Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Giant Spider

Large · Beast · CR 1 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

14 (natural armor)

26 (4d10+4)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 200

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Blindsight 10 ft (3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Skills

Stealth +7

Environments

Caves Forest or Jungle Ruins Shadowfell Feywild Swamp or Marsh Underworld Urban

Traits

Spider Climb

The spider can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Web Sense

While in contact with a web, the spider knows the exact location of any other creature in contact with the same web.

Web Walker

The spider ignores movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 11 Constitution saving throw, taking 9 (2d8) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. If the poison damage reduces the target to 0 hit points, the target is stable but poisoned for 1 hour, even after regaining hit points, and is paralyzed while poisoned in this way.

Web

Cost 1

+5 to hit, range 30/60 ft (9.1/18.3 m).

Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 30/60 ft., one creature. Hit: The target is restrained by webbing. As an action, the restrained target can make a DC 12 Strength check, bursting the webbing on a success. The webbing can also be attacked and destroyed (AC 10; hp 5; vulnerability to fire damage; immunity to bludgeoning, poison, and psychic damage).

About Giant Spider

Giant Spider is a large beast with a Challenge Rating of 1. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 26 hit points (derived from 4d10+4).

GM Tips: Using Giant Spider

2 tips available

When using Giant Spider 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.
Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.

Player Guide: Facing Giant Spider

2 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.
Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire 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 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 Giant Spider?: Giant Spider has a Challenge Rating of 1, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.0.
What type of creature is Giant Spider?: Giant Spider is a Large Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.