Encounter Formula Calculator

Raise 1 step if monsters have strong control, resistances, flight/range, or other tactical edge. Drop 1 step if they're fragile, with no defenses or tricks.

How the spice bump works

• Pick the single reason that matters most. The list never moves the rating more than one step, however many apply.
• If something pulls each way, treat them as cancelling out and leave it on no adjustment.
• When unsure, leave it alone. This is the one step that is a judgement call rather than arithmetic.

Note: Encounter difficulty primarily measures combat duration and party exposure time. Remember that fragile classes (Wizards, Thieves) remain vulnerable to focused attacks and critical hits regardless of encounter rating.