Ankheg 5e
Large Monstrosity, Unaligned
The Ankheg is a large monstrosity in D&D 5e with a challenge rating of 2 (450 XP). It has 14 AC and 39 hit points. A massive insectoid predator with a chitinous brown shell and powerful mandibles that drip with acidic saliva, its six legs ending in razor-sharp claws. Its compound eyes glitter with alien intelligen...
Armor Class
14
Hit Points
39
Challenge
2
450 XP
A massive insectoid predator with a chitinous brown shell and powerful mandibles that drip with acidic saliva, its six legs ending in razor-sharp claws. Its compound eyes glitter with alien intelligence above a maw that can dissolve steel, while acid scars mark the earth wherever it treads.
Special Traits & Features
DM Tactical & Combat Guide
Encounter Balance (Party of 4)
Deadly at Level 1 • Medium at Level 3
Combat Role
Large Monstrosity (Skirmisher / Line)
Party Difficulty Scaling (Party of 4)
Tactical Recommendations
- Subterranean Ambush: Use burrowing speed to attack from beneath full cover, breaking line-of-sight against ranged spellcasters.
- Lighting Manipulation: Exploit darkvision or blindsight in total darkness to force players to rely on torchlight or spell slots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Challenge Rating (CR) of Ankheg?
Ankheg is a Challenge Rating 2 creature, granting 450 XP when defeated in D&D 5e.
What are the Armor Class and Hit Points of Ankheg?
Ankheg has an Armor Class (AC) of 14 and approximately 39 hit points.
What party level is recommended to fight Ankheg?
For a party of 4 adventurers, Ankheg represents a Deadly challenge around Level 1 and scales down to a Moderate/Hard challenge by Level 3.
Use Ankheg in your campaign
Dungeon Manager lets you add Ankheg directly to encounters, track it in live combat with HP and conditions, and share the battle with your players — all free.