Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Giant Spider

Large · Beast · CR 1 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

14 (natural armor)

26 (4d10 + 4)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Animals

Size Large

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 200

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 14

Saving Throws

Strength +2 Dexterity +3 Constitution +1 Intelligence -4 Wisdom +0 Charisma -3

Skills

Perception +4 Stealth +7

Traits

Spider Climb

The spider can climb difficult surfaces, including along ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Web Walker

The spider ignores movement restrictions caused by webs, and it knows the location of any other creature in contact with the same web.

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d8+3 piercing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +5, reach 5 ft. 7 (1d8 + 3) Piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) Poison damage.

Web

Recharge 5–6 Cost 1

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 13, one creature the spider can see within 60 feet. Failure: The target has the Restrained condition until the web is destroyed (AC 10; HP 5; Vulnerability to Fire damage; Immunity to Poison and Psychic damage).

About Giant Spider

Giant Spider is a large beast with a Challenge Rating of 1. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 26 hit points (derived from 4d10 + 4).

GM Tips: Using Giant Spider

2 tips available

When using Giant Spider 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.
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 Giant Spider

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.
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 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 3 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 200 XP
Hard: 300 XP
Deadly: 400 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 Spider?: Giant Spider has a Challenge Rating of 1, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.0.
What type of creature is Giant Spider?: Giant Spider is a Large Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.