Animated objects are some of the most whimsical creatures you can use in combat in Dungeons & Dragons. From suits of armor to animated braziers, these objects can spring to life through the use of magic, and can be wielded by players and Dungeon Masters alike.
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But, what’s the best way to use animated objects? If you’re a player, you’ll of course have to look into the Animate Objects spell. As a Dungeon Master, using these creatures in combat can prove a bit more varied. Whatever your role at the table, here’s everything you need to know about using animated objects.
What Are Animated Objects?
In Dungeons & Dragons, animated objects are any household item that’s sprung to life through the use of magic. These items can be used in combat, to perform chores, or any number of tasks.
Some examples of animated objects include:
- Animated Armor
- Animated Brooms
- Animated Swords
- Animated Rugs
The above creatures are the four main animated objects you can find in the 2025 Monster Manual. They each have their own stat blocks and abilities you can use for combat.
How To Use Animated Objects As A DM
The main way you’ll likely end up using animated objects is for combat encounters, as these creatures are great for low-level encounters with mid-size parties.
However, while animated objects are great for combat, you can also use magically enchanted objects in roleplay, or to establish tone and style.
For example, players entering a magical shop might discover an animated broom sweeping up the store, but not necessarily poised to attack.
How To Homebrew An Animated Object
Since the 2025 Monster Manual only has four animated object stat blocks available, you can homebrew your own animated object stat block to use in a fight.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to homebrew an animated object.
|
Step |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Select An Object |
First, you’ll want to pick a household object that you want to animate. It should be something you could typically find in the environment your players are in. For example, if the party is in a tavern, consider animating objects like tankards, kegs, chairs, tables, glassware, and more. |
|
Choose Method Of Animation |
The 2025 Monster Manual suggests that DMs decide the method of magic used to animate an object for flavor. This is also helpful if you want to use animated objects to beef up a boss fight. Perhaps the archmage the party needs to fight is the source of the object’s animation, and therefore needs to be defeated to defeat the object. |
|
Create Stat Block |
From there, you’ll need to create a stat block, including HP, AC, Speed, and more. To create a stat block for an animated object, consult the 2025 Monster Manual. Most animated objects will function similarly to one another, and aren’t going to be that strong, so pick HP, AC, and features based on other animated object stat blocks. |
When it comes to homebrewing stat blocks, basing new stats off of pre-existing stat blocks is always helpful.
But, that doesn’t mean you can’t chart your own course and do something entirely different as a DM. Just make sure the encounter is balanced.
If you’re not sure what to choose for method of animation, you can consult the 2025 Monster Manual, which has the following table to roll on for animated object catalysts.
How To Use Animated Objects As A Player
Players have access to animated objects much in the same way their Dungeon Master does. However, you’ll need to be a relatively high-level spellcaster to do this.
Here’s a breakdown of the Animate Objects spell, which you’ll need to have prepared.
|
Spell Name |
Animate Objects |
|---|---|
|
Level |
5th Level Transmutation |
|
Classes |
Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard |
|
Components |
Verbal, Somatic |
|
Duration |
Concentration, up to 1 minute |
When you cast Animate Objects, you can choose a number of nonmagical objects equal to your spellcasting ability modifier that aren’t being worn, carried, or fixed to a surface, and aren’t gargantuan to animate.
From there, the animated objects are under your control and share your initiative count in combat. You can use your bonus action to command any object created with this spell within 500 feet.
You can also have the creature take no action, in which case it automatically takes the Dodge action without you needing to communicate that command.
Each animated object uses the below stat block, which is separate from the stat blocks available in the 2025 Monster Manual.
For more details regarding actions, languages, immunities, and resistances, consult the Animate Objects spell description.
|
Creature |
Animated Object |
|---|---|
|
AC |
15 |
|
HP |
|
|
Speed |
30 feet |
Remember, while most of the time you’ll want to use this spell in combat, you can also use Animate Objects to create distractions, scout ahead, or intimidate NPCs with your magical prowess.
