Werewolf 5e Guide
Medium Humanoid (human, shapechanger), Chaotic Evil
At a Glance
CR
3
Type
Humanoid (human, shapechanger)
Size
Medium
Alignment
Chaotic Evil
AC
11 (natural armor in hybrid/wolf form)
HP
58 (9d8 + 18)
Speed30 ft. (40 ft. in wolf form)
Ability Scores
str
15
+2
dex
13
+1
con
14
+2
int
10
+0
wis
11
+0
cha
10
+0
Key Abilities
| Ability | Description |
|---|---|
| Shapechanger | The werewolf can use its action to polymorph into a wolf-humanoid hybrid, a wolf, or back into its true humanoid form. |
| Damage Immunities | Bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks not made with silvered weapons. |
| Bite (hybrid/wolf form) | Melee weapon attack, +4 to hit, 1d8+2 piercing. If target is humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution save or be cursed with werewolf lycanthropy. |
How to Run This Monster
Werewolves rely on their immunity to non-silvered, nonmagical weapons. They target parties without silver or magic weapons, knowing most attacks can't hurt them. They attack in packs, surrounding isolated targets. In humanoid form, they infiltrate communities and attack at night.
Encounter Ideas
The mystery of 'who is the werewolf?' is more interesting than the combat. Run a social investigation scenario where the party must identify the werewolf among NPCs. When combat happens, the lack of silvered weapons creates genuine danger. Drop hints about silver effectiveness through folklore and NPC warnings.
Loot
Werewolves in humanoid form carry normal gear and 2d10 gp. A werewolf's pelt in wolf form is worth 50 gp. The real 'loot' is the cure — removing the curse requires Remove Curse or a wolfsbane potion.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting the immunity to non-silvered, nonmagical weapons — this is the werewolf's main threat
Common Mistake
Not offering the party a way to get silvered weapons before the encounter
Common Mistake
Ignoring the lycanthropy curse — a bitten PC should be at risk of becoming a werewolf
DM Tips
DM Tip
Werewolf encounters are best as horror/mystery scenarios
DM Tip
A PC bitten by a werewolf creates incredible roleplay opportunities
DM Tip
Use the full moon cycle to build tension over multiple sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Werewolf — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full stat block
- Werewolf — D&D Beyond — Official monster reference
- Werewolf — Roll20 Compendium — Structured stat block