Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Ancient Copper Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 21 · Chaotic Good

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

21 (natural armor)

367 (21d20 + 147)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Good

XP 33000

Initiative Bonus +15

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 40 ft (12.2 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 27

Saving Throws

Strength +8 Dexterity +8 Constitution +7 Intelligence +5 Wisdom +10 Charisma +6

Skills

Deception +13 Perception +17 Stealth +8

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

acid

Traits

Legendary Resistance (4/Day, or 5/Day in Lair)

If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Actions

Acid Breath

Recharge 5–6 Cost 1

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 22, each creature in an 90-foot-long, 10-foot-wide Line. Failure: 63 (14d8) Acid damage. Success: Half damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The dragon makes three Rend attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of (A) Slowing Breath or (B) Spellcasting to cast Mind Spike (level 5 version).

Rend

Cost 1

+15 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d10+8 slashing plus 2d8 acid damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +15, reach 15 ft. 19 (2d10 + 8) Slashing damage plus 9 (2d8) Acid damage.

Slowing Breath

Cost 1

Constitution Saving Throw: DC 22, each creature in a 90-foot Cone. Failure: The target can't take Reactions; its Speed is halved; and it can take either an action or a Bonus Action on its turn, not both. This effect lasts until the end of its next turn.

Spellcasting

Cost 1

The dragon casts one of the following spells, requiring no Material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 21):

At Will: Detect Magic, Mind Spike, Minor Illusion, Shapechange
1/Day Each: Greater Restoration, Major Image, Project Image

Legendary Actions

Giggling Magic

Cost 1

Charisma Saving Throw: DC 21, one creature the dragon can see within 120 feet. Failure: 31 (9d6) Psychic damage. Until the end of its next turn, the target rolls 1d8 whenever it makes an ability check or attack roll and subtracts the number rolled from the D20 Test. Failure or Success: The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.

Mind Jolt

Cost 1

The dragon uses Spellcasting to cast Mind Spike (level 5 version). The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.

Pounce

Cost 1

The dragon moves up to half its Speed, and it makes one Rend attack.

About Ancient Copper Dragon

Ancient Copper Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 21. It has a chaotic good alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 21 and possesses 367 hit points (derived from 21d20 + 147).

Ancient Copper Dragon has communication capabilities including Common, Draconic. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Ancient Copper Dragon

2 tips available

When using Ancient Copper Dragon in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.
Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 40 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.

Player Guide: Facing Ancient Copper Dragon

2 strategies available

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

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.
Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 40 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 21.

High-Level Solo Encounter:

This creature is too powerful for a single level-20 character. You need 3.0 character(s) at maximum level (20) to face this creature.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 46,200 XP
Hard: 69,300 XP
Deadly: 92,400 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 Ancient Copper Dragon?: Ancient Copper Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 21, making it appropriate for parties of level 21.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Copper Dragon?: Ancient Copper Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Copper Dragon speak?: Ancient Copper Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.