Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Giant Ape

Huge · Beast · CR 7 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

12 (natural armor)

168 (16d12 + 64)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-3

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Animals

Size Huge

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 2900

Initiative Bonus +5

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 40 ft (12.2 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 14

Saving Throws

Strength +6 Dexterity +2 Constitution +4 Intelligence -3 Wisdom +1 Charisma -2

Skills

Athletics +9 Perception +4 Survival +4

Actions

Boulder Toss

Recharge 6 Cost 1

The ape hurls a boulder at a point it can see within 90 feet. Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 17, each creature in a 5-foot-radius Sphere [Area of Effect]|XPHB|Sphere centered on that point. Failure: 24 (7d6) Bludgeoning damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature, it has the Prone condition. Success: Half damage only.

Fist

Cost 1

+9 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 3d10+6 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +9, reach 10 ft. 22 (3d10 + 6) Bludgeoning damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The ape makes two Fist attacks.

Bonus Actions

Leap

The ape jumps up to 30 feet by spending 10 feet of movement.

About Giant Ape

Giant Ape is a huge beast with a Challenge Rating of 7. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 168 hit points (derived from 16d12 + 64).

GM Tips: Using Giant Ape

1 tips available

When using Giant Ape in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

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 Giant Ape

1 strategies available

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

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 7.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 10 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 5,600 XP
Hard: 8,400 XP
Deadly: 11,200 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 Giant Ape?: Giant Ape has a Challenge Rating of 7, making it appropriate for parties of level 7.0.
What type of creature is Giant Ape?: Giant Ape is a Huge Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.