Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Wererat

Medium · Humanoid · CR 2 · Lawful Evil

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

33 (6d8+6)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Subcategory Lycanthropes

Size Medium

Type Humanoid

Alignment Lawful Evil

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 12

Skills

Perception +2 Stealth +4

Languages

Common (can't speak in rat form)

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks not made with silvered weapons

Environments

Caves Forest or Jungle Ruins Sewer Shadowfell Feywild Urban

Traits

Keen Smell

The wererat has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Shapechanger

The wererat can use its action to polymorph into a rat-humanoid hybrid or into a giant rat, or back into its true form, which is humanoid. Its statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage. If the target is a humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with wererat lycanthropy.

Hand Crossbow

Cost 1

+4 to hit, range 30/120 ft (9.1/36.6 m). Hit: 1d6 thunder damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The wererat makes two attacks, only one of which can be a bite.

Shortsword

Cost 1

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

About Wererat

Wererat is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a lawful evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 33 hit points (derived from 6d8+6).

Wererat has communication capabilities including Common (can't speak in rat form). This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Wererat

1 tips available

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

Shapechanging Tactics: This creature can change form, potentially gaining new abilities or escaping. Use 'True Seeing' or abilities that reveal true form. Consider finishing blows before it transforms.

Player Guide: Facing Wererat

1 strategies available

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

Counter Shapechanging: This creature can change form! Use 'True Seeing' to see its true form. Finish it quickly before it transforms. 'Dispel Magic' might prevent transformation.

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 Wererat?: Wererat has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Wererat?: Wererat is a Medium Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Wererat speak?: Wererat can communicate in Common (can't speak in rat form).