Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Ancient Red Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 24 · Chaotic Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

22 (natural armor)

507 (26d20 + 234)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

+10

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 62000

Initiative Bonus +14

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 26

Saving Throws

Strength +10 Dexterity +7 Constitution +9 Intelligence +4 Wisdom +9 Charisma +8

Skills

Perception +16 Stealth +7

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Traits

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

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

Actions

Fire Breath

Recharge 5–6 Cost 1

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 24, each creature in a 90-foot Cone. Failure: 91 (26d6) Fire damage. Success: Half damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The dragon makes three Rend attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Spellcasting to cast Scorching Ray (level 3 version).

Rend

Cost 1

+17 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d8+10 slashing plus 3d6 fire damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +17, reach 15 ft. 19 (2d8 + 10) Slashing damage plus 10 (3d6) Fire damage.

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 23, +15 to hit with spell attacks):

At Will: Command, Detect Magic, Scorching Ray
1/Day Each: Fireball, Scrying

Legendary Actions

Commanding Presence

Cost 1

The dragon uses Spellcasting to cast Command (level 2 version). The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.

Fiery Rays

Cost 1

The dragon uses Spellcasting to cast Scorching Ray (level 3 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 Red Dragon

Ancient Red Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 24. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 22 and possesses 507 hit points (derived from 26d20 + 234).

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

GM Tips: Using Ancient Red Dragon

3 tips available

When using Ancient Red 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.
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 Ancient Red Dragon

3 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.
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 24.

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: 60,000 XP
Hard: 90,000 XP
Deadly: 120,000 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 Red Dragon?: Ancient Red Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 24, making it appropriate for parties of level 24.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Red Dragon?: Ancient Red Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Red Dragon speak?: Ancient Red Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.