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Ancient White Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 20 · Chaotic Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

20 (natural armor)

333 (18d20 + 144)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 25000

Initiative Bonus +12

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 40 ft (12.2 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Burrow 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 23

Saving Throws

Strength +8 Dexterity +6 Constitution +8 Intelligence +0 Wisdom +7 Charisma +4

Skills

Perception +13 Stealth +6

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

cold

Traits

Ice Walk

The dragon can move across and climb icy surfaces without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, Difficult Terrain composed of ice or snow doesn't cost it extra movement.

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

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

Actions

Cold Breath

Recharge 5–6 Cost 1

Constitution Saving Throw: DC 22, each creature in a 90-foot Cone. Failure: 63 (14d8) Cold damage. Success: Half damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The dragon makes three Rend attacks.

Rend

Cost 1

+14 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d8+8 slashing plus 2d8 cold damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +14, reach 15 ft. 17 (2d8 + 8) Slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) Cold damage.

Legendary Actions

Freezing Burst

Cost 1

Constitution Saving Throw: DC 20, each creature in a 30-foot-radius Sphere [Area of Effect]|XPHB|Sphere centered on a point the dragon can see within 120 feet. Failure: 14 (4d6) Cold damage, and the target's Speed is 0 until the end of the target's next turn. Failure or Success: The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.

Frightful Presence

Cost 1

The dragon casts Fear, requiring no Material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 18). 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 White Dragon

Ancient White Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 20. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 20 and possesses 333 hit points (derived from 18d20 + 144).

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

GM Tips: Using Ancient White Dragon

4 tips available

When using Ancient White 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.
Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 40 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.
Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 40 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.
Cold Damage Strategy: Cold-based attacks can slow or freeze. Prepare 'Heat Metal' or fire spells as countermeasures. Ice terrain can be used to create difficult terrain for melee characters.

Player Guide: Facing Ancient White Dragon

4 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.
Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 40 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.
Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 40 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.
Cold Damage Protection: This creature deals cold damage! Get cold resistance or use fire spells. Avoid water surfaces - they can freeze and create difficult terrain. 'Heat Metal' can counter cold.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 20.

High-Level Solo Encounter:

This creature is too powerful for a single level-20 character. You need 2.0 character(s) at maximum level (20) to face this creature.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 42,000 XP
Hard: 63,000 XP
Deadly: 84,000 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 White Dragon?: Ancient White Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 20, making it appropriate for parties of level 20.0.
What type of creature is Ancient White Dragon?: Ancient White Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient White Dragon speak?: Ancient White Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.