Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Hippopotamus

Large · Beast · CR 3 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 3

14 (natural armor)

76 (9d10+27)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

-2

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 700

Initiative Bonus -2

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

Passive Perception 10

Skills

Perception +0

Traits

Hold Breath

Can hold its breath for 10 min.

About Hippopotamus

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

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 76 hit points (derived from 9d10+27).

GM Tips: Using Hippopotamus

1 tips available

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

Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 20 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.

Player Guide: Facing Hippopotamus

1 strategies available

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

Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 20 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 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 Hippopotamus?: Hippopotamus has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Hippopotamus?: Hippopotamus is a Large Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.