Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Dire Wolf

Large · Beast · CR 1 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

30 (4d10+8)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Beast

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 200

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 50 ft (15.2 m)

Swim 25 ft (7.6 m)

Climb 25 ft (7.6 m)

Crawl 25 ft (7.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 13

Skills

Perception +3 Stealth +4

Traits

Keen Hearing and Smell

The wolf has advantage on Perception checks that rely on hearing and smell.

Pack Tactics

The wolf has advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of the wolfs allies is within 5 feet of the creature and not incapacitated.

Actions

Bite

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4+3 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (2d4+3) piercing damage. If the target is a creature it makes a DC 13 Strength saving throw falling prone on a failure.

About Dire Wolf

Dire Wolf is a large beast with a Challenge Rating of 1. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 30 hit points (derived from 4d10+8).

GM Tips: Using Dire Wolf

1 tips available

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

Pack Tactics Advantage: This creature has advantage on attack rolls when an ally is within 5 feet! Separate it from its pack or use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Player Guide: Facing Dire Wolf

1 strategies available

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

Counter Pack Tactics: This creature has advantage when allies are nearby! Separate it from its pack. Use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 3 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 200 XP
Hard: 300 XP
Deadly: 400 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 Dire Wolf?: Dire Wolf has a Challenge Rating of 1, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.0.
What type of creature is Dire Wolf?: Dire Wolf is a Large Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.