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Giant Spider

Large Beast, unaligned

CR 1

200 XP

AC: 14 (natural armor)
HP: 26 (4d10+4)
Speed: walk 30 ft. , climb 30 ft.
Skills: Stealth +7
Senses: blindsight 10 ft., darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages: —
STR
14
+2
DEX
16
+3
CON
12
+1
INT
2
-4
WIS
11
+0
CHA
4
-3

Special Abilities

Spider Climb

The spider can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Web Sense

While in contact with a web, the spider knows the exact location of any other creature in contact with the same web.

Web Walker

The spider ignores movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Actions

Bite

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 11 Constitution saving throw, taking 9 (2d8) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. If the poison damage reduces the target to 0 hit points, the target is stable but poisoned for 1 hour, even after regaining hit points, and is paralyzed while poisoned in this way.

Web (Recharge 5-6)

Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 30/60 ft., one creature. Hit: The target is restrained by webbing. As an action, the restrained target can make a DC 12 Strength check, bursting the webbing on a success. The webbing can also be attacked and destroyed (AC 10; hp 5; vulnerability to fire damage; immunity to bludgeoning, poison, and psychic damage).

Quick Reference

Challenge: CR 1
Type: Beast
Size: Large
Alignment: unaligned
Best for party of 4 at level 2-3

Running This Encounter

Giant Spiders are ambush predators that excel in web-filled environments. Position them in corners or on ceilings where they can use their webs for cover and advantage on attack rolls. Use their web ability (DC 14 DEX save) to restrain and separate party members. Reinforce the threat with environmental hazards like difficult terrain from webbing.

Combat Tactics

Giant Spiders prioritize restraining foes with their web attack, then focus bite attacks on separated targets. They use hit-and-run tactics, retreating through webs where they have advantage while melee-bound opponents struggle with difficult terrain.

Environment & Setting

Caves, forests with thick foliage, abandoned buildings, or dungeons with natural webbing. Any area with vertical surfaces, crevices, or hanging structures that enable three-dimensional combat.