Home/Monsters/Monsters & Creatures/Zombie 5e Stats

Zombie 5e Stats

Medium Undead, Neutral Evil

At a Glance

CR
1/4
Type
Undead
Size
Medium
Alignment
Neutral Evil
AC
8
HP
22 (3d8 + 9)
Speed20 ft.

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Ability ScoresKey AbilitiesTacticsEncounter TipsCommon MistakesDM TipsFAQSources

Ability Scores

str
13
+1
dex
6
-2
con
16
+3
int
3
-4
wis
6
-2
cha
5
-3

Key Abilities

AbilityDescription
Undead FortitudeIf damage reduces zombie to 0 HP, make Con save (DC 5 + damage taken). On success, drop to 1 HP instead. Doesn't work vs radiant or critical hits.
Slam+3 to hit, 4 (1d6+1) bludgeoning damage.
SlowOnly 20 ft. speed. Cannot take reactions or bonus actions.

How to Run This Monster

Shuffle forward mindlessly. Grapple and bite. Never retreat. Mob single targets.

Encounter Ideas

Use hordes of 10-20 zombies. They're slow, so use confined spaces. Great for resource drain.

Loot
Tattered clothes, rotting flesh, occasionally personal effects from their former life (trinkets, 1d10 gp).

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Forgetting undead fortitude—zombies should keep getting back up
Common Mistake
Not using them in overwhelming numbers

DM Tips

DM Tip
Describe the horror of fighting former neighbors or loved ones
DM Tip
Use zombie hordes to create time pressure

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading