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Gelatinous Cube

Large · Ooze · CR 2 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

84 (8d10+40)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

-4

CON

INT

-5

WIS

-2

CHA

-5

Overview

Category Monsters

Subcategory Oozes

Size Large

Type Ooze

Alignment Unaligned

XP 450

Initiative Bonus -4

Movement

Walk 15 ft (4.6 m)

Swim 7 ft (2.1 m)

Climb 7 ft (2.1 m)

Crawl 7 ft (2.1 m)

Senses

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 8

Resistances & Immunities

Condition Immunities

blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened, prone

Environments

Caves Ocean Ruins Sewer Plane of Water Underworld

Traits

Ooze Cube

The cube takes up its entire space. Other creatures can enter the space, but a creature that does so is subjected to the cube's Engulf and has disadvantage on the saving throw.
Creatures inside the cube can be seen but have total cover.
A creature within 5 feet of the cube can take an action to pull a creature or object out of the cube. Doing so requires a successful DC 12 Strength check, and the creature making the attempt takes 10 (3d6) acid damage.
The cube can hold only one Large creature or up to four Medium or smaller creatures inside it at a time.

Transparent

Even when the cube is in plain sight, it takes a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check to spot a cube that has neither moved nor attacked. A creature that tries to enter the cube's space while unaware of the cube is surprised by the cube.

Actions

Engulf

Cost 1

The cube moves up to its speed. While doing so, it can enter Large or smaller creatures' spaces. Whenever the cube enters a creature's space, the creature must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw.
On a successful save, the creature can choose to be pushed 5 feet back or to the side of the cube. A creature that chooses not to be pushed suffers the consequences of a failed saving throw.
On a failed save, the cube enters the creature's space, and the creature takes 10 (3d6) acid damage and is engulfed. The engulfed creature can't breathe, is restrained, and takes 21 (6d6) acid damage at the start of each of the cube's turns. When the cube moves, the engulfed creature moves with it.
An engulfed creature can try to escape by taking an action to make a DC 12 Strength check. On a success, the creature escapes and enters a space of its choice within 5 feet of the cube.

Pseudopod

Cost 1

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m).

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (3d6) acid damage.

About Gelatinous Cube

Gelatinous Cube is a large ooze with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 6 and possesses 84 hit points (derived from 8d10+40).

GM Tips: Using Gelatinous Cube

2 tips available

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

Mid-level Encounter: Ideal for parties levels 3-8 as solo or small groups
Terrain Advantage: Use terrain to offset moderate combat abilities

Player Guide: Facing Gelatinous Cube

2 strategies available

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

Moderate Threat: Prepare standard combat tactics
Tactical Advantage: Use terrain and positioning

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