Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Giant Elk

Huge · Beast · CR 2 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

15 (natural armor)

42 (5d12+10)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Huge

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 30 ft (9.1 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 30 ft (9.1 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 14

Skills

Perception +4

Languages

Giant Elk, understands Common, Elvish, and Sylvan but can't speak

Environments

Arctic or Tundra Forest or Jungle Grassland or Plains Hills Mountain

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 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Actions

Hooves

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 4d8 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one prone creature. Hit: 22 (4d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Ram

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

About Giant Elk

Giant Elk is a huge beast with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 42 hit points (derived from 5d12+10).

Giant Elk has communication capabilities including Giant Elk, understands Common, Elvish, and Sylvan but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Giant Elk

2 tips available

When using Giant Elk 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 Giant Elk

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 Giant Elk?: Giant Elk has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Giant Elk?: Giant Elk is a Huge Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Giant Elk speak?: Giant Elk can communicate in Giant Elk, understands Common, Elvish, and Sylvan but can't speak.