Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Balloon Spider

Medium · Beast · CR 1 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

36 (8d8)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 200

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 20 ft (6.1 m)

Fly 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 10 ft (3 m)

Climb 10 ft (3 m)

Crawl 10 ft (3 m)

Hover Yes

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Blindsight 10 ft (3 m)

Passive Perception 13

Skills

Perception +3

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

lightning

Traits

Erratic Discharge

A creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the balloon spider must make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, the creature takes 2 (1d4) lightning damage and can move or take an action on its turn, but not both. On a success, the creature gains the benefits of the haste spell until the end of its turn. If a creature’s saving throw is successful, it is immune to the spider’s Erratic Discharge for the next 24 hours.

Actions

Bite

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+2 plus 2d4 lightning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage plus 5 (2d4) lightning damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or it can move or take an action on its turn, but not both.

Charged Web

Recharge 4–6

+5 to hit, range 40/80 ft (12.2/24.4 m).

Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 40/80 ft., one creature. Hit: The target is grappled (escape DC 13) by strands of charged webbing and begins to hover off the ground. Until this grapple ends, the target takes 1 lightning damage at the start of each of its turns. In addition, the grappled target can make a DC 12 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check to manipulate the strands of webbing and fly 10 feet in any direction.

Draw In

The balloon spider magically pulls all creatures grappled by its webbing up to 10 feet toward it. If this movement pulls the creature within 5 feet of the balloon spider, the spider can make one bite attack against the creature as a bonus action.

About Balloon Spider

Balloon Spider is a medium beast with a Challenge Rating of 1. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 36 hit points (derived from 8d8).

GM Tips: Using Balloon Spider

2 tips available

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

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.
Lightning Damage Awareness: Lightning attacks often have long range and high speed. Advise players to use cover and avoid metal armor/weapons. Water surfaces amplify lightning damage - avoid fighting near water.

Player Guide: Facing Balloon Spider

2 strategies available

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

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.
Lightning Damage Protection: This creature deals lightning damage! Avoid metal armor and weapons. Use cover and avoid water surfaces. 'Iron Skin' or 'Protection from Energy' can help.

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 Balloon Spider?: Balloon Spider has a Challenge Rating of 1, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.0.
What type of creature is Balloon Spider?: Balloon Spider is a Medium Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.