Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Hodag

Large · Beast · CR 3 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

13 (natural armor)

52 (7d10+14)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 13

Skills

Perception +3 Stealth +5

Resistances & Immunities

Condition Immunities

charmed

Traits

Charge

If the hodag moves at least 10 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a horn attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 5 (2d4) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Improved Critical

The hodag’s teeth, claws, horns, and tail spikes are extra sharp. These weapon attacks score a critical hit on a roll of 19 or 20.

Keen Hearing and Smell

The hodag has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.

Actions

Bite

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d8+4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.

Claws

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+4 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage.

Horns

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4+4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d4 + 4) piercing damage.

Multiattack

The hodag makes three melee attacks, but can use its bite and horn attacks only once each.

Tail

+6 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 1d4+4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage.

Territorial Display

Recharge 6

The hodag rears and stomps on the ground then roars a territorial challenge. Each creature within 10 feet of the hodag must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) thunder damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. A creature that fails the saving throw by 5 or more is also knocked prone.

About Hodag

Hodag is a large beast with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 52 hit points (derived from 7d10+14).

GM Tips: Using Hodag

2 tips available

When using Hodag 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 Hodag

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 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 1,200 XP
Hard: 1,800 XP
Deadly: 2,400 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 Hodag?: Hodag has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Hodag?: Hodag is a Large Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.