Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Polar Bear

Large · Beast · CR 2 · Chaotic Evil

Armor Class
12
Hit Points and Hit Dice
42 (5d10+15)
Challenge Rating CR
2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
20
+5
DEX
10
+0
CON
16
+3
INT
2
-4
WIS
12
+1
CHA
4
-3

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Large
Type Beast
Alignment Chaotic Evil
XP 450
Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)
Swim 30 ft (9.1 m)
Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)
Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 13

Skills

Perception +3

Traits

Keen Smell

The bear has advantage on Perception checks that rely on smell.

Actions

Bite

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d8+5 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8+5) piercing damage.

Claws

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+5 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d4+5) slashing damage. If the target is a Medium or smaller creature it is grappled (escape DC 15). Until this grapple ends the bear can't attack a different target with its claws.

Multiattack

The bear makes two melee attacks.

About Polar Bear

Polar Bear is a large beast with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 42 hit points (derived from 5d10+15).

GM Tips: Using Polar Bear

1 tips available

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

  • Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 30 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.

Player Guide: Facing Polar Bear

1 strategies available

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

  • Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 30 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.

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 Polar Bear?
Polar Bear has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Polar Bear?
Polar Bear is a Large Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.

Related D&D 5e Content

Related Creatures