Over 750 undead creatures in PF2e, organized by level tier with encounter-building tips for GMs.
PF2e has over 750 undead creatures across every level. Whether you're running a haunted crypt at level 1 or a lich's stronghold at level 15, there's something here. This guide highlights the most interesting undead picks for each tier and how to use them.
Low-level undead are some of the most iconic monsters in the game. Mix skeletons and zombies for basic fights, then surprise players with a shadow or wight for a real scare.
Level -1. The bread and butter of undead encounters. Cheap to throw in groups and easy to reskin for any setting.
Level -1. Slow but tough. Great for creating a sense of dread when they just keep coming.
Level 1. Paralyzing bite makes them genuinely dangerous even at low levels. Players remember their first ghoul fight.
Level 2. 70 HP at level 2 is a lot. Use one as a mini-boss for low-level parties.
Level 3. Energy drain makes these terrifying. A single wight can turn a routine dungeon into a desperate fight.
Level 4. Incorporeal, strength damage, and they can create more shadows from kills. A classic TPK threat if underestimated.
Mid-level undead start getting special abilities that force players to think tactically. Ghosts, vampires, and mummies all bring unique challenges.
Level 6. Incorporeal and drains life. Hard to pin down without force damage or ghost touch weapons.
Level 6. 125 HP, despair aura, and mummy rot. A proper dungeon boss for this tier.
Level 6. Charm, drain, and regeneration. Run one as a recurring villain who keeps coming back.
Level 7. The headless horseman. Rides into battle and can frighten entire parties. Amazing for dramatic encounters.
Level 9. The classic BBEG. Dominate, shapechange, mist form, and a coffin to retreat to. Build a whole arc around one.
Level 10. An undead antipaladin in full plate. 175 HP, devastating attacks, and they reform unless you destroy their armor.
At this tier, undead become campaign-defining threats. Liches, ghost mages, and powerful vampires can drive entire story arcs.
Level 10. A spellcasting ghost with rejuvenation. You need to solve their unfinished business or they keep coming back.
Level 12. The iconic undead spellcaster. 190 HP, powerful spells, and a phylactery that must be destroyed. The ultimate recurring villain.
The highest-level undead are apocalyptic. These are endgame bosses that can challenge even legendary heroes.
Level 17. The wail can instantly drop multiple party members. One of the scariest creatures in the game.
Level 17. An undead dragon. Breath weapon, flight, incorporeal. Combine with a lich for a truly nightmarish encounter.
Level 21. A dragon that became undead through sheer hatred. 500 HP. Save this for the final session of a campaign.
Undead encounters work best when you mix creature types. Pair mindless zombies with an intelligent leader like a wight or vampire. Use environmental hazards like desecrated ground or haunted objects. Remember that many undead are immune to mental effects and poison, so parties that rely heavily on those will struggle. Give your healer a heads up so they can prepare positive energy spells.