Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Giant Rat

Small · Beast · CR 1/8 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

13 (natural armor)

7 (2d6)

1/8

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-2

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Animals

Size Small

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 25

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 12

Saving Throws

Strength -2 Dexterity +5 Constitution +0 Intelligence -4 Wisdom +0 Charisma -3

Skills

Perception +2

Traits

Pack Tactics

The rat has Advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the rat's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally doesn't have the Incapacitated condition.

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

Melee Attack Roll: +5, reach 5 feet. 5 (1d4 + 3) Piercing damage.

About Giant Rat

Giant Rat is a small beast with a Challenge Rating of 1/8. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 7 hit points (derived from 2d6).

GM Tips: Using Giant Rat

2 tips available

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

Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 30 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
Pack Tactics Advantage: This creature has advantage on attack rolls when an ally is within 5 feet! Separate it from its pack or use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Player Guide: Facing Giant Rat

2 strategies available

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

Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 30 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
Counter Pack Tactics: This creature has advantage when allies are nearby! Separate it from its pack. Use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 14 XP
Hard: 21 XP
Deadly: 28 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 Rat?: Giant Rat has a Challenge Rating of 1/8, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.125.
What type of creature is Giant Rat?: Giant Rat is a Small Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.