Overview
Graz'zt is a demon prince from the Abyss whose power, cruelty, and political cunning make him one of Dungeons & Dragons' most dangerous fiends. In D&D 5th edition, he appears in the Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes and other sourcebooks, presented as a manipulative ruler who trades in secrets and souls. This profile breaks down his lore, motivations, and official statistics so you can run or play him with confidence. It covers his Challenge Rating, core abilities, legendary actions, and narrative impact in memorable terms.
D&D 5e Graz'zt Stats
The following stat block reflects Graz'zt's role as a unique demon prince intended for high-level play. The numbers below are derived primarily from Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes and represent an elite challenge suitable for tier 3 and tier 4 campaigns. Use these as a baseline and adjust for party level, story pacing, and campaign power curve.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Challenge Rating | 20 (25,000 XP) | Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes |
| Armor Class | 17 (natural armor) | Official stat block |
| Hit Points | 323 (18d20 + 144) | Official stat block |
| Speed | 30 ft., climb 30 ft.; fly 60 ft. (hover) | Official stat block |
| STR | 26 (+8) | Official stat block |
| DEX | 22 (+6) | Official stat block |
| CON | 26 (+8) | Official stat block |
| INT | 20 (+5) | Official stat block |
| WIS | 19 (+4) | Official stat block |
| CHA | 25 (+7) | Official stat block |
Defensive Traits and Resistances
Graz'zt's demonic nature grants him significant resistances and immunities. He is immune to fire and poison damage, and he has resistance to cold, lightning, and thunder. His condition immunities include exhaustion, frightened, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, and restrained. These defenses make him durable against many common battlefield effects, though radiant and psychic damage remain reliable options for opponents.
Attack and Spellcasting
Graz'zt's weapon of choice is a +1 longsword that deals an additional 7 (2d6) necrotic damage on a hit. His multiattack routine lets him make two longsword attacks or one longsword attack combined with a lethal claw attack. As a bonus action, he can summon a shadowspawn to aid him in combat. He also has a powerful spellcasting array with a spell save DC of 19 and a +11 to hit with spell attacks, allowing him to dominate the battlefield through both martial and magical means.
Legendary Actions
Legendary actions reflect Graz'zt's ability to act decisively even when surprised or outnumbered. He can take two legendary actions per round, choosing from options like moving, making a tail attack, or using a bonus action to attempt to steal a creature's life force. These actions make him reactive and dangerous on initiative rounds where he does not act first, and they reward tactical players for engaging him in ways beyond standard attacks.
Tactical Approach and Role in Play
When running Graz'zt, emphasize his commanding presence and manipulative intellect. He is not merely a brute; he is a schemer who tests PCs' resolve, bargains for souls, and exploits internal conflicts. In combat, he uses reach, cover, and the environment to control space, while legendary actions and spellcasting pressure multiple targets. Encourage players to make meaningful choices when dealing with him, as his temptations and schemes can drive long-running arcs.
Countering Graz'zt
High-level parties facing Graz'zt should prepare for durable damage, control effects, and resistance bypass. Radiant damage sources, reliable concentration-breaking spells, and effects that impose conditions he is not immune to can whittle his considerable HP pool. Area control and mobility limit his effectiveness in melee, while spells that prevent reactions or disable legendary actions reduce his out-of-turn pressure. Roleplay-focused tactics, such as resisting his temptations or turning his bargains against him, can also shift encounters in creative ways.
Verdict and Resources
Graz'zt is a high-CR monster designed for tier 3 and tier 4 campaigns, rewarding experienced players and GMs who want a cerebral and deadly antagonist. His combination of resistances, legendary actions, and spellcasting makes him resilient but not insurmountable. Use his full stat block from official sources, adapt encounters to your table's power level, and lean into his scheming personality to create memorable sessions. For ongoing reference, consult Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes and supplemental materials that clarify his place in the wider D&D multiverse.
Key Stats at a Glance
- CR: 20 (25,000 XP)
- Resistances: Fire and poison immunity; cold, lightning, and thunder resistance
- Signature Traits: Legendary actions, life-force steal, shadowspawn summon
- Weaknesses: Vulnerable to radiant and psychic; concentration-dependent spells can disrupt his spellcasting
- Playstyle: Tactically mobile, high damage output, strong defensive profile, manipulative encounter design
Related Topics and Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of Graz'zt and similar fiends, explore additional material on demon princes, planar politics, and high-level encounter design. The D&D official resources and community guides provide further context on running fiendish villains, tracking soul bargains, and integrating these beings into long campaigns.
Tags: dnd5e, dungeons-dragons, demon-prince