NPC stat block for the 5e 2024 Rule Set

FG Academy
Jul 1
3 min read

Mastering D&D 5e NPC Stat Blocks (2025 Edition)

A Community Guide for Publishers, Homebrew DMs, Conversions, & Devs

Fantasy Grounds Unity | Updated for 2025 SRD and NPC Format

📌 Overview:

NPC stat blocks in the 2025 SRD have been modernized for clarity, consistency, and full compatibility with Fantasy Grounds Unity. This guide supports homebrew creators, publishers, and digital converters by outlining formatting standards, automation rules, and new content fields—including Gear, Habitat, and Treasure (Loot).

🧩 Standard 2025 NPC Stat Block Format:

✅ Follow the format below exactly for proper FG parsing and module presentation.

Layout:

[Name]

[Size] [Creature Type], [Alignment]

AC [Armor Class] Initiative +[Mod] ([Dex Score])

HP [Hit Points] ([Hit Dice])

Speed [Speeds]

MOD SAVE MOD SAVE MOD SAVE

Str [Score] +[Mod] +[Save] Dex [Score] +[Mod] +[Save] Con [Score] +[Mod] +[Save]

Int [Score] +[Mod] +[Save] Wis [Score] +[Mod] +[Save] Cha [Score] +[Mod] +[Save]

[Damage Resistances]

[Damage Immunities]; [Condition Immunities]

Senses [List]; Passive Perception [Score]

Languages [List]

CR [X] (XP [#]; PB +[#])

Traits

[Name]. [Description]

Actions

[Name]. [Type if Melee/Spell] [Attack Roll info]. Hit: [Damage] + [Effect].

[Name]. [Spell-like or Special Action]. [Effect text, DCs, and conditions].

Information:

Appearance:

Tactics:

Habitat:

Gear:

Treasure (Loot):

Example:

Water Weird

Large Elemental, Neutral

AC 13 Initiative +3 (16)

HP 65 (10d10 + 10)

Speed 5 ft., Swim 60 ft.

MOD SAVE MOD SAVE MOD SAVE

Str 17 +3 +3 Dex 16 +3 +3 Con 13 +1 +1

Int 11 +0 +0 Wis 10 +0 +0 Cha 10 +0 +0

Resistances Fire

Immunities Poison; Exhaustion, Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Poisoned, Prone, Restrained, Unconscious

Senses Blindsight 30 ft.; Passive Perception 10

Languages Understands Primordial but can’t speak

CR 3 (XP 700; PB +2)

Traits

Invisible in Water. The water weird has the Invisible condition while fully immersed in water.

Water Bound. The water weird dies if it leaves the water to which it is bound or if that water is destroyed.

Actions

Surge. Melee Attack Roll: +5, reach 10 ft. Hit: 13 (3d6 + 3) cold damage.

If the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it has the Grappled condition (escape DC 13), and it has the Restrained condition until the grapple ends.

Optional:

Information: (Optional, not placed on the stat block import window, use on the right side.)

Appearance: A writhing, serpentine column of living water that coils like a snake, nearly invisible when still.

Tactics: Lurks submerged, striking from range to entangle and drown prey. Prioritizes creatures near its bound water source.

Habitat: Springs, cursed wells, drowned ruins, or elemental pools.

Gear: None.

Treasure (Loot): Occasionally guards water-themed items or elemental charms. May be found near submerged chests.

🔁 Key Updates for 2025

Initiative Clarity: Must include both mod and ability score (e.g., +3 (16)).
Full MOD/SAVE Line: Always display both, even if identical.
CR Line Expanded: Includes XP value and Proficiency Bonus.
Actions Section Expanded: All magical abilities are now formatted as actions, not separate spellcasting blocks.
Optional “Information” Section: Now commonly includes Appearance, Tactics, Habitat, Gear, and Treasure (Loot).

🧠 Development Notes & Tips

Use SRD examples like Water Weird as a base for layout.
Stick to 2–3 signature actions per creature.
Leverage conditions like Grappled, Restrained, and Poisoned via clear language.
Use “Habitat” to define where the creature resides or thrives (e.g., fungal caverns, cursed ruins, city rooftops).
Include Gear only if it matters mechanically or narratively (e.g., poisoned daggers, ritual masks, enchanted staves).
Treasure can be rolled or fixed. Include coinage, gems, items, or keys.

🛠️ Conversion & Automation Guidelines

No markdown, tables, or alternate formatting.
Semicolon formatting for multiple immunities/resistances.
Use exact wording for conditions and traits.
Maintain clean spacing and order—especially for the “Information” section.

📚 Template Resources

The Water Weird (2025) is the ideal structural reference.
Adventure writers should integrate NPCs using the suggested NPC Template structure, especially with the 5e, 2024, NPC import tool.
Make sure you have the correct rule set edition selected prior to importing at the bottom of the importer feature.
Check formatting and parsing success within a test module before publishing.
Add NPC to the combat tracker to test.

🧾 Final Notes:

The 2025 stat block standard provides clarity, improved GM support, and full automation potential in Fantasy Grounds. Adopting Gear, Habitat, and Treasure (Loot) fields enables deeper worldbuilding and contextual storytelling.