Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Brown Bear

Large · Beast · CR 1 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

11 (natural armor)

34 (4d10+12)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 200

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 13

Skills

Perception +3

Environments

Arctic or Tundra Forest or Jungle Hills Mountain Feywild

Traits

Keen Smell

The bear has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d8 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.

Claws

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The bear makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws.

About Brown Bear

Brown Bear is a large beast with a Challenge Rating of 1. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 11 and possesses 34 hit points (derived from 4d10+12).

GM Tips: Using Brown Bear

1 tips available

When using Brown Bear 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.

Player Guide: Facing Brown Bear

1 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.

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 Brown Bear?: Brown Bear has a Challenge Rating of 1, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.0.
What type of creature is Brown Bear?: Brown Bear is a Large Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.