Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Earth Elemental

Large · Elemental · CR 5 · Neutral

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

17 (natural armor)

126 (12d10+60)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

-1

CON

INT

-3

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Monsters

Subcategory Elementals

Size Large

Type Elemental

Alignment Neutral

XP 1800

Initiative Bonus -1

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Burrow 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Tremorsense 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Languages

Terran

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison

Damage Resistances

bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks

Damage Vulnerabilities

thunder

Condition Immunities

exhaustion, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, unconscious

Environments

Laboratory Plane of Earth Underworld

Traits

Earth Glide

The elemental can burrow through nonmagical, unworked earth and stone. While doing so, the elemental doesn't disturb the material it moves through.

Siege Monster

The elemental deals double damage to objects and structures.

Actions

Multiattack

Cost 1

The elemental makes two slam attacks.

Slam

Cost 1

+8 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d8 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage.

About Earth Elemental

Earth Elemental is a large elemental with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 126 hit points (derived from 12d10+60).

Earth Elemental has communication capabilities including Terran. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Earth Elemental

1 tips available

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

Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 30 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 Earth Elemental

1 strategies available

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

Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 30 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 5.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 7 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 3,000 XP
Hard: 4,500 XP
Deadly: 6,000 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 Earth Elemental?: Earth Elemental has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
What type of creature is Earth Elemental?: Earth Elemental is a Large Elemental, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Earth Elemental speak?: Earth Elemental can communicate in Terran.