Giant Ape
Huge Beast · · CR 7
- Beast
- Huge
- Tier 2
As a huge beast (unaligned), Giant Ape carries CR 7. Common in forest environments. Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 7
- Type
- Beast
- Size
- Huge
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Forest
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
Giant Apes inhabit dense jungles, mountain plateaus, and isolated megafauna ecosystems. They are intelligent for beasts, capable of using simple tools and recognizing themselves in mirrors. They eat fruit, foliage, and occasional small animals, though large males have been known to take down deer or boar. They live in loose family groups led by an alpha male, with juvenile males eventually challenging or being banished.
Behaviour
Territorial and curious, Giant Apes investigate intruders before attacking, often hurling rocks or branches as warnings. They form deep bonds with family members and mourn losses for weeks. They are fascinated by reflective objects, hoarding shiny stones and metal in nests high in the canopy. They despise their smaller cousins (regular apes) and tolerate dinosaurs as ecosystem peers but compete viciously for food.
Origin
Found in lost worlds, isolated jungle islands, and dimensions where megafauna survive, Giant Apes may be remnants of the prehistoric age or the result of magical experimentation. Some druidic circles claim they are sacred ancestors of all primates, including humanoids. They are featured prominently in the legends of the Isle of Dread and the jungles of Chult, where they share territory with dinosaurs and nature deities.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Giant Ape
- What is the challenge rating of Giant Ape?
- The CR on Giant Ape is 7. That CR matches tier-2 to early-tier-3 encounter math.
- What type of creature is Giant Ape?
- By creature type, Giant Ape is a beast, huge size.
- Where does Giant Ape live?
- In the bestiary, Giant Ape appears in Forest.