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Ankheg

Large · Monstrosity · CR 2 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

14 (14 (natural armor), 11 while prone)

39 (6d10+6)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-5

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Unaligned

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Burrow 10 ft (3 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Tremorsense 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Environments

Desert Forest or Jungle Grassland or Plains Hills Urban

Actions

Acid Spray

Cost 1

The ankheg spits acid in a line that is 30 ft. long and 5 ft. wide, provided that it has no creature grappled. Each creature in that line must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 10 (3d6) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Bite

Cost 1

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage plus 3 (1d6) acid damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature, it is grappled (escape DC 13). Until this grapple ends, the ankheg can bite only the grappled creature and has advantage on attack rolls to do so.

About Ankheg

Ankheg is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 39 hit points (derived from 6d10+6).

GM Tips: Using Ankheg

1 tips available

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

Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 10 ft. It can ambush from underground or escape combat by digging. Use 'Earthbind' or create difficult terrain to limit burrowing. Consider fighting in areas without soft ground.

Player Guide: Facing Ankheg

1 strategies available

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

Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 10 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.

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