Hydra 5e
Huge Monstrosity, Unaligned
The Hydra is a huge monstrosity in D&D 5e with a challenge rating of 8 (3,900 XP). It has 15 AC and 172 hit points. A serpentine nightmare of scales and fury, this massive beast rears up on powerful legs while five writhing necks weave through the air like deadly ribbons. Each head bears different scars and express...
Armor Class
15
Hit Points
172
Challenge
8
3,900 XP
A serpentine nightmare of scales and fury, this massive beast rears up on powerful legs while five writhing necks weave through the air like deadly ribbons. Each head bears different scars and expressions, hissing in harmony as venomous saliva drips from their fangs.
Special Traits & Features
DM Tactical & Combat Guide
Encounter Balance (Party of 4)
Deadly at Level 1 • Medium at Level 9
Combat Role
Huge Monstrosity (Skirmisher / Line)
Party Difficulty Scaling (Party of 4)
Tactical Recommendations
- Aquatic Advantage: Pull targets into water environments where characters without a swim speed suffer attack disadvantage and breath limits.
- 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 Hydra?
Hydra is a Challenge Rating 8 creature, granting 3,900 XP when defeated in D&D 5e.
What are the Armor Class and Hit Points of Hydra?
Hydra has an Armor Class (AC) of 15 and approximately 172 hit points.
What party level is recommended to fight Hydra?
For a party of 4 adventurers, Hydra represents a Deadly challenge around Level 1 and scales down to a Moderate/Hard challenge by Level 9.
Use Hydra in your campaign
Dungeon Manager lets you add Hydra directly to encounters, track it in live combat with HP and conditions, and share the battle with your players — all free.