The shambling undead, a classic horror trope, frequently claw their way into Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. But a crucial question arises when facing these rotting hordes: Are Zombies Humanoid 5e? This seemingly simple inquiry has significant mechanical implications, impacting spells, abilities, and even roleplaying considerations within the game.
The Undead Type vs. The Humanoid Creature Type
Within the 5th Edition D&D ruleset, creatures are categorized by type. Zombies, by default, are classified as Undead. This is their primary defining characteristic. This means that spells and abilities that specifically target Undead creatures will affect them. However, the question of whether they *also* possess the Humanoid type is where the confusion often lies.
The official Monster Manual description of a Zombie does NOT include the Humanoid creature type. This absence is critical. This is the definitive answer when we discuss “Are Zombies Humanoid 5e”. The creature type matters for targeting with spells.
- Hold Person only works on Humanoids.
- Turn Undead only affects Undead.
- A Paladin’s Divine Smite works against Undead.
Therefore, a spell like Hold Person, which specifically targets Humanoids, will be ineffective against a standard Zombie.
It’s crucial to examine the specific stat block of the Zombie you’re encountering. While standard Zombies lack the Humanoid type, a Dungeon Master might introduce a variant or homebrew creature with different classifications. Consider this possibility:
- The DM might create a “Living Zombie” type, that retains the humanoid type.
- The DM might be running an adventure with specifically modified Zombies.
Always clarify with your DM regarding any deviations from the standard Monster Manual description. A quick query can prevent wasted spell slots and strategic missteps. Below is a table with possible effects
| Effect | Target | Does it affect regular zombies? |
|---|---|---|
| Hold Person | Humanoid | No |
| Turn Undead | Undead | Yes |
For the definitive details on creature types and monster stat blocks, consult the *Monster Manual* for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. It’s a great resource for any player or Dungeon Master.