BattleCast encounter test
Planetar vs Balor
Planetar versus balor gives the classic heaven-against-abyss fantasy a clean tactical shape. Radiant damage, fire immunity, reach, aura pressure, and heavy melee attacks all matter immediately.
Quick DM take
Use this as a high-CR melee comparison. The planetar brings radiant punishment and strong defenses, while the balor brings reach, fire aura pressure, and heavy weapon damage.
Baseline Monte Carlo result
Across 1,000 simulated battles from this starting layout, Balor had the higher win rate. Planetar won 25.5%, Balor won 74.4%, draws were 0.1%, and the average fight lasted 3.7 rounds.
What this encounter tests
This matchup tests how much high-CR damage survives through immunities and resistances. Fire looks dramatic, but the real value often comes from force, radiant, weapon damage, and repeated high-accuracy attacks.
It also checks whether aura-style pressure matters when both monsters are already built like endgame threats.
What to watch in the simulation
Watch whether the planetar can convert radiant damage quickly enough before the balor’s melee pressure catches up.
Also watch damage type logs. This is a good sanity check for immunity handling because fire pressure should not decide everything.
How to tune it at the table
Tune the showdown by deciding how infernal or arena-like you want it to feel.
- More planetar-favored: start closer so radiant melee connects immediately.
- More balor-favored: start at whip range and let the balor control the first exchange.
- More table-ready: add lesser allies only after checking the solo baseline.
Try another matchup
- Bandit Roadblock vs Level 1 Party - A grounded humanoid fight for testing cover, focus fire, and survivability.
- Hydra vs Level 4 Party - A multiattack endurance test that punishes low damage and poor focus fire.
- Kobold Warren vs Level 1 Party - A small-pack pressure test for action economy and early tactical positioning.