Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Killer Whale

Huge · Beast · CR 3 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

12 (natural armor)

90 (12d12 + 12)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Animals

Size Huge

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 5 ft (1.5 m)

Swim 60 ft (18.3 m)

Climb 2 ft (0.6 m)

Crawl 2 ft (0.6 m)

Senses

Blindsight 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 13

Saving Throws

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

Skills

Perception +3 Stealth +4

Traits

Hold Breath

The whale can hold its breath for 30 minutes.

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 5d6+4 piercing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. 21 (5d6 + 4) Piercing damage.

About Killer Whale

Killer Whale is a huge beast with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 90 hit points (derived from 12d12 + 12).

GM Tips: Using Killer Whale

1 tips available

When using Killer Whale in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 60 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.

Player Guide: Facing Killer Whale

1 strategies available

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

Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 60 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 1,200 XP
Hard: 1,800 XP
Deadly: 2,400 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 Killer Whale?: Killer Whale has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Killer Whale?: Killer Whale is a Huge Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.