Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Ankheg

Large · Monstrosity · CR 2 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD

14 (natural armor)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-5

WIS

CHA

-2

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 10 ft (3 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Tremorsense 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Saving Throws

Strength +5 Dexterity +0 Constitution +1 Intelligence -5 Wisdom +1 Charisma -2

Languages

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

acid,Monstrosity Resilience

Traits

Monstrosity Resilience

The ankheg is resistant to exhaustion and to the frightened condition.

Actions

Acid Spray

Recharge 6

The ankheg spits acid in a line that is 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, provided it has no creature grappled. Each creature in that line must make a DC 13 DEX save, taking 18 (4d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Bite

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+3 plus 2d8 acid damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6+3) slashing damage plus 9 (2d8) acid damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature, it is grappled (escape DC 13). Until this grapple ends, the ankheg can't Bite another target.

Bonus Actions

Save for Later

The ankheg quickly digs a small hole and stuffs one creature grappled by it into the hole, burying the creature and ending the grapple. A buried creature is restrained and unable to breathe or stand up. A creature, including the buried creature, can take its action to free the buried creature by succeeding on a DC 13 STR check.

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 57 hit points (derived from None).

Ankheg has communication capabilities including -. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

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 10 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 10 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.
What languages does Ankheg speak?: Ankheg can communicate in -.