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Giant Spider

Large · Beast · CR 1 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

26 (4d10+4)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Beast

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 200

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Blindsight 10 ft (3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Skills

Stealth +5

Traits

Spider Climb

The spider can climb even on difficult surfaces and upside down on ceilings.

Web Sense

While touching a web, the spider knows the location of other creatures touching that web.

Web Walker

The spider ignores movement restrictions imposed by webs.

Actions

Bite

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+3 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4+3) piercing damage and the target makes a DC 11 Constitution saving throw taking 9 (2d8) poison damage on a failure. If the poison damage reduces the target to 0 hit points the target is made stable but poisoned for 1 hour even if it regains hit points and it is paralyzed while poisoned in this way.

Bonus Actions

Web

Recharge 5–6

Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 20/60 feet., one Large or smaller creature. Hit: The creature is restrained by a web. As an action, a creature can make a DC 12 Strength check, breaking the web on a success. The effect also ends if the web is destroyed. The web is an object with AC 10, 1 hit point, and immunity to all forms of damage except slashing, fire, and force.

About Giant Spider

Giant Spider 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 14 and possesses 26 hit points (derived from 4d10+4).

GM Tips: Using Giant Spider

2 tips available

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

Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 30 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.

Player Guide: Facing Giant Spider

2 strategies available

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

Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 30 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.

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 Giant Spider?: Giant Spider has a Challenge Rating of 1, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.0.
What type of creature is Giant Spider?: Giant Spider is a Large Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.