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Gelatinous Cube

Large · Ooze · CR 2 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2024 Rules
Armor Class
6 (natural armor)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
63 (6d10 + 30)
Challenge Rating CR
2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
14
+2
DEX
3
-4
CON
20
+5
INT
1
-5
WIS
6
-2
CHA
1
-5

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Large
Type Ooze
Alignment Unaligned
XP 450
Initiative Bonus -4

Movement

Walk 15 ft (4.6 m)
Swim 7 ft (2.1 m)
Climb 7 ft (2.1 m)
Crawl 7 ft (2.1 m)

Senses

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)
Passive Perception 8

Saving Throws

Strength +2 Dexterity -4 Constitution +5 Intelligence -5 Wisdom -2 Charisma -5

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities
acid
Condition Immunities
blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened, prone

Traits

Ooze Cube

The cube fills its entire space and is transparent. Other creatures can enter that space, but a creature that does so is subjected to the cube's Engulf and has Disadvantage on the saving throw. Creatures inside the cube have Cover|XPHB|Total Cover, and the cube can hold one Large creature or up to four Medium or Small creatures inside itself at a time. As an action, a creature within 5 feet of the cube can pull a creature or an object out of the cube by succeeding on a DC 12 Strength (Athletics) check, and the puller takes 10 (3d6) Acid damage.

Transparent

Even when the cube is in plain sight, a creature must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check to notice the cube if the creature hasn't witnessed the cube move or otherwise act.

Actions

Engulf

Cost 1

The cube moves up to its Speed without provoking Opportunity Attacks. The cube can move through the spaces of Large or smaller creatures if it has room inside itself to contain them (see the Ooze Cube [Area of Effect]|XPHB|Cube trait). Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 12, each creature whose space the cube enters for the first time during this move. Failure: 10 (3d6) Acid damage, and the target is engulfed. An engulfed target is suffocating, can't cast spells with a Verbal component, has the Restrained condition, and takes 10 (3d6) Acid damage at the start of each of the cube's turns. When the cube moves, the engulfed target moves with it. An engulfed target can try to escape by taking an action to make a DC 12 Strength (Athletics) check. On a successful check, the target escapes and enters the nearest unoccupied space. Success: Half damage, and the target moves to an unoccupied space within 5 feet of the cube. If there is no unoccupied space, the target fails the save instead.

Pseudopod

Cost 1

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d6+2 acid damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft. 12 (3d6 + 2) Acid damage.

About Gelatinous Cube

Gelatinous Cube is a large ooze with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 6 and possesses 63 hit points (derived from 6d10 + 30).

GM Tips: Using Gelatinous Cube

2 tips available

When using Gelatinous Cube in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

  • Mid-level Encounter: Ideal for parties levels 3-8 as solo or small groups
  • Terrain Advantage: Use terrain to offset moderate combat abilities

Player Guide: Facing Gelatinous Cube

2 strategies available

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

  • Moderate Threat: Prepare standard combat tactics
  • Tactical Advantage: Use terrain and positioning

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

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