Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Elk

Large · Beast · CR 1/4 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

13 (2d10+2)

1/4

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 50

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 50 ft (15.2 m)

Swim 25 ft (7.6 m)

Climb 25 ft (7.6 m)

Crawl 25 ft (7.6 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 10

Environments

Arctic or Tundra Forest or Jungle Grassland or Plains Hills

Traits

Charge

If the elk moves at least 20 ft. straight toward a target and then hits it with a ram attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 7 (2d6) damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Actions

Hooves

Cost 1

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one prone creature. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) bludgeoning damage.

Ram

Cost 1

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.

About Elk

Elk is a large beast with a Challenge Rating of 1/4. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 10 and possesses 13 hit points (derived from 2d10+2).

GM Tips: Using Elk

2 tips available

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

Minion Strategy: Use as scouts or minions for larger threats
Group Tactics: Group 3-4 together to pose a moderate threat

Player Guide: Facing Elk

2 strategies available

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

Easy Target: This creature is weak - focus on other threats
Group Threat: Multiple can be dangerous - use area 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 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 31 XP
Hard: 46 XP
Deadly: 62 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 Elk?: Elk has a Challenge Rating of 1/4, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.25.
What type of creature is Elk?: Elk is a Large Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.