Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Giant Pufferfish

Small · Beast · CR 2 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 3

13 (natural armor)

52 (8d8+16)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Swim 40 ft (12.2 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 12

Skills

Perception +0

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison

Condition Immunities

poisoned

Traits

Spiny Body

A creature that touches pufferfish or hits it with melee attack while within 5 ft. of it takes 2 (1d4) piercing damage. While it is puffed up this damage increases to 5 (2d4).

Water Breathing

Can breathe only underwater.

Bonus Actions

Burst of Speed

Recharge 5–6

Takes the Dash action.

Puff Up

For 1 min it increases in size by filling its stomach with air or water. While puffed up it is Medium doubles its damage dice on Bite and Spine attacks (included above) and makes Str checks and Str saves with advantage. If pufferfish lacks the room to become Medium it attains the max size possible in space available.

About Giant Pufferfish

Giant Pufferfish is a small beast with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 52 hit points (derived from 8d8+16).

GM Tips: Using Giant Pufferfish

1 tips available

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

Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 40 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.

Player Guide: Facing Giant Pufferfish

1 strategies available

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

Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 40 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 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 Giant Pufferfish?: Giant Pufferfish has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Giant Pufferfish?: Giant Pufferfish is a Small Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.