glance
CR
20
Type
Fiend (devil)
Size
Large
Alignment
Lawful Evil
AC
19 (natural armor)
HP
300 (24d10 + 168)
Speed30 ft., fly 60 ft.
Ability Scores
str
26
+8
dex
14
+2
con
24
+7
int
22
+6
wis
18
+4
cha
24
+7
Key Abilities
| Ability | Description |
|---|---|
| Fear Aura | Any creature hostile to the pit fiend that starts its turn within 20 ft. must succeed on a DC 21 Wisdom save or be <a href="/rules/conditions/frightened-condition-5e/">frightened</a> until the start of its next turn. |
| Multiattack | Four attacks: one bite (4d6+8 piercing plus 6d6 poison, DC 21 Con save or <a href="/rules/conditions/poisoned-condition-5e/">poisoned</a>), one claw, one mace, one tail. |
| Innate Spellcasting | At will: detect magic, <a href="/spells/offensive/fireball-5e/">fireball</a> (as 6th-level, DC 21). 3/day each: <a href="/spells/utility-control/hold-monster-5e/">hold monster</a>, <a href="/spells/offensive/wall-of-fire-5e/">wall of fire</a>. |
| Magic Resistance | Advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. |
How to Run This Monster
Pit fiends are generals of Hell's armies. They open with Wall of Fire to split the party, use Fireball on clusters, and wade into melee with devastating multiattacks. Their Fear Aura disrupts formations. They use Hold Monster on dangerous martial characters and focus fire on healers.
Encounter Ideas
A pit fiend is a boss-level threat for high-level parties. It should command legions of lesser devils (bearded devils, chain devils, bone devils) and have a strategic objective beyond combat. The Nine Hells are lawful — a pit fiend might negotiate, make bargains, or honor contracts while still being utterly evil.
Loot
Pit fiend horns and blood are incredibly valuable to summoners and fiend-pact warlocks (5,000+ gp). They carry hell-forged weapons and may possess infernal contracts, scrolls of diabolical pacts, or keys to Hell's vaults.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting Magic Resistance — the pit fiend has advantage on ALL spell saves
Common Mistake
Not using the Fear Aura — it triggers automatically every round
Common Mistake
Playing the pit fiend as a mindless brute instead of a brilliant commander
DM Tips
DM Tip
Pit fiends should have names, ranks, and agendas in Hell's hierarchy
DM Tip
They make deals — and always honor the letter while violating the spirit
DM Tip
Use lesser devils as a 'preview' of what's coming
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Pit Fiend — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full stat block
- Pit Fiend — D&D Beyond — Official monster reference
- Pit Fiend — Roll20 Compendium — Structured stat block