What CR should monsters be for a level 1 party?

Mostly CR 1/8 to CR 1/2, with CR 1 as a single tougher foe. Under the 2024 rules, four level-1 characters have a Moderate budget of 300 XP: that's up to 12 CR 1/8, 6 CR 1/4 or 3 CR 1/2 monsters, while a single CR 1 monster (200 XP) is a Low fight. The 2014 rules multiply XP for groups, so crowds rate much harder: 6 CR 1/4 monsters rate Deadly, and 2 is the most that stays Medium or easier. One CR 2 monster (450 XP) is already above the 2024 High budget and Deadly under the 2014 rules for a level-1 party.

How much XP is a CR 5 monster?

1,800 XP, in both the 2014 and 2024 SRD. XP is set by challenge rating: CR 1 is 200 XP, CR 10 is 5,900, CR 20 is 25,000 and CR 30 is 155,000. Some 2024 legendary monsters also list a higher XP value when you fight them in their lair.

What is the highest CR monster in 5e?

In the SRD it's the Tarrasque, at CR 30 (155,000 XP) in both the 2014 and 2024 rules. The next highest are the Ancient Gold Dragon and Ancient Red Dragon at CR 24. No SRD stat block sits between CR 24 and CR 30.

What does CR 0 mean in 5e?

A CR 0 creature is far weaker than a 1st-level character and only matters in large numbers. It is worth 10 XP if it has an effective attack and 0 XP if it doesn't. Of the 33 CR 0 stat blocks in the SRD, 29 are worth 10 XP and 4 (the 2014 Frog, 2014 Sea Horse, 2024 Seahorse and 2024 Shrieker Fungus) are worth 0.

Did monster CRs change in the 2024 rules?

No. Of the 295 stat blocks printed under the same name in both the 2014 and 2024 SRD, every one keeps its CR. XP per CR is also unchanged, except where the 2024 SRD prints otherwise: the 2024 Archmage is worth 8,000 XP instead of 8,400, and 29 legendary stat blocks in the 2024 SRD list extra XP in their lair. Many 2024 monsters were renamed or split (the 2014 SRD's single Goblin is replaced by the Goblin Minion, Goblin Warrior and Goblin Boss), so those appear on this page under their own names and CRs.

D&D 5e Monsters by CR

Every monster stat block in the 5e SRD, sorted by challenge rating from CR 0 to CR 30: 384 stat blocks across 28 CRs, each linked to its full guide. Dragons are listed at each age's CR, and 2024 monsters with new names appear under their own CR.

Challenge rating (CR) measures how much of a threat a monster is to a group of four characters. The 2014 rules put it this way: a rested, well-equipped party of four should beat a monster whose CR equals their level without anyone dying. The 2024 SRD says to compare CR with the characters' level: a higher CR is likely a danger, a lower one likely isn't much of a threat. CR 21 and up is built to challenge even a 20th-level party.

CR sets a monster's XP, and the XP per CR is the same in both editions (CR 1 is 200 XP, CR 5 is 1,800 XP). The exceptions are what the SRD prints: CR 0 creatures are worth 0 or 10 XP, the 2024 Archmage is 8,000 XP, and 29 legendary stat blocks in the 2024 SRD are worth more XP in their lair. Rows with a 2024 or 2014 badge only exist in that edition or differ between them; unbadged rows match in both.

Running these monsters at your table? Loreify records the session and writes the recap, including every creature your party fought.

Jump to a CR

Showing 384 of 384 stat blocks from 302 monster guides

CR 0 monsters (0 or 10 XP)

33 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 0
Monster	Type	Size
Awakened Shrub10 XP	PlantSmall	Small
Baboon10 XP	BeastSmall	Small
Badger10 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Bat10 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Cat10 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Commoner10 XP	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Crab10 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Deer10 XP	BeastMedium	Medium
Eagle10 XP	BeastSmall	Small
Frog20140 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Frog202410 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Giant Fire Beetle10 XP	BeastSmall	Small
Goat10 XP	BeastMedium	Medium
Hawk10 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Homunculus10 XP	ConstructTiny	Tiny
Hyena10 XP	BeastMedium	Medium
Jackal10 XP	BeastSmall	Small
Lemure10 XP	FiendMedium	Medium
Lizard10 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Octopus10 XP	BeastSmall	Small
Owl10 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Piranha202410 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Quipper201410 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Rat10 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Raven10 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Scorpion10 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Sea Horse20140 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Seahorse20240 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Shrieker201410 XP	PlantMedium	Medium
Shrieker Fungus20240 XP	PlantMedium	Medium
Spider10 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny
Vulture10 XP	BeastMedium	Medium
Weasel10 XP	BeastTiny	Tiny

Check a CR 0 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 1/8 monsters (25 XP)

24 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 1/8
Monster	Type	Size
Bandit	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Blood Hawk	BeastSmall	Small
Camel	BeastLarge	Large
Cultist	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Flying Snake	MonstrosityTiny	Tiny
Giant Crab	BeastMedium	Medium
Giant Rat	BeastSmall	Small
Giant Rat (Diseased)2014	BeastSmall	Small
Giant Weasel	BeastMedium	Medium
Goblin Minion2024	FeySmall	Small
Guard	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Kobold2014	HumanoidSmall	Small
Kobold Warrior2024	DragonSmall	Small
Mastiff	BeastMedium	Medium
Merfolk2014	HumanoidMedium	Medium
Merfolk Skirmisher2024	ElementalMedium	Medium
Mule	BeastMedium	Medium
Noble	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Poisonous Snake2014	BeastTiny	Tiny
Pony	BeastMedium	Medium
Stirge	MonstrosityTiny	Tiny
Tribal Warrior2014	HumanoidMedium	Medium
Venomous Snake2024	BeastTiny	Tiny
Warrior Infantry2024	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small

Four level-1 characters: up to 12 CR 1/8 monsters fit the 2024 Moderate budget (300 XP). Under the 2014 rules that group rates Deadly, and 5 is the most that stays Medium or easier.

Check 12 CR 1/8 monsters in the encounter calculator

CR 1/4 monsters (50 XP)

37 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 1/4
Monster	Type	Size
Acolyte2014	HumanoidMedium	Medium
Animated Flying Sword2024	ConstructSmall	Small
Axe Beak	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Blink Dog	FeyMedium	Medium
Boar	BeastMedium	Medium
Constrictor Snake	BeastLarge	Large
Draft Horse	BeastLarge	Large
Dretch	FiendSmall	Small
Drow2014	HumanoidMedium	Medium
Elk	BeastLarge	Large
Flying Sword2014	ConstructSmall	Small
Giant Badger	BeastMedium	Medium
Giant Bat	BeastLarge	Large
Giant Centipede	BeastSmall	Small
Giant Frog	BeastMedium	Medium
Giant Lizard	BeastLarge	Large
Giant Owl	CelestialLarge	Large
Giant Poisonous Snake2014	BeastMedium	Medium
Giant Venomous Snake2024	BeastMedium	Medium
Giant Wolf Spider	BeastMedium	Medium
Goblin2014	HumanoidSmall	Small
Goblin Warrior2024	FeySmall	Small
Grimlock	AberrationMedium	Medium
Panther	BeastMedium	Medium
Priest Acolyte2024	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Pseudodragon	DragonTiny	Tiny
Pteranodon2024	BeastMedium	Medium
Riding Horse	BeastLarge	Large
Skeleton	UndeadMedium	Medium
Sprite	FeyTiny	Tiny
Steam Mephit	ElementalSmall	Small
Swarm of Bats	Swarm of Tiny beastsMedium (2014), Large (2024)	Medium (2014), Large (2024)
Swarm of Rats	Swarm of Tiny beastsMedium	Medium
Swarm of Ravens	Swarm of Tiny beastsMedium	Medium
Violet Fungus	PlantMedium	Medium
Wolf	BeastMedium	Medium
Zombie	UndeadMedium	Medium

Four level-1 characters: up to 6 CR 1/4 monsters fit the 2024 Moderate budget (300 XP). Under the 2014 rules that group rates Deadly, and 2 is the most that stays Medium or easier.

Check 6 CR 1/4 monsters in the encounter calculator

CR 1/2 monsters (100 XP)

39 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 1/2
Monster	Type	Size
Ape	BeastMedium	Medium
Black Bear	BeastMedium	Medium
Cockatrice	MonstrositySmall	Small
Crocodile	BeastLarge	Large
Darkmantle	AberrationSmall	Small
Deep Gnome (Svirfneblin)2014	HumanoidSmall	Small
Dust Mephit	ElementalSmall	Small
Giant Goat	BeastLarge	Large
Giant Sea Horse2014	BeastLarge	Large
Giant Seahorse2024	BeastLarge	Large
Giant Wasp	BeastMedium	Medium
Gnoll2014	HumanoidMedium	Medium
Gnoll Warrior2024	FiendMedium	Medium
Gray Ooze	OozeMedium	Medium
Hobgoblin2014	HumanoidMedium	Medium
Hobgoblin Warrior2024	FeyMedium	Medium
Ice Mephit	ElementalSmall	Small
Lizardfolk2014	HumanoidMedium	Medium
Magma Mephit	ElementalSmall	Small
Magmin	ElementalSmall	Small
Orc2014	HumanoidMedium	Medium
Reef Shark	BeastMedium	Medium
Rust Monster	MonstrosityMedium	Medium
Sahuagin2014	HumanoidMedium	Medium
Sahuagin Warrior2024	FiendMedium	Medium
Satyr	FeyMedium	Medium
Scout	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Shadow	UndeadMedium	Medium
Swarm of Beetles2014	Swarm of Tiny beastsMedium	Medium
Swarm of Centipedes2014	Swarm of Tiny beastsMedium	Medium
Swarm of Insects	Swarm of Tiny beastsMedium	Medium
Swarm of Spiders2014	Swarm of Tiny beastsMedium	Medium
Swarm of Wasps2014	Swarm of Tiny beastsMedium	Medium
Thug2014	HumanoidMedium	Medium
Tough2024	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Troll Limb2024	GiantSmall	Small
Warhorse	BeastLarge	Large
Warhorse Skeleton	UndeadLarge	Large
Worg	FeyLarge	Large

Four level-1 characters: up to 3 CR 1/2 monsters fit the 2024 Moderate budget (300 XP). Under the 2014 rules that group rates Deadly, and 1 is the most that stays Medium or easier.

Check 3 CR 1/2 monsters in the encounter calculator

CR 1 monsters (200 XP)

30 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 1
Monster	Type	Size
Animated Armor	ConstructMedium	Medium
Brass Dragon Wyrmling	DragonMedium	Medium
Brown Bear	BeastLarge	Large
Bugbear2014	HumanoidMedium	Medium
Bugbear Warrior2024	FeyMedium	Medium
Copper Dragon Wyrmling	DragonMedium	Medium
Death Dog	MonstrosityMedium	Medium
Dire Wolf	BeastLarge	Large
Dryad	FeyMedium	Medium
Duergar2014	HumanoidMedium	Medium
Ghoul	UndeadMedium	Medium
Giant Eagle	CelestialLarge	Large
Giant Hyena	BeastLarge	Large
Giant Octopus	BeastLarge	Large
Giant Spider	BeastLarge	Large
Giant Toad	BeastLarge	Large
Giant Vulture	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Goblin Boss2024	FeySmall	Small
Harpy	MonstrosityMedium	Medium
Hippogriff	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Imp	FiendTiny	Tiny
Lion	BeastLarge	Large
Pirate2024	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Quasit	FiendTiny	Tiny
Specter	UndeadMedium	Medium
Sphinx of Wonder2024	CelestialTiny	Tiny
Spy	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Swarm of Piranhas2024	Swarm of Tiny beastsMedium	Medium
Swarm of Quippers2014	Swarm of Tiny beastsMedium	Medium
Tiger	BeastLarge	Large

One CR 1 monster is a Low fight for four level-1 characters under the 2024 rules and Medium under the 2014 rules.

Check a CR 1 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 2 monsters (450 XP)

50 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 2
Monster	Type	Size
Allosaurus2024	BeastLarge	Large
Animated Rug of Smothering2024	ConstructLarge	Large
Ankheg	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Awakened Tree	PlantHuge	Huge
Azer2014	ElementalMedium	Medium
Azer Sentinel2024	ElementalMedium	Medium
Bandit Captain	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Berserker	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Black Dragon Wyrmling	DragonMedium	Medium
Bronze Dragon Wyrmling	DragonMedium	Medium
Centaur2014	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Centaur Trooper2024	FeyLarge	Large
Cult Fanatic2014	HumanoidMedium	Medium
Cultist Fanatic2024	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Druid	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Ettercap	MonstrosityMedium	Medium
Gargoyle	ElementalMedium	Medium
Gelatinous Cube	OozeLarge	Large
Ghast	UndeadMedium	Medium
Giant Boar	BeastLarge	Large
Giant Constrictor Snake	BeastHuge	Huge
Giant Elk	CelestialHuge	Huge
Gibbering Mouther	AberrationMedium	Medium
Green Dragon Wyrmling	DragonMedium	Medium
Grick	AberrationMedium	Medium
Griffon	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Hunter Shark	BeastLarge	Large
Merrow	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Mimic	MonstrosityMedium	Medium
Minotaur Skeleton	UndeadLarge	Large
Ochre Jelly	OozeLarge	Large
Ogre	GiantLarge	Large
Ogre Zombie	UndeadLarge	Large
Pegasus	CelestialLarge	Large
Plesiosaurus	BeastLarge	Large
Polar Bear	BeastLarge	Large
Priest	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Rhinoceros	BeastLarge	Large
Rug of Smothering2014	ConstructLarge	Large
Saber-Toothed Tiger	BeastLarge	Large
Sea Hag	FeyMedium	Medium
Silver Dragon Wyrmling	DragonMedium	Medium
Swarm of Poisonous Snakes2014	Swarm of Tiny beastsMedium	Medium
Swarm of Venomous Snakes2024	Swarm of Tiny beastsMedium	Medium
Wererat, Human Form	MonstrosityMedium	Medium
Wererat, Hybrid Form	MonstrosityMedium	Medium
Wererat, Rat Form	MonstrositySmall	Small
White Dragon Wyrmling	DragonMedium	Medium
Will-o'-Wisp2014	UndeadTiny	Tiny
Will-o’-Wisp2024	UndeadTiny	Tiny

One CR 2 monster is a Moderate fight for four level-2 characters under the 2024 rules and Medium under the 2014 rules.

Check a CR 2 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 3 monsters (700 XP)

29 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 3
Monster	Type	Size
Ankylosaurus2024	BeastHuge	Huge
Basilisk	MonstrosityMedium	Medium
Bearded Devil	FiendMedium	Medium
Blue Dragon Wyrmling	DragonMedium	Medium
Bugbear Stalker2024	FeyMedium	Medium
Doppelganger	MonstrosityMedium	Medium
Giant Scorpion	BeastLarge	Large
Gold Dragon Wyrmling	DragonMedium	Medium
Green Hag	FeyMedium	Medium
Hell Hound	FiendMedium	Medium
Hobgoblin Captain2024	FeyMedium	Medium
Killer Whale	BeastHuge	Huge
Knight	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Manticore	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Minotaur2014	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Minotaur of Baphomet2024	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Mummy	UndeadMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Nightmare	FiendLarge	Large
Owlbear	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Phase Spider	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Swarm of Crawling Claws2024	Swarm of Tiny undeadMedium	Medium
Vampire Familiar2024	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Veteran2014	HumanoidMedium	Medium
Warrior Veteran2024	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Werewolf, Human Form	MonstrosityMedium	Medium
Werewolf, Hybrid Form	MonstrosityMedium (2014), Large (2024)	Medium (2014), Large (2024)
Werewolf, Wolf Form	MonstrosityMedium	Medium
Wight	UndeadMedium	Medium
Winter Wolf	MonstrosityLarge	Large

One CR 3 monster is a Moderate fight for four level-3 characters under the 2024 rules and Medium under the 2014 rules.

Check a CR 3 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 4 monsters (1,100 XP)

21 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 4
Monster	Type	Size
Archelon2024	BeastHuge	Huge
Black Pudding	OozeLarge	Large
Chuul	AberrationLarge	Large
Couatl	CelestialMedium	Medium
Elephant	BeastHuge	Huge
Ettin	GiantLarge	Large
Ghost	UndeadMedium	Medium
Guard Captain2024	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Hippopotamus2024	BeastLarge	Large
Incubus2024	FiendMedium	Medium
Lamia	FiendLarge	Large
Red Dragon Wyrmling	DragonMedium	Medium
Succubus2024	FiendMedium	Medium
Succubus/Incubus2014	FiendMedium	Medium
Tough Boss2024	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Wereboar, Boar Form	MonstrosityMedium (2014), Small (2024)	Medium (2014), Small (2024)
Wereboar, Human Form	MonstrosityMedium	Medium
Wereboar, Hybrid Form	MonstrosityMedium	Medium
Weretiger, Human Form	MonstrosityMedium	Medium
Weretiger, Hybrid Form	MonstrosityMedium (2014), Large (2024)	Medium (2014), Large (2024)
Weretiger, Tiger Form	MonstrosityLarge	Large

One CR 4 monster is a Moderate fight for four level-4 characters under the 2024 rules and Medium under the 2014 rules.

Check a CR 4 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 5 monsters (1,800 XP)

28 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 5
Monster	Type	Size
Air Elemental	ElementalLarge	Large
Barbed Devil	FiendMedium	Medium
Bulette	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Earth Elemental	ElementalLarge	Large
Fire Elemental	ElementalLarge	Large
Flesh Golem	ConstructMedium	Medium
Giant Crocodile	BeastHuge	Huge
Giant Shark	BeastHuge	Huge
Gladiator	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Gorgon	ConstructLarge	Large
Half-Dragon2024	DragonMedium	Medium
Half-Red Dragon Veteran2014	HumanoidMedium	Medium
Hill Giant	GiantHuge	Huge
Night Hag	FiendMedium	Medium
Otyugh	AberrationLarge	Large
Roper	AberrationLarge	Large
Salamander	ElementalLarge	Large
Shambling Mound	PlantLarge	Large
Triceratops	BeastHuge	Huge
Troll	GiantLarge	Large
Unicorn	CelestialLarge	Large
Vampire Spawn	UndeadMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Water Elemental	ElementalLarge	Large
Werebear, Bear Form	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Werebear, Human Form	MonstrosityMedium	Medium
Werebear, Hybrid Form	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Wraith	UndeadMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Xorn	ElementalMedium	Medium

Check a CR 5 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 6 monsters (2,300 XP)

11 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 6
Monster	Type	Size
Chimera	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Drider	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Invisible Stalker	ElementalMedium (2014), Large (2024)	Medium (2014), Large (2024)
Mage	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Mammoth	BeastHuge	Huge
Medusa	MonstrosityMedium	Medium
Pirate Captain2024	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Vrock	FiendLarge	Large
Wyvern	DragonLarge	Large
Young Brass Dragon	DragonLarge	Large
Young White Dragon	DragonLarge	Large

Check a CR 6 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 7 monsters (2,900 XP)

6 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 7
Monster	Type	Size
Giant Ape	BeastHuge	Huge
Oni	FiendLarge	Large
Shield Guardian	ConstructLarge	Large
Stone Giant	GiantHuge	Huge
Young Black Dragon	DragonLarge	Large
Young Copper Dragon	DragonLarge	Large

Check a CR 7 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 8 monsters (3,900 XP)

10 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 8
Monster	Type	Size
Assassin	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Chain Devil	FiendMedium	Medium
Cloaker	AberrationLarge	Large
Frost Giant	GiantHuge	Huge
Hezrou	FiendLarge	Large
Hydra	MonstrosityHuge	Huge
Spirit Naga	FiendLarge	Large
Tyrannosaurus Rex	BeastHuge	Huge
Young Bronze Dragon	DragonLarge	Large
Young Green Dragon	DragonLarge	Large

Check a CR 8 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 9 monsters (5,000 XP)

8 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 9
Monster	Type	Size
Bone Devil	FiendLarge	Large
Clay Golem	ConstructLarge	Large
Cloud Giant	GiantHuge	Huge
Fire Giant	GiantHuge	Huge
Glabrezu	FiendLarge	Large
Treant	PlantHuge	Huge
Young Blue Dragon	DragonLarge	Large
Young Silver Dragon	DragonLarge	Large

Check a CR 9 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 10 monsters (5,900 XP)

6 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 10
Monster	Type	Size
Aboleth7,200 XP in lair (2024)	AberrationLarge	Large
Deva	CelestialMedium	Medium
Guardian Naga	CelestialLarge	Large
Stone Golem	ConstructLarge	Large
Young Gold Dragon	DragonLarge	Large
Young Red Dragon	DragonLarge	Large

Check a CR 10 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 11 monsters (7,200 XP)

8 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 11
Monster	Type	Size
Behir	MonstrosityHuge	Huge
Djinni	ElementalLarge	Large
Efreeti	ElementalLarge	Large
Gynosphinx2014	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Horned Devil	FiendLarge	Large
Remorhaz	MonstrosityHuge	Huge
Roc	MonstrosityGargantuan	Gargantuan
Sphinx of Lore20248,400 XP in lair	CelestialLarge	Large

Check a CR 11 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 12 monsters (8,400 XP)

3 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 12
Monster	Type	Size
Archmage20148,400 XP	HumanoidMedium	Medium
Archmage20248,000 XP	HumanoidMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Erinyes8,400 XP	FiendMedium	Medium

Check a CR 12 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 13 monsters (10,000 XP)

8 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 13
Monster	Type	Size
Adult Brass Dragon11,500 XP in lair (2024)	DragonHuge	Huge
Adult White Dragon11,500 XP in lair (2024)	DragonHuge	Huge
Nalfeshnee	FiendLarge	Large
Rakshasa	FiendMedium	Medium
Storm Giant	GiantHuge	Huge
Vampire, Bat Form11,500 XP in lair (2024)	UndeadMedium (2014), Tiny (2024)	Medium (2014), Tiny (2024)
Vampire, Mist Form11,500 XP in lair (2024)	UndeadMedium	Medium
Vampire, Vampire Form11,500 XP in lair (2024)	UndeadMedium	Medium

Check a CR 13 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 14 monsters (11,500 XP)

3 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 14
Monster	Type	Size
Adult Black Dragon13,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonHuge	Huge
Adult Copper Dragon13,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonHuge	Huge
Ice Devil	FiendLarge	Large

Check a CR 14 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 15 monsters (13,000 XP)

4 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 15
Monster	Type	Size
Adult Bronze Dragon15,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonHuge	Huge
Adult Green Dragon15,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonHuge	Huge
Mummy Lord15,000 XP in lair (2024)	UndeadMedium or Small	Medium or Small
Purple Worm	MonstrosityGargantuan	Gargantuan

Check a CR 15 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 16 monsters (15,000 XP)

5 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 16
Monster	Type	Size
Adult Blue Dragon18,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonHuge	Huge
Adult Silver Dragon18,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonHuge	Huge
Iron Golem	ConstructLarge	Large
Marilith	FiendLarge	Large
Planetar	CelestialLarge	Large

Check a CR 16 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 17 monsters (18,000 XP)

5 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 17
Monster	Type	Size
Adult Gold Dragon20,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonHuge	Huge
Adult Red Dragon20,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonHuge	Huge
Androsphinx2014	MonstrosityLarge	Large
Dragon Turtle	DragonGargantuan	Gargantuan
Sphinx of Valor202420,000 XP in lair	CelestialLarge	Large

Check a CR 17 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 19 monsters (22,000 XP)

1 stat block

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 19
Monster	Type	Size
Balor	FiendHuge	Huge

Check a CR 19 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 20 monsters (25,000 XP)

3 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 20
Monster	Type	Size
Ancient Brass Dragon33,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonGargantuan	Gargantuan
Ancient White Dragon33,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonGargantuan	Gargantuan
Pit Fiend	FiendLarge	Large

Check a CR 20 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 21 monsters (33,000 XP)

4 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 21
Monster	Type	Size
Ancient Black Dragon41,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonGargantuan	Gargantuan
Ancient Copper Dragon41,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonGargantuan	Gargantuan
Lich41,000 XP in lair (2024)	UndeadMedium	Medium
Solar	CelestialLarge	Large

Check a CR 21 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 22 monsters (41,000 XP)

2 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 22
Monster	Type	Size
Ancient Bronze Dragon50,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonGargantuan	Gargantuan
Ancient Green Dragon50,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonGargantuan	Gargantuan

Check a CR 22 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 23 monsters (50,000 XP)

3 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 23
Monster	Type	Size
Ancient Blue Dragon62,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonGargantuan	Gargantuan
Ancient Silver Dragon62,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonGargantuan	Gargantuan
Kraken62,000 XP in lair (2024)	MonstrosityGargantuan	Gargantuan

Check a CR 23 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 24 monsters (62,000 XP)

2 stat blocks

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 24
Monster	Type	Size
Ancient Gold Dragon75,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonGargantuan	Gargantuan
Ancient Red Dragon75,000 XP in lair (2024)	DragonGargantuan	Gargantuan

Check a CR 24 fight in the encounter calculator

CR 30 monsters (155,000 XP)

1 stat block

D&D 5e monsters with challenge rating 30
Monster	Type	Size
Tarrasque	MonstrosityGargantuan	Gargantuan

Check a CR 30 fight in the encounter calculator

Building the fight

CR is a starting point, not the whole answer: the number of monsters matters as much as their CR. Add up a fight in the encounter difficulty calculator, let the AI encounter generator draft one, or browse the full monster guide index by name, type and size.

Frequently Asked Questions

This page includes material from the System Reference Document 5.1 and 5.2.1 by Wizards of the Coast LLC, available under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Loreify is not affiliated with Wizards of the Coast.

Spend your prep time on encounters, not note-taking. 7-day free trial, notes ready minutes after you stop recording.