The Terrasque is one of the most terrifying creatures in DnD 5e. This comes from the fact that… well, just look at the thing. It has horns and claws where there shouldn’t be.
It’s a porcupine on steroids with anger management issues. It’s what the boogeyman checks for under his bed before he goes to sleep.
In most cases, it’s better to outright avoid a confrontation with the beast if at all possible. If on the other hand you absolutely must face it – well, then this guide is for you.
Today we will be looking at how to beat a Terrasque in DnD 5e. The information for this beast comes from the Monster Manual, so let’s take a look at what it says.
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The Terrasque in DnD 5e
“The legendary terrasque is possibly the most dreaded monster in the Material Plane. It is widely believed that only one of these creatures exists, though no one can predict where and when it will strike.
A scaly biped, the terrasque is fifty feet tall and seventy feet long, weighing hundreds of tons. It carries itself like a bird of prey, leaning forward and using its powerful lashing tail for balance. Its cavernous maw yawns wide enough to swallow all but the largest creatures, and so great is its hunger that it can devour the populations of whole towns.”
Lovely little critter isn’t it?
The quote above describes the creature pretty well I’d say. But let’s look at the statistics of the beast and why it is so terrifying in the first place.
The Stats of a Terrasque
Let us start off by mentioning the most important ones first.
It has a natural armor class of 25, it also boasts a hit point pool of 676 on average; or 33d20 + 330HP. And finally, its speed is 40 feet – i.e, its range.
But it doesn’t end there. Its ability scores are as follows.
Strength: 30 (+10)
Dexterity: 11 (+0)
Constitution: 30 (+10)
Intelligence: 3 (-4)
Wisdom: 11 (+0)
Charisma: 11 (+0)
With stats like this, chances are it will beat you if you go in a head-to-head with it. But that’s not all. It also has the following effects.
Saving Throws: INT +5, WIS +9, CHA +9
Damage Immunities: Fire, Poison; Bludgeoning, Piercing and Slashing from Non-Magical attacks.
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Paralyzed, Poisoned
Senses: Blindsight to 120 ft & Passive Perception of 10
Challenge: 30
On top of all of this already, it also has the following.
Legendary Resistance (3/Day) which allows it to straight-up succeed a failed saving throw.
Magic Resistance to spells and other magical effects.
Reflective Carapace which allows it to reflect any spell cast at it. If the caster attacks the Terrasque with a spell, they have to roll a d6. 1 – 5 and the terrasque is unaffected. But if it lands on 6 then the spell is reflected back to the caster.
Siege Monster which allows it to deal double damage to objects.
How to Beat a Terrasque
Now that we’ve taken a look at the stats of a Terrasque, let’s take a look at how to take it down.
For starters, there’s a reason Legendary creatures and Legendary. It’s because no one has figured out a way to take them down by conventional means. So, any plans that you might have had of taking it down the usual way you can throw out of the window.
The reason for this is that the terrasque has exceptionally high AC, Immunities to a ton of conditions, and damage types; all while having the statistics to take you all down quickly.
So how do you go about doing it?
Using Magic
It can reflect certain magic spells – but not all. And especially not magical weapons. You must absolutely enhance your weapons with magic if you plan on taking it on.
Furthermore, consider carefully all the spells you have at your disposal and which to bring to the fight.
Skirmishing it down
It might be better to use guerilla tactics to bring it down. There’s only one of it, but multiple of you. Try skirmishing it down if the DM allows you to. Plan an intricate trap and spring it when the time is right.
Plot Event
Sometimes, you just need the help of the plot to progress. Discuss with your DM if you can incite a certain event, like raising an army for example to help you beat the beast.
Trap/Trick it
If possible, lure it into another Legendary creature. Though this is unlikely, but if it does happen; you just might be able to kill two birds with one stone.
