Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Octopus

Small · Beast · CR 0 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

3 (1d6)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-3

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 0

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 5 ft (1.5 m)

Swim 30 ft (9.1 m)

Climb 2 ft (0.6 m)

Crawl 2 ft (0.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 12

Skills

Perception +2 Stealth +4

Environments

Ocean

Traits

Hold Breath

While out of water, the octopus can hold its breath for 30 minutes.

Underwater Camouflage

The octopus has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made while underwater.

Water Breathing

The octopus can breathe only underwater.

Actions

Ink Cloud

Cost 1

A 5-foot-radius cloud of ink extends all around the octopus if it is underwater. The area is heavily obscured for 1 minute, although a significant current can disperse the ink. After releasing the ink, the octopus can use the Dash action as a bonus action.

Tentacles

Cost 1

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1 bludgeoning damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 10). Until this grapple ends, the octopus can't use its tentacles on another target.

About Octopus

Octopus is a small beast with a Challenge Rating of 0. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 3 hit points (derived from 1d6).

GM Tips: Using Octopus

1 tips available

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

Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 30 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.

Player Guide: Facing Octopus

1 strategies available

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

Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 30 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.

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: 50 XP
Hard: 75 XP
Deadly: 100 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 Octopus?: Octopus has a Challenge Rating of 0, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.
What type of creature is Octopus?: Octopus is a Small Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.