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Ankheg

Large · Monstrosity · CR 2 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

45 (6d10+12)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Burrow 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Tremorsense 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 12

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

acid

Actions

Acid Spray

Recharge 6

The ankheg spits a 30-foot-long 5-foot-wide stream of acid. Each creature in the area makes a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw taking 14 (4d6) acid damage on a failure or half damage on a success. If the ankheg is grappling a target it instead bathes the target in acid dealing 14 (4d6) acid damage with no saving throw only to that target.

Bite

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d8+3 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature grappled by the ankheg. Hit: 16 (3d8 + 3) slashing damage. If this damage kills the target the ankheg severs its head.

Claws

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8+3 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) slashing damage. If the target is a Medium or smaller creature it is grappled (escape DC 13). Until this grapple ends the target is restrained and the ankheg can't use its claws on anyone else.

About Ankheg

Ankheg is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 45 hit points (derived from 6d10+12).

GM Tips: Using Ankheg

1 tips available

When using Ankheg in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 15 ft. It can ambush from underground or escape combat by digging. Use 'Earthbind' or create difficult terrain to limit burrowing. Consider fighting in areas without soft ground.

Player Guide: Facing Ankheg

1 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 15 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 2.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 4 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 600 XP
Hard: 900 XP
Deadly: 1,200 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Ankheg?: Ankheg has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Ankheg?: Ankheg is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.