If the monster’s total levels are less than half of the heroes’, this is an easy encounter. Heroes will lose minimal HP and resources, making these encounters great for testing new abilities or gauging progress—or whittling down resources. They help players feel powerful, especially after leveling up. Use 1–2 easy encounters in a typical session.
When the monster’s levels are around 75% of the heroes’, expect some HP loss and moderate resource expenditure. Heroes will get hurt but shouldn’t drop to 0 HP. Use 1–2 medium encounters in a typical session.
When the monster’s levels equal the heroes’, this encounter will be challenging but fair. Heroes must use significant resources; some may drop to 0 HP, but none should die, barring poor tactics or bad luck. Use 1 hard encounter in a typical session.
When monster levels are 100–125% of the heroes’, this encounter requires strategic thinking and teamwork. Suitable for tough battles, well-equipped parties, or campaign bosses. Use sparingly!
At 150%+ monster levels, this encounter is extremely dangerous. Unless they are extremely well optimized (or are multiclassing) and play exquisitely, they will almost certainly need to retreat—or die. Use only when the heroes made a bad mistake: you telegraphed danger and they fail to heed.